Hydrohermetic seal boosts beverage separator performance

By Rory Harrington

- Last updated on GMT

Hydrohermetic seal boosts beverage separator performance
High throughput capacity, versatility and a special feature to enhance gentle handling of product are benefits of a new separator for clarifying wine, grape must and fruit juice, said manufacturers GEA Westphalia.

The German-based company said its GSE 100 separator has a capacity of 20,000 litres/hour (l/h) for clarifying wine, and a 10,000 l/h capacity for other beverages. This feature means that a greater amount of produce that can be processed by the equipment, said the firm. GEA said the system completes its so-called ‘hyvol’​ line in the medium capacity range.

The system is also results in low solid concentration and, thanks to its sliding piston discharge system design, results in dry (DM) content of around 22 per cent. The company emphasised the machine’s versatility as it can be used for a variety of functions such as clarifiers and polishers.

GEA said the system’s hydrohermetic sealed product feed and discharge enhances gentle product treatment and minimises oxygen intake. The bowl is self-cleaning which means it is suitable for cleaning-in-place maintenance. The vessel is opened and closed hydraulically for the ejection of solids and the closed feed and discharge lines minimise the intake of oxygen.

The use of the hydrohermetic reduces the “negative impact of shearing forces, resulting in optimum separating performance and product quality,”​ said a company statement.

The replacement, in general, of mechanical slide ring packings with liquid seals leads to “completely maintenance-free operation”​ and cuts out the need for cooling water in the apparatus, said GEA. The high-speed discharge valves help minimise product losses on emptying the separator.

Flat belt and optional turnkey block valve

The equipment is driven by a three-phase motor via a low-wear flat belt. All components which come into contact with the product are made from stainless steel, and the seals comply with the requirements applicable in food operations, added the firm.

A turnkey block for process control can also be provided as an optional extra – which enhances the clarification process. This feature comprises the turbidity measurement facility, the feed and discharge valves, the rinsing water connection and sewage discharge, a flow regulator and speed measuring device as well as the vibration monitoring facility and solids pump.

“Various parameters can thus be monitored, for instance the clarified liquid, the bowl discharge, speed, lubrication oil flow or vibration,”​ said GEA.

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