WO1996040423A1

WO1996040423A1 - Apparatus and method for preparing colloidal dispersion

Info

Publication number: WO1996040423A1
Application number: PCT/US1996/008051
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ross C. Clark; Daniel R. Burgum
Original assignee: The Nutrasweet Company
Priority date: 1995-06-07
Filing date: 1996-05-30
Publication date: 1996-12-19
Also published as: AU5955296A

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a device for creating a colloidal dispersion that includes a pressure chamber having an inletand an outlet that contains a multicomponent mixture. A dispersion device is provided in the pressure chamber that includes a nozzle having an opening therethrough and a plate. A conduit is affixed to the nozzle to provide fluid communication between the pressure chamber and the outlet. A gap is defined between the plate and the opening to the nozzle equal to between 0.5 times to 5 timesthe diameter of the opening. A colloidal dispersion is produced by causing a semi-dispersed multicomponent mixture to flow throughthe gap and into the opening in the nozzle of the dispersion device. In an alternative embodiment, the gap is defined by a pair ofopposing nozzles.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PREPARING COLLOIDAL DISPERSION

Field of the Invention The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for preparing a colloidal dispersion or emulsion by subjecting a semi-dispersed multicomponent fluid to uniaxial extension-! forces. The apparatus includes a pressurized chamber containing the multicomponent fluid and a dispersion device. The dispersion device includes a nozzle having an opening therethrough and an adjustable plate, wherein the nozzle and plate define a gap into which the multicomponent fluid is forced under pressure to enter and subsequently pass through the opening. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus includes a pair of opposing nozzles, each nozzle having a single opening therethrough, wherein the pair of opposing nozzles define a gap through which the multicomponent fluid is forced under pressure to enter and subsequently pass through one of the openings. The present invention creates a homogeneous colloidal dispersion or emulsion using less energy than traditional homogenizer devices.

Background of the Invention An emulsion is any stable mixture of two or more immiscible liquids wherein one liquid is dispersed in the form of fine droplets or globules in the second liquid. Examples of emulsions within the field food processing are milk and mayonnaise. Mayonnaise is an emulsion of oil and egg yolks. A dispersion is a two phase system consisting of finely divided particles (the disperse phase) distributed throughout a bulk substance (the continuous phase). Paint is an example of a dispersion of solid particles in a liquid. For the sake of brevity, the phrase "colloidal dispersions" will be used hereinafter to encompass either a liquid-in-liquid system or a solid-in-liquid system. Homogeneous mixtures of colloidal dispersions have broad applications in a number of industries, such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, and cosmetics. Traditionally, colloidal dispersions have been created by intermixing a multicomponent fluid in high shear mixing systems. Some examples of high shear mixing systems are rotary dispersers, rotor-stator mixers, colloid mills, roller mills, media attrition mills, sonic energy homogenizers, high pressure homogenizers, and microfluidizers. Rotary dispersers are characterized by having as their major components a large vessel containing a multicomponent fluid in which a stirring mechanism is rotated at a high velocity. The rotation of the stirring mechanism causes the multicomponent fluid contained in the vessel to become intermixed and thereby produce a colloidal dispersion. A colloid mill is a grinding machine that breaks down agglomerates into very fine particles or shears fluid phases to produce stable emulsions containing dispersed droplets of a very fine size. Colloid mills operate on the principle high speed fluid shear. Purees and food paste may be processed by colloid mills. Similarly, syrups, sauces, milk, ointments, creams, and lotions may also be produced using a colloid mill.

A roll mill is a sequential arrangement of mills used to crush and grind materials. By passing a multicomponent fluid through a three-roll mill, an intimate mixture or colloidal dispersion is produced. An ultrasonic horn creates a colloidal dispersion by projecting sound waves into a multicomponent fluid wherein the projected sound waves have a very high frequency or acoustic energy. The acoustic energy of the sound waves projected by the sonic homogenizer are typically above the upper range of human hearing at approximately 20,000 hertz.

