Inline Emulsifier

An inline emulsifier is a type of high-shear mixer specifically engineered for emulsion formation, where two immiscible liquids (e.g., oil and water) are finely dispersed into one another. It achieves this through a rotor-stator system, where high-velocity rotors force materials through precision stator slots, creating intense shear forces and hydraulic cavitation. This process reduces droplet size down to submicron or nano levels, stabilizing emulsions with or without emulsifiers/surfactants.

Applications:

  • Oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions
  • Cosmetic creams, pharmaceutical suspensions
  • Food-grade sauces, dressings, and condiments
  • Nanoparticle formation in biotech and chemical industries

Inline Shear Pump

An inline shear pump combines fluid conveyance and mechanical shear in one unit. It also utilizes a rotor-stator configuration but is designed primarily for viscous pumping with a secondary function of particle size reduction, dispersion, or homogenization. Unlike emulsifiers, shear pumps are optimized to transfer fluid under pressure while providing controlled shear energy, making them ideal for continuous processing systems with medium to high viscosities.

Applications:

  • Dispersion of powders into liquids
  • Breakdown of agglomerates or soft solids in slurries
  • Homogenizing viscous materials like polymers or adhesives
  • Pumping shear-sensitive materials with uniform consistency

Key Technical Differences:

FeatureInline EmulsifierInline Shear Pump
Primary FunctionEmulsification of immiscible liquidsPumping + shear for dispersion/homogenization
Shear IntensityExtremely high (nano/submicron)Moderate to high (depending on rotor-stator gap)
Flow DesignMixing chamber optimized for droplet breakupPump housing optimized for flow & pressure
Droplet Size ControlCritical for emulsion stabilityLess critical, more focused on flow & texture
Viscosity RangeLow to medium viscosityMedium to high viscosity
Pump Pressure CapabilityTypically low to moderateHigh-pressure capable for pipeline transfer

Here is a technical sales data sheet comparing the PerMix Inline Emulsifier vs. the PerMix Inline Shear Pump, designed to clearly differentiate both for customers and sales teams:


Technical Sales Data Sheet

PerMix Inline Emulsifier vs. Inline Shear Pump

FeaturePerMix Inline EmulsifierPerMix Inline Shear Pump
Primary FunctionEmulsification of immiscible liquidsPumping while dispersing or homogenizing materials
Shear MechanismHigh-shear rotor-stator with ultra-fine slot tolerancesRotor-stator configuration with integrated pumping geometry
Shear IntensityUltra-high shear (up to 40,000 rpm) for submicron droplet sizesHigh shear (10,000–20,000 rpm) suitable for dispersions and homogenization
Particle/Droplet SizeSubmicron to nanometer range (<1µm)Fine to medium dispersions (5–50µm typical)
Mixing TypeContinuous high-energy emulsificationContinuous dispersion, homogenization, and pumping
Flow CapabilityModerate flow with emphasis on mixingHigh flow and pressure for pipeline transfer
Viscosity RangeLow to medium viscosity (up to ~10,000 cP)Medium to high viscosity (up to ~100,000 cP with feeding aid)
Pressure RatingTypically lower pressure (<3 bar)High-pressure capability (up to 10 bar or higher depending on model)
Pump FunctionalityLimited to in-process recirculation or inline flowFully functional pump capable of transferring product over distance
Applications– Cosmetic creams & lotions – Mayonnaise, dressings, sauces – Emulsified pharmaceuticals – Oil-water emulsions– Powder-liquid dispersion – Breaking agglomerates – Homogenizing slurries – Viscous product pumping
Seal OptionsSingle mechanical seal, double mechanical seal, flushed sealMechanical seal, double seal with thermosyphon (for high-temp or pressure)
Construction304/316L SS, sanitary design available, CIP-ready304/316L SS, sanitary, CIP-ready, ATEX optional
Temperature RangeUp to 120°C standard (higher with custom design)Up to 150°C standard (higher with thermal barrier)
Options– Jacketed housing for heating/cooling – PLC control integration – Mobile skid version– Hopper feed for powders – Pressure/flow sensors – Variable speed with load control

Which One to Choose?

  • Choose the Inline Emulsifier if your goal is to create stable emulsions with fine, uniform droplet sizes—especially in food, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical products.
  • Choose the Inline Shear Pump if you need to move product through your process while dispersing solids, reducing particle size, or ensuring product consistency.

Available Sizes & Flow Capacities:

ModelFlow Rate (L/h)Power (kW)Max Viscosity (cP)
PC-1-50 (Emulsifier)500 – 2,0003 – 7.5Up to 10,000
PCH-75 (Shear Pump)1,000 – 5,0005.5 – 15Up to 100,000

Custom designs available upon request. Full sanitary design, ATEX compliance, and automation integration options offered.


PerMix Inline Homogenizers
PerMix Inline Homogenizers