Abrasion in high-pressure homogenization orifices: A new method to quantify the erosivity of particle loaded liquids

Solid particles present in high-pressure homogenization processes damage the equipment, especially the orifices. So far the orifices have to be exchanged frequently causing increase of cost and decrease of efficiency. Modifications in orifice geometry or material as well as in the composition of the fluid may help to reduce abrasion. Therefore, a method to quantify wear in a homogenization orifice in a fast and cheap way is required. This method also has to be applicable if the particles are nano-sized. In this work an abrasion quotient QA is presented as a quantitative measure for erosion. It is calculated by the volume flow rate of water through the orifice before and after the passage of an abrasive fluid consisting of nanoparticles suspended in a fluid. The reproducibility and sensitivity of this method is investigated. The effect of the properties of particles suspended freely or encapsulated in water on the abrasion quotient has been measured. The new method shows that results are consistent with literature. These results give an interesting starting point to improve the durability of high-pressure homogenization equipment.

► A method to quantify wear in a homogenization orifice has been developed.
► The method is based on the abrasion quotient QA and is sensitive and reproducible.
► The influence of particles properties on the amount of abrasion has been measured.
► The new method shows that results are consistent with literature.
► It will be used to improve durability of high-pressure homogenization orifices.