A microfluidizer creates a colloidal dispersion by feeding a multicomponent fluid stream into an interaction chamber wherein the fluid stream is split into at least two segments. The segments are subsequently directed back together to form a colloidal dispersion. A microfluidizer creates a colloidal dispersion by harnessing the impact energy arising from the collision of two streams. There is a need for a device capable of consistently creating a homogeneous colloidal dispersion which has low energy requirements.

Summary of the Invention The present invention is directed to a device for creating a colloidal dispersion that includes a pressure chamber having an inlet and an outlet that contains a multicomponent mixture. A dispersion device is provided in the pressure chamber that includes a nozzle having an opening therethrough and a plate. A conduit is affixed to the nozzle to provide fluid communication between the pressure chamber and die outlet. A gap is defined between the plate and the opening to the nozzle equal to between 0.5 times to 5 times the diameter of the opening. A colloidal dispersion is produced by causing a semi- dispersed multicomponent mixture to flow through the gap and into the opening in the nozzle of the dispersion device. In an alternative embodiment, the gap is defined by a pair of opposing nozzles.

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Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a cross sectional view of a device adapted to create a homogenous colloidal dispersion.

Figure 2 is an enlarged view of a nozzle portion of the device shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of an alternative device to create a homogenous colloidal dispersion.

Figure 4 is an enlarged view of a nozzle portion of the device shown in Figure 3. Detailed Description of the Invention

The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for preparing a colloidal dispersion by subjecting a multicomponent mixture to uniaxial extension-! forces. An apparatus 10 that may be used for creating a colloidal dispersion in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 1. The apparatus 10 includes as its major components a pressure chamber 12, an extent-! pressure source 14, a fluid inlet 16, a dispersion outlet 18, and a dispersion device 20, which includes a nozzle 22 and an adjustable plate 24. Pressure chamber 12 preferably has a generally cylindrical shape defined by an upper plate 11, side panel 13, and lower plate 15. Those skilled in the art will recognize that pressure chamber 12 may have a nearly limitless number of geometric volumes, such as a dome, cube, or any number of analogous geometric volumes without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Pressure chamber 12 must simply define a discrete enclosed volume in which a multicomponent mixture 26 may be maintained under pressure as described in more detail later.

Pressure chamber 12 is constructed from standard materials of construction, such as high strength or stainless steel. The preferred materials of construction will depend on the characteristics of the multicomponent mixture 26 contained therein and the end use of the colloidal dispersion. Since the preferred materials of construction are well-known to those skilled in the art of colloidal mixtures, food processing, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, etc., no further discussion will be provided herein. Pressure chamber 12, shown in Figure 1, contains a single dispersion device 20. A plurality of dispersion devices 20 may be provided within pressure chamber 12 in order to increase the output of the apparatus 10. In order to produce a homogenous colloidal dispersion, the plurality of dispersion devices 20 must be spaced to prevent any interaction between each dispersion device 20. Dispersion device 20 is adapted to convert multicomponent mixture 26 in pressure chamber 12 into a homogenous colloidal dispersion.

Multicomponent mixture 26 is typically a liquid-in-liquid system. Multicomponent mixture 26 is prepared in a moderate shear mixing sysjsm to produce a mixture in a semi-dispersed state. Multicomponent mixture 26 may be placed in a semi-dispersed state either prior to or after being introduced into pressure chamber 12 through fluid inlet 16. A semi-dispersed mixture is characterized generally by having droplets contained therein having diameters on me order of approximately 100 μm down to approximately 1 μm. The size of the droplets. in a semi-dispersed mixture is dependent on the viscosity of the components making up the multicomponent mixture 26. An example of a moderate shear mixing system is a standard propeller mixer rotating at less than

450 revolutions per minute. Other devices capable of producing a semi- dispersed mixture are readily available and known to those skilled in the art.

A pressure regulator 28, a gas inlet valve 30, and a pressure vent

32 are provided in fluid communication with pressure chamber 12 to maintain a desired pressure within pressure chamber 12. Pressure regulator 28, gas inlet valve 30, and pressure vent 32 are preferably mounted on top plate 11 of pressure chamber 12.

