Trade press release
New GEA separator skid for the beverage industry: Higher yield, lower consumption
September 12, 2025
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GEA GSI 260 skid with direct drive, modular equipment and smart efficiency options
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Greater efficiency thanks to larger clarification area
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Less water and energy use
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Shorter service times thanks to replaceable drive unit
GEA GSI 260 on skid with integrated Water Saving Unit: compact plug-and-play solution that saves almost all freshwater and can be quickly put into operation. Source: GEA
At drinktec, GEA is introducing the GSI 260 skid, a new generation of separators for the beverage industry. On the outside, the Kinetic Edge Design signals a new era. Inside, the machine features a direct drive, resource-saving features, and modular adaptability. The goal: higher yields with lower consumption – and straightforward integration into existing production lines.
More clarification area, higher efficiency
The optimized bowl and disc geometry significantly increase the clarification area. This enables the GSI 260 skid to separate even the finest particles with greater efficiency – whether in green beer clarification, polishing before filtration, or wort clarification. For breweries, this means more product in the tank and fewer losses in the process.
Gentle, hygienic, low maintenance
The Twin Hydrohermetic replaces conventional seals with two water barriers and a CO₂ gap. This keeps oxygen intake below 5 ppb, protecting beer flavor and shelf life. At the same time, operators avoid costly seal servicing. The hygienic skid design facilitates cleaning and shortens commissioning time.
Direct drive with service advantage
The synchronous direct drive achieves a higher efficiency than flat-belt systems and runs more quietly in a compact design. The entire drive unit can be replaced as a module, reducing downtime. Overall service time is estimated to be around six hours shorter compared to other drive concepts, although the exact figure depends on installation and location.
Resource conservation as standard
Water and energy are major cost factors in beverage production. The GSI 260 addresses both: The GEA Centrifuge Water Saving Unit cuts freshwater use by up to 99.9 percent, while the EngyVac system reduces air resistance in the bowl and lowers drive energy. Even without additional modules, the machine reduces water consumption through intelligent sensor control.
GEA EngyVac is a vacuum pump that reduces air resistance in the bowl, thereby saving drive energy. Shown here is an example of a skimming separator. Source: GEA
Control and smart data
The GSI 260 skid is operated with GEA X-Control, the latest control platform for separators. In the future, it can be linked to the GEA InsightPartner Separation KPIs dashboard, which provides process and consumption data. This includes parameters such as energy use, turbidity, production volumes, CIP and emptying cycles, and potential for energy savings through idle times.
In the future, GEA GSI 260 can be linked to the GEA InsightPartner Separation KPIs dashboard, which provides process and consumption data, a basis for energy-saving operation. Source: GEA
Modular for many applications
Thanks to its modular design, the GSI 260 skid adapts to a wide range of processes – from medium-sized and large breweries to wine, juice and tea producers, as well as manufacturers of plant-based beverages.
“With the GSI 260 skid, we are launching a new generation of centrifuges that ensures product quality, conserves resources and increases serviceability,” says Lukas Weber, Product Manager Beverage Separation at GEA. “Our modular efficiency solutions help customers optimize their processes individually and reduce operating costs in the long term.”
GEA at drinktec 2025: Booth 539, Hall B5
Fanny Foerster
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.
