How to operate cosmetic emulsifier equipment correctly to ensure product quality and equipment safety?

(1) Pre-Operation Preparation

• Equipment Inspection: Check whether the power supply, water supply, and vacuum system (for vacuum emulsifiers) are normal. Verify that the stator-rotor gap of the homogenizer is within the specified range (usually 0.1-0.3 mm) to avoid abnormal wear.
• Material Preparation: Ensure the oil and water phases are preheated to the specified temperature (usually 60-80°C, depending on the formula) to reduce viscosity and improve emulsification efficiency. Filter solid raw materials (e.g., powders) to remove impurities.
• Hygiene Check: Clean the equipment’s inner tank and pipelines (using CIP systems if available) to avoid cross-contamination between batches.

(2) Operation Process

• Feeding Order: Typically, add the water phase to the tank first, start the low-speed stirring, then slowly add the oil phase while increasing the stirring speed. Avoid adding the oil phase too quickly, which may cause poor dispersion.
• Homogenization Control: For high-shear emulsifiers, start the homogenizer at a low speed (3,000-5,000 rpm) and gradually increase to the target speed (8,000-12,000 rpm) to prevent material splashing. For vacuum emulsifiers, maintain the vacuum degree at -0.095 to -0.098 MPa during homogenization to remove air bubbles.
• Temperature Monitoring: Keep the material temperature stable during emulsification. Excessive temperature may cause ingredient degradation (e.g., oxidation of plant oils), while low temperature may lead to incomplete emulsification.

(3) Post-Operation Steps

• Stop the Equipment in Order: First stop the homogenizer, then stop the stirring system, and finally turn off the vacuum pump (if used).
• Cleaning and Maintenance: Clean the inner tank and homogenizer head immediately after discharging. For 316L stainless steel parts, use neutral detergents to avoid corrosion. Lubricate the rotating parts (e.g., bearings) monthly.

(4) Safety Precautions

• Do not open the tank cover during vacuum operation to avoid injury from negative pressure.
• If abnormal noise or vibration occurs, stop the equipment immediately and check for stator-rotor wear or material blockage.
• Operators should wear protective equipment (e.g., heat-resistant gloves, goggles) to prevent scalds from hot materials.