Pressure regulator 28 is adapted to monitor the pressure within pressure chamber 12 in known fashion to compare a monitored pressure against a set point pressure programmed in pressure regulator 28. Pressure regulator 28 is adapted to control gas inlet valve 30 based upon a comparison of the monitored pressure in pressure chamber 12 against the set point pressure programmed in pressure regulator 28.

Gas inlet valve 30 is communication with external pressure source 14. External pressure source 14 is maintained under a pressure which is greater than or equal to the desired pressure in pressure chamber 12. External pressure source 14 may be a pressurized tank containing a gas that is inert to multicomponent mixture 26. Preferred gases contained in external pressure source 14 are nitrogen, argon, and carbon dioxide. In an alternative embodiment, the gas from external pressure source 14 may be fed under pressure by a positive displacement pump (not shown) into pressure chamber 12.

Gas inlet valve 30 opens in response to a signal from pressure regulator 28 if the monitored pressure in pressure chamber 12 drops below the set point pressure until the monitored pressure in pressure chamber 12 is approximately equal to the set point pressure. Conversely, pressure vent 32 opens in response to a signal from pressure regulator 28 if the monitored pressure in pressure chamber 12 rises above the set point pressure until the monitored pressure in pressure chamber 12 is approximately equal to the set point pressure. Pressure regulator 28, gas inlet valve 30, and gas vent 32 are of standard construction and adapted to monitor and regulate the pressure within pressure chamber 12 in known fashion. Accordingly, these elements will not be described in further detail herein.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, pressure chamber 12 is maintained via pressure regulator 28, gas inlet valve 30, and pressure gas vent 32 at a pressure ranging from between 50 pounds per square inch (abs.) to 1500 pounds per square inch (abs.). The pressure in pressure chamber 12 acts upon multicomponent mixture 26 to cause multicomponent mixture 26 to be forced through dispersion device 20 in a manner described below. Since multicomponent mixture 26 must be forced through dispersion device 20, one skilled in the art will recognize that one factor in determining the most preferred pressure in pressure chamber 12 is the viscosity of multicomponent mixture 26.

Referring to Figure 2 wherein an enlarged nozzle portion of dispersion device 20 is shown in greater detail, it can be seen that dispersion device 20 includes a nozzle 22, an adjustable plate 24, and a conduit 34. Nozzle 22 includes a lower tip 23 and an opening 36 that provides fluid communication between conduit 34 and pressure chamber 12.

Nozzle 22 has a generally circular cross-section along a horizontal axis and a frustoconical cross-section along its vertical axis as shown in figure 2. Opening 36 through nozzle 22 is defined by an inner surface 38 of nozzle 22. The diameter of opening 36 in the vicinity of lower tip 23 is preferably between 0.25 mm to 2.5 mm. As described more fully below, the diameter of opening 36 in the vicinity of lower tip 23 is used to determine the most preferred distance between lower tip 23 and plate 24. Nozzle 22 is preferably constructed from a material that is resistant to corrosion from contact with multicomponent mixture 26.

The diameter of opening 36 is dependent on die characteristics of multicomponent mixture 26, such as its viscosity, and the desired characteristics of die colloidal dispersion. A low viscosity, less than 100 centipoise, multicomponent mixture 26 is preferably passed through an opening 36 having a diameter of between approximately 0.25 mm to approximately 1.0 mm. A high viscosity, greater than 100 centipoise, multicomponent mixture 26 is preferably passed through an opening 36 having a diameter of between approximately 1.0 mm to approximately 5.0 mm. One skilled in the art will also recognize that since the desired characteristics of the final colloidal dispersion and die characteristics of the multicomponent mixture 26 are commonly fixed values, the diameter of opening 36 is another factor that determines the preferred pressure maintained in pressure chamber 12. Plate 24 has a generally circular configuration. As illustrated in

Figure 2, dispersion device 20 is oriented vertically such that plate 24 extends horizontally and radially to form a major surface 25. It is within the scope of the present invention that dispersion device 20, which includes plate 24 and nozzle 22, may optionally be oriented horizontally. Plate 24 extends vertically and radially to form major surface 25 if dispersion device 20 is oriented horizontally.

