Chapter 2: Overview
2-LV-1-5 8/3/11
LV1 User Manual
2-1
Chapter 2: Overview
Chapter 2 includes detailed information about the principle of operation, hydraulic power system,
high pressure intensifier, interaction chamber, controls, and system specifications.
General Description
The LV1 Series Microfluidizer Processor is designed for high efficiency cell rupturing and high-
performance micro-mixing of emulsions and dispersions in a variety of industries. The LV1 model is
specifically designed to process small volumes and small batches and as such was engineered with
limited duty cycle (described in Chapter 3). Designed to suit industrial laboratory environments,
the LV1 Microfluidizer Processor requires relatively low volume of material to process.
Major Components
The LV1 Microfluidizer Processor is made up of the following major components:
•
Hydraulic Power System, which provides power to the Microfluidizer equipment
•
High Pressure Single-Acting Intensifier Pump, which multiplies the pressure supplied from
the hydraulic power system to an optimal operating level
•
Interaction Chamber (IXC), where size reduction of the product occurs; the product is
accelerated to a high velocity and is subjected to intense shear and impact. The standard
LV1 unit comes with a ceramic interaction chamber (CIXC).
•
An optional cooling coil and tray which cools the product stream as it exits the system
Principle of Operation
Power for the LV1 Microfluidizer Processor is generated by an on-board hydraulic power system,
which supplies pressurized hydraulic oil to a single-acting intensifier pump. The intensifier pump
amplifies the hydraulic pressure and transfers it to liquid pressure in the process stream. Working
process pressure levels as high as 2069 bar (30,000 psi) can be reached.
During the suction stroke, the intensifier pump draws product from the inlet reservoir/syringe into
the liquid end via the inlet check valve, which closes during the power stroke. During the power
stroke, the product stream is elevated to a constant pressure level.
The pressurized product stream enters the interaction chamber and passes through geometrically
fixed micro-channels, causing it to accelerate to very high velocities. It is here that the product
stream is acted upon by two primary forces, which bring about the desired results:
•
Shear - deformation of the product stream; occurring from contact with channel walls at
high velocity.
•
Impact - collision; occurring when the high velocity product stream impinges upon itself.
Upon exiting the interaction chamber (IXC), a heat exchanger (optional cooling coil and tray) may
return the product stream to ambient temperature.