Trade press release
New valve technology from GEA reduces microbiological risks in spray drying process
September 16, 2024
GEA, a leading global provider of food and dairy processing solutions, introduces its patented CONTA dual block valve technology for spray dryers. Continuing its commitment to improving the safety, efficiency and environmental sustainability of food and dairy processing, this new system is designed to reduce microbiological risks, ensuring safer and more efficient processing operations.
The GEA CONTA dual block valve technology reduces microbiological risks, ensures safer and more efficient processing in spray drying operations. Source: GEA
Improved sanitary design enhances product safety
The CONTA dual block valve receives feed from the feed supply system and distributes it to multiple atomizer nozzles, which then spray the feed into the drying chamber. Compared to traditional designs, this new design reduces the areas where feed can accumulate by up to 96 percent, allowing for more efficient cleaning in place (CIP) and reducing microbiological risks. The CONTA dual block valve system improves sanitary operation and provides greater process and product safety.
Supporting continuous operation and operator safety
Each valve weighs approximately half the weight of traditional systems, making it easier and safer to handle. The design eliminates the use of external welded manifolds, allowing manual inspection and maintenance with simple tools. This simplified inspection and maintenance supports 24/7 operation and reduces plant downtime.
Fast configuration and installation
The standardized CONTA dual block valve unit can be easily configured for both new and existing spray drying systems. This ensures minimal disruption and quick installation, allowing plants to resume operations quickly. Retrofitting to existing spray dryers is straightforward, often requiring only minor programming changes.
Nicole Hoffmann
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.
