Crystallization technology
The most gentle concentration technology on the market. Unique solid-liquid separation. Optimum growth conditions for an efficient separation of ice crystals and highest concentration factor.
IceCon® is a revolutionary change from earlier Freeze Concentration designs. With fewer parts and a smart combination of functions, the process of freeze concentrating products is greatly simplified.
Various methods are available to remove water from liquid food products, of all available methods, Freeze Concentration provides the highest selectivity, since only water is contained in the ice crystals. Because the water is removed at the freezing point, what is left behind is a concentrated syrup with all the flavors, volatile and health promoting ingredients that are in the feed. Quality retention to its maximum.
GEA has enhanced the Freeze Concentration process with its unique solid-liquid separation into a sophisticated process that fits perfectly into a modern processing plant and effectively eliminates quality loses.
Commercial systems are designed from standard component sizes depending on your throughput requirements. Multistage systems allow for any capacity from 10 to 10,000 kg/h
IceCon® is GEA's latest Freeze Concentration design family.
The IceCon® design includes a vessel with a cooling jacket. While the inner wall of the vessel is scraped, the outer wall is cooled down by a circulating refrigerant. This makes it ideal for producing ice crystals. In the crystallizer and by creating residence time, the crystals grow into an optimal size, which can then be separated from the concentrated liquid.
In the wash column, the IceCon® separates the concentrated liquid from the ice crystals. The compressed ice crystal bed is efficiently washed with melted ice to remove all traces of concentrated liquid, ensuring that all original product characteristics and valuable components remain in the concentrate.
Maximizing the value of every resource is key to a circular economy. Modern technology unlocks the vast potential in animal by-products, transforming side-streams into valuable proteins, fats and biofuels for new, more sustainable value chains.
GEA AddCool® installation cuts CO2 emissions associated with the operation of a spray dryer plant by 1,500 tons per year at Arla’s milk powder factory in Svenstrup, Denmark.
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.