Minerals & inorganic chemicals
Compounds from the fabric of the Earth
We derive many compounds and chemicals from the fabric of the earth. However, basic inorganic chemicals, such as salts, acids and alkalis, which we take out of the ground of from the seas, need purification before they can be used in industry, on the farm or on the dining table. GEA has the experience, technology and know-how to refine the earth’s minerals through evaporation and crystallisation, efficiently, cost-effectively, and in an environmentally sustainable and responsible way.
Practical, effective products for different industries
Evaporation and crystallization are complementary processes that can be used to purify basic inorganic chemicals to create practical, effective products for use in industry, agriculture and around the home. Sodium chloride (salt), for example, can be refined from rock or sea salt to produce the finest condiment for the dining table or a vital industrial component that is used in the manufacture of many products, such as plastics, glass, paper, dyes and household cleaners. Similarly, mineral acids and alkalis, such as sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), have essential uses in numerous industrial sectors.
Over many years GEA has perfected the processes of evaporation and crystallization to make these essential, often highly corrosive, chemicals available to industry and consumers alike in the most efficient, cost-effective and environmentally sustainable way possible. Through a deep understanding of the chemistry, the technology and the processes involved, it is possible to create a wide variety of products that are tailor-made to meet each customer’s needs.
Synergies within the GEA Group
As well as evaporation technologies, GEA offers a wide range of technologies for downstream processes, such as drying, fluidizing and conditioning. Using GEA equipment throughout a plant ensures compatibility, reduces maintenance costs and allows GEA engineers to use their knowledge and experience of plant design to ensure maximum efficiency, reliability and consistency.
Value added products and sustainability
GEA technology extends to the treatment of effluent from plants to create important added value products or to return material back to the process to minimize wastage and the use of raw materials. This also reduces disposal costs, limits the effect of processing on the environment and can create a valuable additional revenue stream that goes straight onto the bottom line. Heat recovery is also possible in many applications to keep energy usage to a minimum.
Applications
Products & Technologies
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Centrifugal Separator
GEA separators are designed for liquid-based applications. Using centrifugal force, they are used for separating suspensions consisting of two or more phases of different densities, i.e. they can be used for liquid-liquid separation, for liquid-liquid-solid separation or for liquid-solid separation. They are equally as effective at separating liq...
Cooling, quenching & conditioning
The Rapid Cooling or Quenching of gas streams is used in several essential applications in the process industries.
Decanter Centrifuge
The decanter’s hour has come as soon as the solids content in the suspension to be processed is particularly high. These machines provide the benefits of high clarifying efficiency and maximum dewatering as well as the separation of liquids with the simultaneous removal of solids. The main requirements in this respect include a high bowl speed, a...
Dosing & Feeding
GEA supplies a market-leading range of powder handling, feeding and dosing solutions. Our volumetric and gravimetric powder feeding systems guarantee highly accurate processing in critical applications such as minor/major ingredient preparation, pre-mixing, recipe handling, blending and packing.
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GEA Insights
GEA reports profitable growth for 2025 and expects accelerated revenue growth
GEA’s past fiscal year was one of significant growth and further profitability gains. In particular, the technology group substantially increased order intake, with all divisions contributing here. GEA also made progress in all Mission 30 strategic growth areas. In addition, GEA met key interim targets under its climate plan ahead of schedule. Major milestones in fiscal year 2025 were admission to the DAX index, the award of one of the largest contracts in the company’s history, and streamlining of the corporate structure.
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