As illustrated in Figure 2, major surface 25 of plate 24 is oriented perpendicular to and positioned directiy beneath opening 36. Plate 24 extends radially at least beyond the outer circumference defined by opening 36. _# Plate 24 is constructed from standard materials of construction such as stainless steel. Plate 24 must be constructed from a material that is resistant to corrosion from contact with multicomponent mixture 26.

Plate 24 may be raised or lowered in relation to lower tip 23. As best illustrated in Figure 1, plate 24 is mounted onto a pair of support rods 29 that cooperate with a mounting ring 31. Mounting ring 31 slideably surrounds and engages conduit 34. A set screw 27 extends through mounting ring 31 to frictionally engage conduit 34 as desired. Plate 24 may be secured in a fixed position relative to lower tip 23 of nozzle 22 by causing set screw 27 to frictionally engage conduit 34. Once plate 24 is secured in a fixed position, a gap 40 is defined between lower tip 23 of nozzle 22 and adjustable plate 24. Gap 40 is preferably in the range of between 0.5 times to 5 times, more preferably between approximately 0.5 times and approximately 2.5 times, most preferably between approximately 0.5 times and 1.25 times, the diameter of opening 36 of nozzle 22.

Opening 36 through nozzle 22 provides fluid communication between pressure chamber 12 and conduit 34. A colloidal dispersion is withdrawn from pressure chamber 12 into conduit 34 and directed thereby to dispersion outiet 18. The colloidal dispersion exits from apparatus 10 through dispersion outlet 18 for further processing, if desired.

A preferred process for producing a homogenous colloidal dispersion is described in the following paragraphs. A semi-dispersed multicomponent mixture 26 is forced into gap 40 as a result of the pressure in pressure chamber 12. Multicomponent mixture 26 is then caused to flow through opening 36 of nozzle 22. In order for the mixture to enter opening 36, multicomponent mixture 26 must pass between lower tip 23 of nozzle 22 and adjustable plate 24, which defines gap 40. Gap 40 is set at a distance which creates shearing and unjaxia extension-! forces that act upon multicomponent mixture 26 flowing therein. As a result of the shearing and uniaxial extegsional forces imparted upon multicomponent mixture 26, a colloidal dispersion is produced. The shearing and uniaxial extensional forced imparted upon multicomponent mixture 26 are produced using less energy than traditional homogenizer devices. The resulting colloidal dispersion is flien drawn through conduit 34 into dispersion outiet 18.

An alternative apparatus 210 that may be used for creating a colloidal dispersion in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. Apparatus 210 includes as its major components a pressure chamber 212, an external pressure source 214, a fluid inlet 216, a first dispersion outlet 218, a second dispersion outlet 219, and a dispersion device 220, which includes a first nozzle 222 and a second nozzle 224.

Pressure chamber 212 preferably has a generally cylindrical shape defined by an upper plate 211, side panel 213, and lower plate 215. Those skilled in the art will recognize that pressure chamber 212 may have a nearly limitless number of geometric volumes, such as a dome, cube, or any number of analogous geometric volumes without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Pressure chamber 212 must simply define a discrete enclosed volume in which a multicomponent mixture 226 may be maintained under pressure as described in more detail later. Pressure chamber 212 is constructed from standard materials of construction, such as high strength or stainless steel. The preferred materials of construction will depend on die characteristics of the multicomponent mixture 226 contained therein and the end use of the resulting colloidal dispersion. Since die preferred materials of construction are well-known to those skilled in the art of colloidal mixtures, food processing, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, etc., no further discussion will be provided herein.

Pressure chamber 212, shown in Figure 3, contains a single dispersion device 220. A plurality of dispersion devices 220 may be provided within pressure chamber 212 in order to increase the output of die apparatus 210. In order to produce a homogenous colloidal dispersion, the plurality of dispersion devices 220 must be spaced to prevent any interaction between each dispersion device 220. Dispersion device 220 is adapted to convert multicomponent mixture 226 in pressure chamber 212 into a homogenous colloidal dispersion.

