Dispersion creates a heterogeneous mixture from at least two substances that hardly dissolve in each other or combine chemically. One substance, the dispersed phase, is distributed as finely as possible in another, the dispersion medium or continuous phase.
What happens during dispersion
At the interface between two phases, interfacial tension arises. It strives for the smallest possible interface and thus prevents a dispersed system. Dispersing enlarges the interfaces of the individual phases and so creates a balance. It is therefore an intense, sudden reduction in size of liquid droplets and solid particles. Emulsifiers and stabilisers then make the product stable for a long time.
Emulsions and suspensions
In industry, dispersing is mostly used to produce emulsions or suspensions. Both have a liquid continuous phase.
Emulsion
The dispersed phase is also liquid, for example oil in water. More on our emulsification page.
Suspension
Here, solid particles spread in a liquid. More on our suspension page.
Typical applications include:
What matters in dispersion
Dispersing should be simple and efficient without compromising the quality of the end product. After all, nobody wants to buy a cream that separates into its phases after a while.
- Matching raw materials, temperature, pressure and shear sensitivity precisely
- Dispersing in batches or inline in continuous operation
- Hot-cold process: the plant disperses the cooler water phase into the hot oil phase, which lowers the temperature and shortens cooling phases
- Designing the disperser and drive correctly in advance
- Planning the feed of the phases carefully
Related processes are homogenisation and emulsification. We are also happy to advise you on used homogenising mixers and process plants.
You can weigh and dose liquid raw materials efficiently with our new dosing station.
Other processes
Frequently Asked Questions about dispersion
What does dispersing mean?
In dispersing, one substance (disperse phase) is distributed as finely as possible in another substance (continuous phase) with which it does not or hardly dissolves or bonds chemically. The result is a heterogeneous mixture such as an emulsion or suspension.
How do dispersions become stable?
Through intensive size reduction of droplets or particles to sizes as uniform as possible and the use of emulsifiers and stabilizers that prevent separation in the long term.
What is the hot-cold process?
The colder aqueous phase is dispersed into the hot oil phase. This lowers the temperature during dispersing and significantly shortens subsequent cooling phases.
Batch or inline – how is dispersing done?
Both are possible. Decisive are the matched design of disperser, drive and phase feed as well as raw materials, temperature, pressure and shear sensitivity.