GEA, a global leader in food and dairy processing solutions, has launched the RAY Plus series, its next generation batch freeze dryers that aims to provide a more flexible and efficient solution for the food industry
The series offers a cabinet size range of 45m² to 180m², with heating plates in layers of 10, 15, or 20, and condensers on both sides. These cabinets can be combined in groups of up to six, sharing a common control and support system to improve operational efficiency and ensure even load distribution across the production floor.
GEA has also developed a proprietary Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) model that precisely calculates the flow dynamics and pressure losses under deep vacuum within the freeze dryer cabinet, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. This ensures a nearly 50% reduction in pressure drop compared to previous models.
The new series can be integrated with existing RAY freeze dryers and connected to various cooling and heating solutions. Operating at lower temperatures with higher batch loads, the RAY Plus achieves the same daily capacity with reduced energy consumption.
Additional advantages of the series include cabinets designed for efficient washdown; an intuitive user interface making it easy to operate and offering remote access; and the use of trolleys running on GEA’s proven rail system with 80 mm stainless steel pipes.
A new generation of bath freeze dryers
The system’s flexibility allows for high sublimation rates (>3 kg/m²h) or higher capacity at low vacuum (
