Trade press release
August 19, 2025
Mechanical engineering company GEA is driving forward its innovation strategy in the field of water and wastewater treatment through decanter centrifuges by acquiring the established Flocmix brand. With the integration of this highly specialized mixing and sensor technology into its portfolio, GEA is focusing on greater efficiency, process reliability, and automation for municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants.
One of the key components is the Flocmix centrate sensor, which monitors the quality of the centrate leaving the decanter in real time. If the sensor detects turbidity or a change in color, it automatically adjusts the operating parameters of the centrifuge. This maximizes solids retention and effluent quality while reducing resource consumption and operating costs.
This technology is already being used successfully in GEA OptiPartner Intellicant, an intelligent, modular upgrade kit for GEA decanters that combines sensor technology, AI-supported control (“Virtual Operator”) and real-time transparency. GEA Intellicant automates routine tasks, continuously optimizes the dry substance in the sludge, and stabilizes the centrate quality while reducing the amount of work required. The system also provides monthly performance reports and contributes significantly to cost transparency: just one percent more dry substance can save tens of thousands of euros in disposal costs per year.
“Flocmix stands for proven and intelligent solutions in wastewater technology – and is therefore a perfect fit for our strategic orientation,” emphasizes Henni Weweler, Head of GEA's Business Line Environment. “With this acquisition, we are further expanding our portfolio of smart decanter systems and creating additional value for operators worldwide who want to run their plants more efficiently, reliably, and sustainably.”
The acquisition of Flocmix ensures the seamless transition of expertise, service, and product development and enables GEA to build on Flocmix's existing technical foundation and many years of project experience. The established structures at the site in northern Germany ensure that customers will continue to benefit from proven quality, fast response times, and individual support.
With the integration of Flocmix products, GEA is not only expanding its technical portfolio but also strengthening its role as a driving force for innovation in water and wastewater technology. Customers will benefit from an even broader range of solutions from a single source – from precise sensor technology to fully automated decanter solutions – to operate their plants more sustainably, efficiently, and future-proof.
GEA is one of the world’s largest suppliers of systems and components to the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries.