APV^TM Cavitator

The Next Generation in Mixing and Heating Technology

SPX offers an innovative new next generation technology called the APV Cavitator. This patented technology offers breakthrough benefits for the heating of liquids without scaled buildup and/or the mixing of liquids with other liquids, gasses or solids at the microscopic level to improve product quality and functional performance.

The potential markets for applications of the APV cavitator technology are numerous. SPX has identified these key markets where there is a clear need for the breakthrough benefits in time, cost and sustainability considerations.

7 good reasons to buy the APV Cavitator: Improved process efficiencies (time, operating costs, and/or capital costs) Enhanced product quality, yield and/or raw material savings Extended process run times related to scale-free heating Elimination or reduction of process downtime from maintenance requirements Smaller footprint than traditional technology Designed for easy disassembly, and fully CIPable Makes high quality emulsions at the desired particle size
Theory of Operation Every engineer is familiar with the sound of banging pipes or pumps, called "cavitation." Cavitation is the sudden formation and collapse of low-pressure bubbles in liquids by means of mechanical forces. The bubbles release an energy wave into the surrounding liquid. This energy wave is commonly known as a shockwave. Uncontrolled, cavitation can be very destructive to process equipment such as pump impellers. This "destructive force" has now been harnessed and controlled. The technology is embodied in a patented device called the APV™ Cavitator.
How The APV™ Cavitator Harnesses Cavitation The heart of the technology is a specialized rotor with cavities. The spinning action generates hydrodynamic cavitation within the cavities away from the metal surfaces. The cavitation is controlled, therefore there is no damage. As a liquid passes through the APV™ Cavitator, it is subjected to controlled cavitation. Microscopic cavitation bubbles are produced, and as they collapse, shockwaves are given off into the liquid which can emulsify and prevent scaling. During heating, temperature is created uniformly throughout the entire liquid without any heat transfer surfaces. There are no hot or cold spots.
The APV™ Cavitator Compared to Conventional Technology Inside the APV™ Cavitator, there is a spinning rotor producing millions of microscopic cavitation bubbles. When these bubbles collapse and produce shockwaves, powerful forces are generated that cut up the process material into microscopic sizes. This increases the surface contact area between the liquids, gases and/or solids being mixed and maximizes the efficiency of the process for processes such as hydration, emulsification and gas/liquid mixing. Conventional batch mixing normally occurs in large tanks containing an impeller that constantly stirs the contents in hopes of achieving uniformity. Because the tanks are normally very large, it requires long process times in order to achieve uniformity. In many cases, a completely homogeneous mixture cannot be achieved. The APV™ Cavitator can normally mix the same amount of liquid as the conventional tank in less time while achieving uniformity. This occurs because powerful forces of cavitation are applied to a limited volume of liquid inside the APV™ Cavitator as it passes across the cavitation zone. In a commercial APV™ Cavitator, a typical rotor contains a number of cavities with a volume of approximately one gallon in which cavitation occurs. As material passes through the APV™ Cavitator, the volume is equally divided into all of the holes. Each cavity performs like a miniature agitator cell that treats a small portion of the liquid, whereas a conventional tank has a single agitator that attempts to mix the entire volume. This level of mixing is not obtainable using conventional technology. The APV™ Cavitator makes it practical.
Unique Advantages of the APV™ Cavitator:
Scale-Free Heating The APV™ Cavitator can heat liquids in seconds. Because the heat is created inside the liquid rather than transferred through high temperature metal surfaces, there is no scaling of equipment and no scorching of product. This is particularly important in high protein dairy products such as cheese and puddings. Equipment shutdowns and maintenance problems are greatly reduced, improving product yield and product quality and reducing overall costs associated with production. In many cases, product taste is also improved. The APV™ Cavitator unit eliminates scaling and generates heat instantaneously within the processed product. Eliminating scaling during heating allows for uniform processing of the product, while minimizing the surface fouling commonly associated with conventional heating equipment.
Mixing Mixing Thick Liquids: The efficient mixing of the APV™ Cavitator has been proven in applications such as processed meats, where the even mixing of meat and fillers maximizes raw material cost savings. The APV™ Cavitator creates a much more homogeneous gel compared to conventional mixers or homogenizers. Mixing of Shear Sensitive Compounds: This technology can be configured for low shear mixing, allowing for gentle handling of shear sensitive compounds such as proteins, polymers, and citrus pulp without damage. Mixing of Particulates: The APV™ Cavitator excels at mixing solids and particulates. The device has large clearances and minimally damages fibers, vegetable chunks, spices and other particulates normally damaged in homogenization. This also allows effective mixing after particulate addition. Microscopic Mixing: The APV™ Cavitator can mix gases and liquids, liquids and liquids, and solids and liquids at the microscopic level which increases the mass transfer rate and accelerates processing. When cavitation bubbles collapse and produce shockwaves, powerful forces are generated that cut the process material into microscopic sizes. This increases the surface contact area between the liquids, gases and/or solids being mixed and maximizes the efficiency of the procedure for processes such as hydration, emulsification and gas/liquid mixing. Cavitation is a unique mixing mechanism and can often be used to effectively mix shear sensitive compounds. Cavitation can produce superior results when mixing liquids with gases, solids, or other liquids.

Continuous Powder Hydration The APV™ Cavitator can be used for the hydration of gums, gels and thickening powders to create a more even product. Applications include powdered cheeses, icings, and powdered drinks. The pictures to the right show a gum that has been stained. The dark areas indicate unhydrated gums. Full hydration results in reduced raw material costs, shorter processing time, and a more homogeneous product than those made with conventional technology. One Step Dispersion and Pasteurization The APV™ Cavitator can be used to heat and disperse in a single step with a single piece of equipment. This allows for process simplification and minimizes footprint.


Emulsification The APV™ Cavitator can be used to "tune" emulsion particle size by varying mixing intensity. This can be accomplished continuously and with no air entrapment. The particle size distribution is very fine and uniform.		Particle Size Reduction This is an example of particle size reduction in a recombined milk sample exposed to controlled cavitation compared to a reference sample.

Aeration The gas/liquid mixing of the APV™ Cavitator allows it to be used for aeration. Uniform aeration with small or large volumes of gas is easily achieved, making the APV™ Cavitator perfect for viscous gums and liquids.



Testing Capabilities SPX lab and test facilities around the world are known for their state-of-the-art, technically-driven capabilities. Our labs are designed with flexibility in mind in order to accommodate a broad range of test requirements and operating conditions. Research and development are important elements in SPX's activities. Processors are increasingly seeking cost-effective, engineered solutions for the production of high quality, innovative products. Our facilities and services are designed to provide added value by minimizing waste and energy requirements in your process. SPX is able to assist your product trial requirements, whether by trouble shooting, making your operation more flexible, cutting energy costs, increasing production volumes, or meeting new environmental regulations without sacrificing your product quality. SPX lab facilities are highly sophisticated and equipped with leading edge technology. They are specifically designed to accommodate a broad range of tests while maintaining complete confidentiality. This may range from a simple rheology definition to the preparation of a complete recipe in our laboratory, or a full scale test.