GEA is a recognized provider of sophisticated process technology to the dairy industry, and this expertise extends to industrial refrigeration. Our cooling solutions range from standardized compressor packages to custom-engineered systems and turnkey refrigeration plants.
Process-critical cooling for dairy processing
Providing the right temperature for each step of the process, whether it is cheese or milk powder, is crucial for the product quality. Thanks to GEA’s intelligent plant & compressor control systems and highly efficient compressors, accurate cooling is ensured. During the processing of hard cheese for example, there are five different phases that require specialized cooling and conditioning, at specific temperatures:
- Milk intake & preparation process
- Pasteurization / thermization process
- Water cooling & brining process
- Ripening process
- Storage & distribution process
In the first two phases, ice water at steady flow temperatures of +0.5/1.0°C or cold water at +2°C are required. During the pressing & ripening of the cheese we need to provide chilled water at a temperature between 6-10°C. At the same time, specialized rooms for ripening and storage must be conditioned at the right temperatures. As mentioned above, three water flows require different temperatures. By adapting the water temperatures close to the required product temperatures, our customers can save on energy costs.
Energy efficient GEA compressors
GEA’s V-series piston compressors prove their added value by demonstrating an amazing COP efficiency especially when in part load. Thanks to its unique ´in-time-visualized´ maintenance control monitor, there is real-time access to all main parameters that precisely indicate when service is required. This constant monitoring has a positive effect on the reliability of the installation and saves money on periodic maintenance. At the same time energy efficiency and sustainability are addressed, thanks to the use of natural refrigerants.
Reusing waste heat
Related to the dairy cooling process, GEA also has its eye on “green” savings by installing industrial heat pumps. By identifying in which processes waste heat can be recovered and diverted to other processes like pasteurization, coagulation & de-whey or cleaning, we help customers work toward achievement of their sustainability goals and save money in the process. GEA’s ambition is to work with our customers to tailor environmentally sound, sustainable and highly efficient solutions to meet every requirement.
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GEA Grasso FX GC / GEA Grasso FX GCduo
The chillers of this series are characterized by great part-load efficiency.
GEA Omni Control Panel
The intuitive touch for machine control technology.
Customized GEA heat pumps
Customized heat pumps are designed for optimized efficiency and a wide range of temperatures and capacities. They serve all common industrial applications and district heating. They are applied when special conditions or requirements outstrip the limits of our standard heat pumps.
FES Premium-Quality Refrigeration Oils
FES oils are the natural choice to optimize industrial cooling and heating applications operating with reciprocating or screw compressors.
NEXUS - GEA's Holistic Engineering Solutions
HEAT TO COOL
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GEA Insights
The breakthrough that changed spray drying
In 1976, NIRO engineers responded to a competitive challenge by rethinking what spray drying could do. Their idea became the multi-stage dryer MSD. Fifty years later, the same fundamental principle helps turn liquids into the powders used in essential nutrition products and important medicines around the world. Refined through decades of engineering expertise, customer insight and continuous development, MSD is a story of innovation with lasting impact.
Beyond the machine: unlocking better plant performance
An efficient machine does not automatically make an efficient factory. Real improvement often starts by looking beyond individual equipment and understanding how processes, energy systems and operating decisions affect one another. It’s a holistic approach designed to uncover opportunities that might otherwise be missed.
How a valve reshapes the way food and drinks are made
In food and beverage plants, valves are commonly operated using compressed air. GEA Hydract® Actuation Technology moves valves with water instead, in a closed, digitally controlled circuit. The result is a valve that can be held exactly in place and steered in fine-tuned steps. This results in lower energy use and greater control.