Multicomponent mixture 226 is typically a liquid-in-liquid system. Multicomponent mixture 226 is preferably prepared in a moderate shear mixing system in order to produce a mixture in a semi-dispersed state. Multicomponent mixture 226 may be placed in a semi-dispersed state either prior to or after being introduced into pressure chamber 212 through fluid inlet 216. A semi- dispersed mixture is characterized by having droplets contained dierein having diameters on the order of approximately 100 μm down to approximately 1 μm. The size of the droplets in a semi-dispersed mixture is dependent on the viscosity of the components making up the multicomponent mixture 226. An example of a moderate energy mixing system is a standard propeller mixer rotating at less than 450 revolutions per minute. Other devices capable of producing a semi-dispersed mixture are readily available and known to those skilled in the art.

A pressure regulator 228, a gas inlet valve 230, an external pressure source 214, and a pressure vent 232 are provided in fluid communication with pressure chamber 212 to produce a desired pressure within pressure chamber 212. Pressure regulator 228, gas inlet valve 230, and pressure vent 232 are preferably mounted on top plate 211 of pressure chamber 212. Pressure regulator 228 is adapted to control gas inlet valve 230 based upon the comparison of a monitored pressure in pressure chamber 212 against a set point pressure programmed into pressure regulator 228.

Gas inlet valve 230 is in communication with external pressure source 214. External pressure source 214 is maintained under a pressure which is greater than or equal to the desired pressure in pressure chamber 212. External pressure source 214 contains a gas that is inert to multicomponent mixture 226. Preferred gases contained in external pressure source 214 are nitrogen, argon, and carbon dioxide. In an alternative embodiment, the gas from external pressure source 214 may be fed under pressure by a positive displacement pump (not shown) into pressure chamber 212.

Gas inlet valve 230 opens in response to a signal from pressure regulator 228 if the monitored pressure in pressure chamber 212 drops below the set point pressure until die monitored pressure in pressure chamber 212 is approximately equal to the set point pressure. Conversely, pressure vent 232 opens in response to a signal from pressure regulator 228 if the monitored pressure in pressure chamber 212 rises above the set point pressure until the monitored pressure in pressure chamber 212 is approximately equal to the set point pressure. Pressure regulator 228, gas inlet valve 230, and gas vent 232 are of standard construction and adapted to monitor and regulate the pressure within pressure chamber 212 in known fashion. Accordingly, these elements will not be described in further detail herein.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, pressure chamber 212 is maintained via pressure regulator 228, gas inlet valve 230, and pressure gas vent 232 at a pressure ranging from between 50 pounds per square inch (abs.) to 1500 pounds per square inch (abs.). The pressure in pressure chamber 212 acts upon multicomponent mixture 226 to cause multicomponent mixture 226 to be forced through dispersion device 220 in a manner described below. Since multicomponent mixture 226 must be forced through dispersion device 220, one skilled in the art will recognize that one factor in determining the preferred pressure is die viscosity of multicomponent mixture 226.

Referring to Figure 4 wherein an enlarged nozzle portion of dispersion device 220 iς shown in greater detail, it can be seen that dispersion device 220 includes a first nozzle 222, a second nozzle 224, a first conduit 234, and a second conduit 235. First nozzle 222 includes a first lower tip 223 and a first opening 236 that provide fluid communication between first conduit 234 and pressure chamber 212. Second nozzle 224 includes a second lower tip 221 and a second opening 237 that provide fluid communication between second conduit 235 and pressure chamber 212. First nozzle 222 and second nozzle 224 are preferably constructed from a material that is resistant to corrosion from contact with multicomponent mixture 226.

First nozzle 222 and second nozzle 224 have generally circular cross-sections along their vertical axises and frustoconical cross-sections along their horizontal axises as shown in Figure 4. First opening 236 through first nozzle 222 is defined by a first inner surface 238 of first nozzle 222. Similarly, second opening 237 through second nozzle 224 is defined by a second inner surface 239 of second nozzle 224. The diameter of first openings 236 and 237 in the vicinities of lower tips 223 and 221, respectively, is preferably between 0.25 mm to 2.5 mm. As described more fully below, the diameters of first opening 236 and second opening 237 are used to determine the most preferred distance between lower tips 223 and 221.

