GIFSQ Tools · Module 11 — Ingredients, Additives & Formulation · Tool 210 of 500
Blend two emulsifiers to a target HLB value: the share of each emulsifier and the weight of each in the total dose.
Try sample values — fills the form with the worked example below.
Emulsifier A share (%)
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Emulsifier A (g)
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Emulsifier B (g)
Equation: Share of A (%) = (target HLB − HLB of B) ÷ (HLB of A − HLB of B) × 100. Emulsifier A (g) = total dose × share of A ÷ 100. Emulsifier B = total − A.
Method: Hydrophile–lipophile balance (HLB) blending by the Griffin HLB system (Griffin, 1949): the HLB of a blend is the weight-weighted mean of the HLB values of its emulsifiers. Low HLB (about 3–6) suits water-in-oil emulsions; high HLB (about 8–18) suits oil-in-water emulsions.
Assumptions: the target HLB lies between the two emulsifier HLB values; HLB values are those stated on the supplier data sheets.
Limitations: HLB predicts emulsion type, not stability — the required HLB of the oil phase, temperature and processing all matter, so confirm with a trial.
Rounding: shares to 2 decimal places; weights to 2 decimal places; intermediates unrounded.
This is a calculation aid, not a laboratory report — confirm against your accredited method before citing a value.
Method: Hydrophile–lipophile balance (HLB) blending by the Griffin HLB system (Griffin, 1949): the HLB of a blend is the weight-weighted mean of the HLB values of its emulsifiers. Low HLB (about 3–6) suits water-in-oil emulsions; high HLB (about 8–18) suits oil-in-water emulsions.
Assumptions: the target HLB lies between the two emulsifier HLB values; HLB values are those stated on the supplier data sheets.
Limitations: HLB predicts emulsion type, not stability — the required HLB of the oil phase, temperature and processing all matter, so confirm with a trial.
Rounding: shares to 2 decimal places; weights to 2 decimal places; intermediates unrounded.
This is a calculation aid, not a laboratory report — confirm against your accredited method before citing a value.
Worked example: Emulsifier A (HLB 15) and B (HLB 4) blended to HLB 10 for 100 g total: share of A = (10 − 4) ÷ (15 − 4) × 100 = 54.55%, so 54.55 g of A and 45.45 g of B.
Enter values above to see results.
HLB is a guide, not a guarantee: confirm the blend with a stability trial at the storage temperature you will use. Tool 210 of 500 — GIFSQ
