Trade press release
New fines return system from GEA reduces down time with automated CIP processes
25 Feb 2021
The new patented No Intervention Fines Return System (FRS) from GEA allows dairy and food powder producers to automate the cleaning-in-place (CIP) processes of their spray dryer fines return system, leading to reduced down time, improved working conditions and guaranteeing product safety.
Thanks to GEA's new patented No Intervention Fines Return System (FRS), the cleaning-in-place processes of the spray dryers' fines return are automated. (Photo: GEA)
The new patented No Intervention Fines Return System (FRS) from GEA allows dairy and food powder producers to automate the cleaning-in-place (CIP) processes of their spray dryer fines return system, leading to reduced down time, improved working conditions and guaranteeing product safety.
In spray dryers, powder fines are often separated from the exhaust air via cyclones and bag filters. A fines return system returns the fines to the drying process, either for agglomeration or integration with the final powder outlet. Typically, cleaning cyclones and fines return systems first requires opening and dismantling the fines return system from the cyclones outlet. After cleaning, both must be reconnected again, which increases the risk of recontamination as well as the potential for mistakes in reassembly.
Explicitly designed for food and dairy spray dryers, the GEA No Intervention FRS uses patented valves to create a smoother and fully automated CIP process, which negates disassembly before and after cleaning. All connections within the fines return system remain closed and once cleaned, can directly be used for production. The valves were developed to comply with hygienic design criteria of the European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group (EHEDG) and have been proven to reduce the risk of CIP liquid leakage and overall contamination.
“With our new No Intervention FRS, operators no longer need to worry about manual and time-consuming lifts and leakage risks associated with improper assembly,” explains Stig Møller Andersen, Product Manager at GEA. “By avoiding manual intervention before and after CIP, the process becomes quicker, safer, and more reliable.”
Overall, the new GEA No Intervention FRS system promises a more efficient CIP process, improved working conditions, eliminates contamination risks and guarantees product safety. It is suitable for nearly all new GEA spray drying installations and upgrades.
Media Relations
GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft
Ulmenstrasse 99
40476
Düsseldorf
Germany
+49 211 9136-0
About GEA
GEA is one of the world’s largest suppliers of systems and components to the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries.
The international technology group, founded in 1881, focuses on machinery and plants, as well as advanced process technology, components and comprehensive services. For instance, every second pharma separator for essential healthcare products such as vaccines or novel biopharmaceuticals is produced by GEA. In food, every fourth package of pasta or every third chicken nugget are processed with GEA technology.
With more than 18,000 employees, the group generated sales of about EUR 5.5 billion in more than 150 countries in the 2025 fiscal year. GEA plants, processes, components and services enhance the efficiency and sustainability of customers’ production. They contribute significantly to the reduction of CO2 emissions, plastic usage and food waste. In doing so, GEA makes a key contribution toward a sustainable future, in line with the company’s purpose: ”Engineering for a better world.”
GEA is listed on the German MDAX, the European STOXX® Europe 600 Index and is also a constituent of the leading sustainability indices DAX 50 ESG, MSCI Global Sustainability and Dow Jones Best-in-Class World.
