Which of the following physical phenomena contribute to fat globule size reduction inside a high-pressure homogenization valve?
Options:
(A) Intense shear stress in the narrow valve gap
(B) Cavitation collapse of vapor bubbles resulting from local static pressure drop below vapor pressure
(C) High-velocity liquid jet impact against the impact ring
(D) Direct thermal evaporation of the milk triglycerides
Answer Key:
A, B, C
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
- A, B, and C are the three established fluid mechanical mechanisms of homogenization: intense velocity shear, explosive cavitation collapse, and physical impact against the ceramic/stellite ring.
- D is incorrect: Triglycerides are non-volatile and do not evaporate during homogenization.