Trade press release
October 31, 2024
At the Automation Fair GEA and Rockwell Automation will demonstrate the advantages of the new system architecture using the Plug & Win I separator, designed for craft breweries and cider producers. Source: GEA
“For our new control generation GEA X Control, it was important to us that operation and design are standardized, regardless of the underlying system architecture or manufacturer,” emphasizes Dieter Hille, Vice President Automation & Controls, at GEA Separation. GEA centrifuges have been equipped with Rockwell Automation controls for many years.
The development of the new control technology was the result of close cooperation between GEA and Rockwell Automation experts from Germany, India and the USA. Together, the network developed the new Rockwell Automation-based software for GEA X Control, bringing it to market readiness. As part of the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Partner Program, Rockwell Automation awarded GEA Gold Member status, recognizing its innovation leadership.
“We are delighted to have GEA at our side as a strong practical partner with outstanding application expertise,” says Stefan Kösters, Global Strategic Account Manager at Rockwell Automation. “Our shared goal is to elevate automation, regardless of the size of plant size, and to provide competitive advantages for our customers.”
At the Automation Fair GEA and Rockwell Automation will demonstrate the advantages of the new system architecture using the Plug & Win I separator, designed for craft breweries and cider producers. The FactoryTalk Optix software enhances HMI and data visualization, expanding connection capabilities into a cloud architecture. It enables integration into smart machine, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), edge computing, data management and AI to monitor drive technology via FactoryTalk Analytics GuardianAI from Rockwell Automation.
For customers, this means a consistent interface and experience, whether they operate GEA centrifuges in the USA or Europe. FactoryTalk Optix also accelerates value creation through cutting-edge technologies, helping customers significantly improve processes and efficiency. Interested visitors can view the exhibit in the Industry Pavilion, OEM - Machine Builders.
GEA X-Control leverages the open automation standard MTP (Module Type Packaging). At the event, GEA and Rockwell Automation will demonstrate how plug-and-produce solution, based on the MTP network protocol, standardizes data exchange between the automation and engineering systems. This simplifies the integration of separators into existing production environments, reducing implementation time and increasing production flexibility.
The displayed separator is also available as a complete Eplan project. Eplan, a leading provider of electrical engineering software solutions for machine, plant and control cabinet construction, created the centrifuge’s control system as a digital twin. This twin is the basis for automated data exchange between PLC and Rockwell Automation’s Studio 5000 via the AML interface. Through Eplan’s augmented reality-based eViewAR solution, the project can be viewed directly at the control cabinet, even with the door closed. This ensures a continuous data flow from engineering to service.
The partnership between GEA, Rockwell Automation and Eplan is another important step in the digitalization and modularization of production processes. GEA has already implemented similar collaborations, particularly in MTP and system-independent programming. Initial pilot systems are already successfully operating at customer sites.
GEA es uno de los mayores proveedores para la industria alimentaria y para muchos otros sectores de la industria. En 2019 generó unos ingresos consolidados de 4.900 millones de euros aproximadamente.