Dairy
Industrial refrigeration & heating for dairy processes
Dairy
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.