Petrochemicals & organic chemicals
Alcohols
Alcohols are important solvents and source substances for numerous productions in the chemical industry.
Alcohols with several OH-groups are used for polymerization. Apart from natural alcohols, such as for example glycerin, alcohols are produced by fermentation of basic substances containing starch or sugar.
Short-chained alcohols such as methanol and ethanol are concentrated by way of distillation. Longer-chained alcohols with lower steam volatility can be concentrated in falling-film evaporation plants. The separators are often equipped with scrubbing columns in order to minimize product losses via the steam phase.
The mostly concentrated alcohols in distillation plants are methanol, and ethanol. 2-propanole and n-butanol are concentrated in evaporation plants.
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...
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...
Distillation Test Facilities at Karlsruhe R&D Center
With state-of-the-art pilot plants and test benches our R & D Center is optimally equipped for testing in the fields of distillation technology.
Ejector Systems
Ejectors, are devices for the conveyance, compression or mixing of gases, vapors, liquids or solids in which a gaseous or liquid medium serves as the motive force. They are "pumps without moving parts".
Other applications
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GEA Insights
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On Sept. 30, 2025, GEA rang the opening bell at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, a symbolic moment that highlighted the company’s inclusion in Germany’s leading stock index, the DAX.
A headquarters with people and purpose at its core
GEA’s new corporate headquarters in the up-and-coming Derendorf neighborhood of Düsseldorf, Germany, brings together people, ideas and expertise under one roof. With its open spaces, green terraces and energy-efficient design, the building reflects the company’s commitment to collaboration and sustainability.