The most preferred diameters of openings 236 and 237 are dependent on die characteristics of multicomponent mixture 226, such as its viscosity, and die desired characteristics of die colloidal dispersion. A low viscosity, less than 100 centipoise, multicomponent mixture 226 is preferably passed through an opening having a diameter of between approximately 0.25 mm to approximately 1.0 mm. A high viscosity, greater than 100 centipoise, multicomponent mixture 226 is preferably passed through an opening having a diameter of between approximately 1.0 mm to approximately 5.0 mm. One skilled in the art will also recognize that since the desired characteristics of the final colloidal dispersion and the characteristics of the multicomponent mixture 226 are commonly fixed values, the diameters of openings 236 and 237 are secondary factors in determining the preferred pressure maintained in pressure chamber 212.

First opening 236 and second opening 237 are oriented to face one another. The distance between first opening 236 and second opening 237 may be varied by moving nozzles 222 and 224 along die horizontal axis of pressure chamber 212. A pair of support rods 229a and 229b are affixed to conduits 234 and 235, respectively, to facilitate horizontal movement of nozzles 222 and 224. A disk 225 is rotatably mounted onto support rod 229a, wherein disk 225 has a central opening therethrough with internal threading. Support rod 229b is characterized by having an extended threaded portion 231. Extended threaded portion 231 is adapted to engage the internal direading provided in the central opening through disk 225. By causing disk 225 to be rotated, extended threaded portion 231 is either drawn into or away from the central opening through disk 225. As extended threaded portion 231 is drawn into or away from the central opening in disk 225, support rods 229a and 229b cause conduits 234 and 235 and nozzles 222 and 224 to be drawn towards and away from one another. In die absence of any force acting upon disk 225, nozzles 222 and 224 may be secured in a fixed position relative to one another.

Once first nozzle 222 and second nozzle 224 are secured, a gap

240 is defined between first lower tip 223 of first nozzle 222 and second lower tip 221 of second nozzle 224. Gap 240 is preferably in die range between 0.5 times to 5 times the diameter of first opening 236 of nozzle 222. /First opening 236 and second opening 237 generally have the same diameter.

First opening 236 in first nozzle 222 provides fluid communication between pressure chamber 212 and first conduit 234. Second opening 237 in second nozzle 224 provides fluid communication between pressure chamber 212 and second conduit 235. A colloidal dispersion is wididrawn through conduits 234 and 235 to dispersion outiets 218 and 219, respectively. The colloidal dispersion exits from apparatus 210 through dispersion outiets 218 and 219 for further processing, if desired.

A preferred process for producing a homogenous colloidal dispersion using a pair of opposing nozzles is described in the following paragraphs. A semi-dispersed multicomponent mixture 226 is forced out of pressure chamber 212 through either first opening 236 of first nozzle 222 or second opening 237 of second nozzle 224. In order for mixture 226 to enter either opening 236 or 237, multicomponent mixture 226 must pass between lower tip 223 of first nozzle 222 and lower tip 221 of second nozzle 224, which define gap 240. Gap 240 is set at a distance which creates shearing and uniaxial extensional forces that act upon multicomponent mixture 226 flowing therein. As a result of the shearing and uniaxial extension-! forces imparted upon multicomponent mixture 226 flowing through gap 240 and into openings 236 or

237, a colloidal dispersion is produced. The resulting colloidal dispersion is then drawn through conduits 234 and 235 into dispersion outiets 218 and 219.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating me scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAJ S

1. A device for creating a colloidal dispersion comprising: a) a pressure chamber having an inlet and an outlet tiiat contains a multicomponent mixture; b) a dispersion device provided in the pressure chamber comprising a nozzle having an opening therethrough and a plate; and c) a conduit affixed to the nozzle that provides fluid communication between the pressure chamber and die outlet, wherein a gap is defined between the plate and the opening to the nozzle equal to between 0.5 times to 5 times the diameter of the opening.

