
During the direct high-heating, steam is injected into the product by means of a DSI unit (DSI = direct steam injector). In this way, the product is suddenly heated and flashed against a low pressure after a very short holding period and in this way it is cooled again just as quickly.
This sterilization process shows significant advantages compared to an indirect high-heating by means of heat exchangers. In case of indirect high heating the holding time at high temperatures is much longer.The short retension time and the possibility to treat high viscous products are the main advantages of this technology.

The new GEA Application and Technology Center (ATC) in Sarstedt, south of Hannover, is neither a showroom nor a substitute for a lab. It is a place for testing, data collection and early decisions. This is where it becomes clear whether a biological concept can become a robust industrial process. That step is bigger than it may seem.