Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for producing emulsions, and, in particular, for maintaining laminar flow during production of emulsions containing microsuspensions. Disclosed herein are columns for receiving a packing material that permits fluid flow through the column. The columns have a periphery that defines an interior cavity in fluid communication with inlets and outlets of the column. Disclosed herein is a method of preparing an emulsion that includes (1) forming a first phase typically containing an organic solvent, a polymer, and one or more biologically active agents and/or chemicals; (2) forming a second phase typically containing water as the second solvent, an emulsion stabilizer and optionally a solvent; and (3) passing the first and the second phases through the column to form a “water in oil” type emulsion.