Pilot-scale process line for beverage science: GEA supplies scalable plant to Geisenheim University
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How do you train the next generation of beverage professionals? At Geisenheim University, students work with real industrial processes – scaled down, modular, and hands-on. GEA has supplied a flexible pilot-scale system tailored to education and research. A strong example of how academia and industry collaborate through smart process design.
Process technology for research and teaching
Pilot-scale process line for beverage science: GEA supplies scalable plant to Geisenheim University
Düsseldorf (Germany), September 29, 2025 – GEA is supporting hands-on training at Geisenheim University with process technology specifically designed for research and teaching. For the newly opened Beverage Technology Center (GTZ), the engineering group supplied a multipurpose plant that replicates industrial beverage processes on a small scale – flexible in use, broadly applicable, and designed to support both teaching and applied research.
GEA technology makes processes visible and understandable
GEA’s pilot-scale solution combines industrial process standards with didactic accessibility. It consists of a flash pasteurizer, a cleaning-in-place (CIP) and sterilization-in-place (SIP) system, a carbonator, an automated interconnection matrix, and a separator suitable for fruit juice, beer, and wine applications. All components are skid-mounted, with an integrated maintenance walkway for optimal access – a setup specifically adapted to the demands of university-based operations.
“Students should learn how processes work – and how to design them,” says Astrid Heller, project manager at GEA and expert for non-alcoholic beverage processing. “With this setup, they can modify process sequences, understand control points, and at the same time gain insights into the hygiene and efficiency standards of industrial production.”
The automated interconnection matrix allows specific process steps to be switched on or off, enabling students and faculty to construct, modify, and analyze entire process chains. This flexibility enables a learning experience that goes far beyond conventional training models.
“Our students not only experience real industrial automation here, but also develop a deep understanding of the logic and structure of modern beverage production – from pasteurization to filling,” explains Michael Ludwig, head of the GTZ at Geisenheim University.
“We aim to train the people who will move the industry forward – in production, innovation, and product development.”
Transfer platform for academia, research, and industry
The GTZ is designed as an open center for technology and knowledge transfer. In addition to university students, the infrastructure is also used by collaborating research institutes, industrial partners, and – via Germany’s federal vocational class for fruit juice technology – even vocational school programs. Continuing education courses, technical workshops, and joint pilot projects help ensure that knowledge transfer is active and ongoing. With this approach, the GTZ strengthens Geisenheim’s position as one of Germany’s leading centers for beverage education and applied development – both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
GEA was involved early in the project’s system planning. Even before construction began, requirements related to utilities, automation, and process integration were jointly defined – a model for successful collaboration between academia and industry.
Pilot-scale systems: a growing strategic area
For GEA, the Geisenheim project exemplifies a growing application field: scaled-down process lines for research, education, and product development. The combination of industrial-grade automation, didactic accessibility, and flexible multipurpose design makes these systems increasingly relevant – not only at universities, but also in pilot labs and innovation hubs across the beverage industry.
NOTES TO THE EDITOR
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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. For instance, every second pharma separator for essential healthcare products such as vaccines or novel biopharmaceuticals is produced by GEA. In food, every fourth package of pasta or every third chicken nugget are processed with GEA technology. With more than 18,000 employees, the group generated revenues of about EUR 5.5 billion in more than 150 countries in the 2024 fiscal year. GEA plants, processes, components and services enhance the efficiency and sustainability of customers’ 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 DAX, the European STOXX® Europe 600 Index and is also a constituent of the leading sustainability indices DAX 50 ESG, MSCI Global Sustainability and Dow Jones Best-in-Class World.
More information can be found online at gea.com.
About the GEA Foundation
The GEA Foundation, established in 2025 by GEA Group, supports global and local projects in STEM education, child poverty reduction, infrastructure access and disaster relief. Through its Mission 30 strategy, GEA commits to donating one percent of annual net profit to build resilient communities.
More information can be found online at gea.com/foundation.
