GEA Introduces Advanced Separator for Citrus Juice Processing Amid Raw Material Volatility

GEA has unveiled the GSE 150 CPR, a new separator specifically designed for medium-capacity citrus juice processors facing challenges due to fluctuating raw material quality. The separator's unique technology allows for continuous pulp removal under pressure, maintaining process stability even with highly variable solids content. According to GEA, this innovation enables the machine to process approximately 50% more product than conventional separators of similar size.

In Brazil, the world's largest orange juice producer, around 48% of the Citrus Belt is affected by HLB (citrus greening), making process stability crucial. The GSE 150 CPR addresses these challenges by reducing the number of necessary solid discharges to two to four per hour, compared to up to 30 discharges with traditional separators. This results in fewer process interruptions and less juice loss.

The separator is equipped with an optional automatic pulp control system, which can adjust the pulp flow based on discharge viscosity. This feature is particularly beneficial for producers catering to markets with specific pulp content requirements, as it minimizes changeover times and product losses.

Capable of processing up to 17,000 liters per hour for orange juice and up to 12,000 liters per hour for lemon juice, the GSE 150 CPR is suitable for various citrus juices, including orange, grapefruit, and lemon. It is also applicable for pulp washing processes and cloudy peel extracts.

Technical aspects of the machine include components made from stainless steel, compliance with food processing requirements, and full CIP (Clean-In-Place) capability. The separator is powered by a low-maintenance flat belt drive on a 30-kilowatt three-phase motor, with the bowl rotating at 5,300 revolutions per minute.