Food Grade Mixing Tank with Homogenizer

I. Basic Introduction

Food grade mixing tank with homogenizer is a modern food processing equipment that integrates mixing, emulsification, and homogenization functions. It goes beyond simple mixing. Through powerful shearing, impact, and cavitation, it breaks down particles in materials (such as fruit meat, fat droplets, and colloids) into micron or even nanometer-sized particles. Dispersing them evenly and stably in the liquid phase, it helps to form an emulsion product with a fine texture and excellent stability.

II. Key Features:

1)Food-grade Standard: 

All parts in contact with materials (tank, mixing paddle, homogenizing head, piping, etc.) are made of materials that meet food safety standards, such as stainless steel 304 or 316L . The surfaces are polished, smooth, and free of dead corners, making them easy to clean and disinfect and preventing bacterial growth.

2)Multi-functional Integration: 

The design integrates the mixing tank and homogenizing system into one unit. Such design has the advantages of saving space, simplifying operation, and reducing the risk of contamination from material transfer.

3)Improved Product Quality: 

The homogenization process effectively prevents product stratification, sedimentation, and fat floating. All these significantly improve product stability, taste, and appearance.

III. Food Mixing Tank Combination

Main Tank: Typically a jacketed structure, with a mirror-polished stainless steel inner liner. The jacket allows for the introduction of steam and hot water for heating, heat preservation, or cooling of materials.

Tank Lid: An open or closed design with sight glass, light hole, a cleaning ball, a feeding port, air filter and other accessories for easy observation, feeding, and hygiene maintenance.

Agitator system: It is located on the top/bottom of the tank, with variable frequency power adjustment. The mixing agitator is anchor, paddle, or impeller type.

Homogenization system: Top or bottom installed homogenizing motor, the speed is usually 0-2900rpm. Such high speed running homogenizing head generates powerful shearing forces with the precise gaps in the stator.

Transmission and Sealing System: it is composed of the motor, reducer, drive shaft, etc., providing power for stirring and homogenization.

IV. Workflow of the Food Mixing Tank with Homogenizer

1)Preparation and Feeding: 

After checking the mixing tank's cleanliness, ensure that the bottom discharge valve is closed. Feed in the liquid base (such as water, milk, oil, etc.) and main solid ingredients (such as jam, sugar, milk powder, stabilizers, etc.) into the tank. You can open the inlet port of the pot lid to do this or if the tank is open type, it is easier.

2)Premixing and Dissolving: 

Start the slow-speed stirring system to fully wet and disperse the solid powder, preventing clumping. Simultaneously, you can start the heating function by button or touch screen to heat the materials. This step promotes the dissolution of certain components (such as sugar and colloids).

3)Homogeneous Emulsification: 

Once the materials are evenly mixed and reach the set temperature, start the high-speed homogenization system. The homogenizing head, rotating at high speed, thoroughly breaks down and emulsifies larger particles and fat droplets in the materials, forming a uniform and stable emulsion system. This process typically lasts from several minutes to twenty minutes, depending on the product formulation and homogenization requirements.

4)Heating/Cooling and Post-Stirring: 

After homogenization, continue heating and heat preservation. Or rapidly cool down by introducing cooling water as needed. During this process, the stirring system operates at a low speed to prevent localized overheating or sedimentation, ensuring uniform product quality.

5)Discharge and Cleaning: 

Open the discharge valve at the bottom of the tank and pump the finished product to the next process or packaging line. After production, immediately execute the CIP (Cleaning in Place) procedure, automatically cleaning and disinfecting all contact surfaces inside the tank using spray balls and cleaning fluid, preparing for the next batch of production.

V. Main Application

This food grade mixing tank is widely used in the food industry. Especially for products that require a delicate texture and long-term stability, such mixing tank is indispensable.

Ice cream base: Thoroughly homogenizes fats, milk solids, emulsifiers, etc., forming tiny fat globules, giving ice cream a smooth texture and good resistance to melting.

Chocolate base/filling sauce: Ensures a fine blend of cocoa butter, sugar, and milk powder for a silky smooth texture.

Pet food: Ideal for making creamy pet food.