GEA has introduced Varipond C, a new technical solution for decanter centrifuges that enables simple, fast, and precise adjustment of the separation zone and pond depth. Varipond C ensures consistent separation results and thus a high product yield and quality, for example in beverage, food, and edible oil production, as well as in refineries. It also helps to reduce energy consumption by around 30% compared to conventional centripetal pumps. The system is available for all GEA decanters ranging from CF 3000 to CF 8000 and is suitable for both two-phase and three-phase processes, regardless of decanter size, where users need to respond to varying feed conditions, flow rates, or different starting materials.

Flexibility for varying feed conditions

Natural raw materials are subject to fluctuations in their composition. Factors such as weather conditions or processing times affect the water, oil, and solids content. To ensure consistent separation results, the separation zone in the decanter must be continuously adjusted. With GEA Varipond C, this can be done manually or through automated adjustment during operation – quickly and without interrupting production. This means that pond depth and separation quality can be optimized at any time without compromising the yield and quality of the solid and liquid phases.

Energy efficiency and food-grade design

With Varipond C, the pond depth and separation zone can be precisely adjusted either manually with a handwheel or automatically with a servomotor to optimally adapt the separation process to different operating conditions. At the same time, the system reduces energy consumption by about 30 percent compared to conventional centripetal pumps due to lower friction effects. The food-grade design allows for full CIP cleaning of the Varipond chamber and the use of food-grade lubricants, seals, and materials.

Combination with hydrohermetic sealing

Varipond C can be combined with a hydrohermetic sealing to prevent oxygen intake. This reduces product oxidation and improves quality, which is particularly beneficial in the beverage industry.

GEA Cloud connectivity

Combined with the pre-installed IoT gateway and connection to GEA Cloud, Varipond C enables comprehensive process optimization. GEA Cloud Services collects process and machine data and provides dashboards for real-time and historical data analysis. Based on this information, the Varipond C settings can be optimized for different feed conditions. Users can also store recipes and operating guidelines to make optimal settings reproducible.

Typical applications and successful use of Varipond C

GEA Varipond C can be used in a wide range of applications where a centripetal pump is required. These include processes in the food and beverage industry, in edible oil production, and in refineries. Typical applications are:

• 2-phase / 3-phase wheat starch
• 2-phase / 3-phase animal fats and proteins
• 2-phase olive oil
• Vegetable-based drinks
• Fruit juice
• Oily water, sludge, and refinery oil water

The system is already successfully in use in the processing of starch, animal fats and proteins, as well as in the treatment of oil sludge and oily water from refineries. One example is the treatment of oily water in a refinery in Colombia: two gas-tight ATEX versions of the CF5000 decanter with Varipond C are in use here. The result: a dry solids content of the sludge phase of up to 60 percent by weight.

With GEA Varipond C, separation processes can be flexibly adapted, ensuring consistent efficiency and product quality.

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 is processed with GEA technology. With more than 18,000 employees, the group generated revenues of about EUR 5.5 billion in more than 150 countries in the 2024 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. 

More information can be found online at gea.com.