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.

Automated milking has become the first choice for many modern dairy farms. The benefits are compelling, and with a new batch milking solution from GEA, automated group milking for large dairy herds is possible without the need – and expense – of rebuilding existing facilities.
GEA has once again earned the highest rating – Platinum – in the globally recognized EcoVadis sustainability assessment. With a score of 92 out of 100, the machinery and plant manufacturer has improved significantly from last year’s result of 82 points. For the second year in a row, GEA ranks among the top one percent of more than 150,000 rated companies across 185 countries.
At Carlsberg’s Fredericia brewery, GEA VARIVENT valves are part of a long-game strategy. By reusing core valve bodies, retrofitting actuators and control tops, and planning maintenance around brewing seasons, Carlsberg extends asset life, reduces downtime and supports its ambitious water and sustainability targets.