The production of starter cultures can be divided into two sections. After cultivation in fermenters, the bacteria must be processed and separated from the fermentation solution. This consists of the nurtured lactobacilli and the remainder of the nutrient solution including the produced lactic acid. Firstly, the micro-organisms are separated and concentrated from the liquid phase. Nozzle and self-cleaning disc separators in steam-sterilized design are available for this step of the process. The concentrated lactobacilli then pass to a freeze-drier. Finally, the cultures are packaged under oxygen exclusion and stored at low temperatures. This retains their activity for months before they are processed, e. g. as “live cultures” in probiotic yogurts.
Sterility and Careful Treatment
The careful treatment of the living micro-organisms, sterility and a high separation efficiency are prerequisite to the economical, reliable and efficient processing. The separators from GEA employed in this production process are therefore equipped with hydrohermetic product feed systems which minimize the shear forces when the product enters the bowl and therefore guarantee the high vitality of the cells.
Products & Technologies
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Aseptic valves & components
Aseptic valves face exceptionally high demands within UltraClean and Aseptic processes. You can be assured that they all provide highest quality in terms of hygienic design and sustainability.
Centrifugal Separator
GEA separators are designed for liquid-based applications. Using centrifugal force, they are used for separating suspensions consisting of two or more phases of different densities, i.e. they can be used for liquid-liquid separation, for liquid-liquid-solid separation or for liquid-solid separation. They are equally as effective at separating liq...
CIP/SIP Solutions
Innovative CIP concepts of GEA meet comprehensive high standards. Our experts guarantee product safety at every point of the process. Every upgrade is adapted to individual local conditions and customer requirements and leads to noticeable savings.
Hygienic pumps
GEA Hilge offers a versatile range of centrifugal and positive displacement pumps for a wide variety of sensitive applications in the beverage, food and pharmaceutical industries.
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GEA Insights
The breakthrough that changed spray drying
In 1976, NIRO engineers responded to a competitive challenge by rethinking what spray drying could do. Their idea became the multi-stage dryer MSD. Fifty years later, the same fundamental principle helps turn liquids into the powders used in essential nutrition products and important medicines around the world. Refined through decades of engineering expertise, customer insight and continuous development, MSD is a story of innovation with lasting impact.
Beyond the machine: unlocking better plant performance
An efficient machine does not automatically make an efficient factory. Real improvement often starts by looking beyond individual equipment and understanding how processes, energy systems and operating decisions affect one another. It’s a holistic approach designed to uncover opportunities that might otherwise be missed.
How a valve reshapes the way food and drinks are made
In food and beverage plants, valves are commonly operated using compressed air. GEA Hydract® Actuation Technology moves valves with water instead, in a closed, digitally controlled circuit. The result is a valve that can be held exactly in place and steered in fine-tuned steps. This results in lower energy use and greater control.
