Patent-pending system aids preservation of key coffee aroma compounds

GEA Aroma Recovery System

GEA has developed an innovative system that helps to capture and preserve key aroma compounds that are otherwise commonly lost during coffee processing. 

Aroma recovery system

At the heart of great-tasting coffee

Here at GEA we understand that making great-tasting coffee means extracting, containing, and preserving as much of that true coffee aroma as possible, whatever the final coffee product and however you process your beans. Our aroma recovery system is designed to do just that.  

The two-fluid nozzle

In a nutshell, the system delivers the coffee extract and a steam flow to a two-fluid nozzle, generating a spray of coffee extract in steam.  The spray is then separated into an aroma-rich gas and a stripped coffee extract. 

Using a two-fluid nozzle to atomize the coffee extract with steam means that the extract does not need to be preheated to high temperatures before stripping. The length of duration of contact between coffee extract and steam in the spray prior to separation is also short, so the coffee extract isn’t overexposed to high temperatures for long periods. Reducing heat exposure and impact can help to preserve fragile or delicate aroma compounds, and this can result in an even better overall aroma experience. 

Efficiency and high yield

Using a two-fluid nozzle to atomize and strip aroma compounds from coffee extracts is a cost- and space-effective solution. Two-fluid nozzles are simple, low-cost units that require only a small footprint, and are relatively low on resource consumption, but provide efficient stripping of key aroma compounds, resulting in a high yield. 

The GEA Aroma recovery system in addition comprises an intermediate condenser and distillation column, to further refine and concentrate the aroma compounds before drying. The whole process is economical, results in a less costly drying stage and, we think, results in a great aroma profile. 

User-friendly design

The GEA Aroma recovery system has been engineered for automatic start up, operation and shut down, so you can expect a fast, safe and reliable process, without the need for manual intervention. Automated clean-in-place helps to ensure thorough, fast cleaning, with reduced down time, so you can maximize use and get the most out of your investment.

Benefits

  • Low heat impact 
  • Reduced drying stage costs
  • Efficient recovery of key aroma compounds
  • User-friendly design
  • Relatively low resource consumption
  • Reduced down time 

System features, at a glance

  • Cost-effective, two-fluid nozzle 
  • Small footprint
  • Automatic start up, operation and shut down
  • Fully automated CIP
  • Simple to install, maintain and operate

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