2. The device as defined in claim 1 further comprising an external pressure source in fluid communication with the pressure chamber to maintain a desired pressure in the pressure chamber.

3. The device as defined in claim 1 wherein the gap is between approximately 0.5 times and approximately 2.5 times the diameter of the opening.

4. The device as defined in claim 3 wherein the gap is between approximately 0.5 times and 1.25 times the diameter of the opening.

5. The device as defined in claim 1 wherein the gap defined by the opening to the nozzle and the plate is adjustable.

6. The device as defined in claim 1 further comprising a mounting ring in sliding engagement with die conduit, a set screw through the mounting ring adapted to frictionally engage d e conduit, and supporting rods mounted onto the plate.

7. The device as defined in claim 2 wherein the external pressure source in fluid communication with die pressure chamber to maintain a desired pressure in the pressure chamber is a positive displacement pump.

8. The device as defined in claim 2 wherein the external pressure source in fluid communication with die pressure chamber to maintain a desired pressure in the pressure chamber is a pressurized tank.

9. A device for creating a colloidal dispersion comprising: a) a pressure chamber containing a multicomponent mixture, wherein the pressure chamber has an inlet, a first outiet and a second outiet; b) a dispersion device provided in the pressure chamber comprising a first nozzle having a first opening therethrough and a second nozzle having a second opening dierethrough; c) a first conduit affixed to die first nozzle that provides fluid communication between die pressure chamber and the first outiet; d) a second conduit affixed to the second nozzle that provides fluid communication between die pressure chamber and the second outlet; wherein a gap is defined between die first opening and die second opening equal to between 0.5 times to 5 times the diameter of the first opening.

10. The device as defined in claim 9 further comprising an external pressure source in fluid communication with the pressure chamber to maintain a desired pressure in the pressure chamber.

11. The device as defined in claim 9 wherein the gap is between approximately 0.5 times and approximately 2.5 times the diameter of the first opening.

12. The device as defined in claim 9 wherein the gap is between approximately 0.5 times and 1.25 times the diameter of the first opening.

13. The device as defined in claim 9 wherein the gap defined by the first opening and second opening may be adjusted.

14. The device as defined in claim 9 further comprising a first support mounted onto die first conduit having a rotatable disk witii a threaded central opening therein and a second support mounted on the second conduit having an extended threaded portion adapted to engage die threaded central opening through rotatable disk.

15. The device as defined in claim 10 wherein the external pressure source in fluid communication with die pressure chamber to maintain a desired pressure in the pressure chamber is a positive displacement pump.

16. The device as defined in claim 10 wherein the external pressure source in fluid communication witii die pressure chamber to maintain a desired pressure in the pressure chamber is a pressurized tank.

17. A method for creating a colloidal dispersion comprising: a) introducing a multicomponent mixture into a pressure chamber having an inlet, an outlet, and a dispersion device, wherein the dispersion device includes a nozzle and a plate; b) subjecting the multicomponent mixture to a moderate energy shearing force to create a semi-dispersed multicomponent mixture; c) increasing the pressure in the pressure chamber in an amount sufficient to force the semi-dispersed multicomponent mixture into a gap defined by the nozzle and the plate and through an opening in the nozzle and thereby subjecting the mixture to an extensional force.

18. The method as defined in claim 17 wherein the pressure is increased to between approximately 50 and 1500 pounds per square inch absolute.

19. A method for creating a colloidal dispersion comprising: , a) introducing a multicomponent mixture into a vessel; b) subjecting the multicomponent mixture to a moderate energy shearing force to create a semi-dispersed multicomponent mixture; c) introducing die semi-dispersed multicomponent mixture into a pressure chamber having an inlet, an outlet, and a dispersion device, wherein die dispersion device includes a nozzle and a plate; d) increasing the pressure in the pressure chamber in an amount sufficient to force the semi-dispersed multicomponent mixture into a gap defined by die nozzle and the plate and tiirough an opening in the nozzle and thereby subjecting the mixture to an extensional force.

20. The method as defined in claim 19 wherein the pressure is increased to between approximately 50 and 1500 pounds per square inch absolute.