Description

GEA carbonating systems have been designed for continuous high-accurcay carbonation of soft drinks.

Special features and advantages:

  • Single-stage carbonation
  • Measurement of the CO2 content in the product
  • Direct control of the CO2 content
  • CO2-dissolution by means of a special jet nozzle
  • Easy operation
  • Compact factory-tested unit
  • Possible combination with the in-line blending system for the continuous production of finished beverage

Besides the mixing tank, the saturator that is working according to the Venturi principle, is the most essential component of the system. By the aid of a booster pump the ready-mixed beverage is conveyed to the saturator. An optimizing control keeps the flow velocity through the saturator within a constant working range. The partial vacuum generated in the area of the smallest cross-section of the saturator causes a reduction of the pressure level and, thus, involves the desired suction effect for CO2. Apart from that, the short-time increase of the flow velocity guarantees a fine distribution of the CO2 gas and its homogeneous mixing with the product. CO2 is supplied from the pressure tank to the saturator. The constant overpressure of the pressure tank permits an equal carbonation of the beverage. This procedure also ensures a lossfree CO2 supply.
Consequently, the carbonation of the beverage is essentially dependent on the tank pressure that is adjusted according to the desired CO2 setpoint of the specific beverage and that is only slightly higher than the saturating pressure of the product. Moreover, the temperature compensation adapts the pressure in the tank to the saturating curve.
The system is dimensioned subject to the required flow rate of the whole system. For that purpose, the following nominal widths are available: OD2", OD2.5", OD3" and OD4".

The realization of an analysis of the following essential product data is another firm component of the carbonating system:

  • CO2 content
  • Conductivity for the acid content (option)
  • Brix value (option)


These values are acquired and monitored within the predetermined limits. The CO2 content is controlled within parameterizable limits by changing the pressure in the mixing tank.