At drinktec 2025 GEA unveils GSI 260 skid separator with 99.9% water reduction technology
German engineering firm GEA is introducing its GSI 260 skid separator at drinktec 2025, promising higher yields and reduced resource consumption for beverage manufacturers. The new centrifuge features direct drive technology and modular efficiency systems designed to optimise production whilst minimising environmental impact.
Enhanced clarification performance drives efficiency gains
The GSI 260 skid incorporates optimised bowl and disc geometry that significantly increases the clarification area compared to previous models. This design enhancement enables more efficient separation of fine particles across multiple beverage applications, including green beer clarification, wort processing, and pre-filtration polishing operations.
For brewery operations, the increased clarification capacity translates to higher product recovery rates and reduced process losses. The separator’s enhanced performance parameters make it suitable for medium to large-scale production facilities processing beer, wine, juice, tea, and plant-based beverages.
Direct drive system reduces maintenance requirements
The centrifuge utilises a synchronous direct drive system that delivers higher efficiency than conventional flat-belt configurations whilst operating more quietly in a compact footprint. A key maintenance advantage lies in the modular drive unit design, which allows complete replacement as a single component.
“With the GSI 260 skid, we are launching a new generation of centrifuges that ensures product quality, conserves resources and increases serviceability,” explains Lukas Weber, Product Manager Beverage Separation at GEA. “Our modular efficiency solutions help customers optimise their processes individually and reduce operating costs in the long term.”
According to GEA’s specifications, the modular drive replacement reduces overall service time by approximately six hours compared to alternative drive concepts, though exact durations depend on installation specifics and facility location.
Water and energy conservation technologies
The GSI 260 skid incorporates two primary resource conservation systems as standard equipment. The GEA Centrifuge Water Saving Unit achieves freshwater consumption reductions of up to 99.9%, whilst the EngyVac system reduces air resistance within the bowl to lower drive energy requirements.
Additional sensor-controlled systems optimise cooling and control water usage patterns without requiring supplementary modules. These integrated efficiency measures address two major cost factors in beverage production operations.
Product quality protection through twin hydrohermetic sealing
The separator employs Twin Hydrohermetic technology, which replaces conventional seals with dual water barriers and a CO₂ gap system. This configuration maintains oxygen intake levels below 5 parts per billion, protecting flavour profiles and extending shelf life parameters for oxygen-sensitive beverages.
The hygienic skid design facilitates cleaning protocols and reduces commissioning timeframes whilst eliminating costly seal maintenance requirements associated with traditional sealing methods.
Advanced control integration and data analytics
The GSI 260 operates through GEA X-Control, the company’s latest separator control platform. Future integration capabilities include connection to GEA InsightPartner Separation KPIs dashboard system, providing real-time and historical process monitoring.
Available data parameters encompass energy consumption, turbidity measurements, production volumes, cleaning-in-place cycles, emptying sequences, and energy-saving potential identification during idle periods.
The modular design philosophy enables adaptation across a range of beverage processing applications, from traditional brewing and winemaking to emerging plant-based beverage manufacturing sectors.
GEA is showcasing the GSI 260 skid at drinktec 2025, booth 539, Hall 5 – from 15-19 September at the Trade Fair Centre Messe München.
- For more information, visit: https://www.gea.com/en/index.jsp
