GEA Unveils RAY® Plus Freeze Dryers to Revolutionize Energy Efficiency and Hygiene in Food Processing

GEA Unveils RAY® Plus Freeze Dryers to Revolutionize Energy Efficiency and Hygiene in Food Processing

(IN BRIEF) GEA has launched its next-generation RAY® Plus series of batch freeze dryers, engineered to enhance energy efficiency, hygiene, and flexibility in food processing applications. Featuring modular cabinet designs, optimized vapor flow, and advanced pressure control, the RAY® Plus series is ideal for a wide range of foods, from fruits to ready meals. GEA will debut the series at Fi Europe in Frankfurt, offering live presentations on its technological benefits.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜSSELDORF, 30-Oct-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — GEA has unveiled its new RAY® Plus series of batch freeze dryers, specifically designed to boost efficiency and hygiene for the food processing industry. Leveraging over seven decades of expertise in freeze-dryer technology, the RAY® Plus offers innovative features that address the growing demand for energy-efficient and flexible freeze-drying solutions across various food applications, from fruits and vegetables to pet foods, meats, and ready meals.

The RAY® Plus series features a modular cabinet design ranging from 45m² to 180m² with layered heating plates, allowing configurations of up to six connected cabinets for efficient production. With advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling, GEA has optimized vapor flow and pressure control, reducing pressure drop within the cabinet by nearly 50% over previous models. This results in greater operational efficiency and energy savings, with options to integrate modern cooling technologies like heat pumps. Additionally, the system allows for high sublimation rates and supports higher batch capacities while operating at lower temperatures.

Designed with hygiene in mind, the RAY® Plus cabinets feature an efficient washdown system with directed drainage and optional vacuum drying to clear residual water. The user-friendly interface on each unit enables easy operation with remote access, while an integrated camera monitors cabinet activity.

GEA will showcase the RAY® Plus series at the upcoming Fi Europe fair in Frankfurt from November 19-21, 2024, where experts will provide detailed presentations on the technology’s impact on vapor flow and pressure dynamics in freeze-drying.

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. With more than 18,000 employees, the group generated revenues of about EUR 5.4 billion in more than 150 countries in the 2023 fiscal year. GEA plants, processes, components and services enhance the efficiency and sustainability of customer’s 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 among the companies comprising the DAX 50 ESG, MSCI Global Sustainability as well as Dow Jones Sustainability World and Dow Jones Sustainability Europe Indices.

Media Contact:

Nicole Hoffmann
Trade Press for Dairy Processing and Food
Phone: +49 (0)211 9136-1503

SOURCE: GEA Group