GEA supplies two plants for waste heat utilisation to India and Italy

Düsseldorf, September 3, 2018 – GEA supplies Saint-Gobain with two Waste Heat Recovery Systems (WHRS) each for the utilisation of waste heat from the float glass production lines in Pisa, Italy and Sriperumbudur, India. Commissioning is planned for the first half of 2019. GEA technology makes it possible to generate electricity and compressed air from otherwise unused waste heat from the production process. Saint-Gobain can significantly improve energy efficiency in production and conserve resources with this GEA solution.

The existing gas cleaning plant in Pisa will be integrated with the GEA WHRS. In Sriperumbudur the newly built gas cleaning plant supplied by GEA will also be equipped with the GEA WHRS. The reasons for going for a WHRS are different – in India the electric power supply for the plant will be insured, while for the Pisa plant the supply of compressed air was an important factor as well as the supply of thermal power for building heating. However what both plants have in common is the choice of GEA as a competent and reliable supplier by Saint-Gobain. One important reason being the technical know-how of GEA, having successfully commissioned a WHRS with thermal oil loop and electric power production via an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) in 2012 in the glass industry.

In a waste heat recovery system, thermal power is transferred from the waste gas to a heat carrier by heat exchangers (called waste heat recovery unit – WHRU). This heat carrier is, due to the temperatures, thermal oil. Via the heat carrier cycle the thermal power is transferred to an ORC. The ORC, similar to traditional steam cycles, generates electric power via a turbine and a generator. However instead of water, an organic medium is being used.

Furthermore, the turbine may be coupled with a compressor for producing compressed air, which will be the case for the Pisa plant as an innovative novelty. Both the generator as well as the compressor are installed on the turbine shaft. Thus no further unnecessary efficiency losses are created for running the compressor.

GEA is represented with a booth at glasstec 2018 from October 23 to 26 at the Düsseldorf trade fair. Visit us in hall 14, booth F49.

About GEA

GEA is one of the largest suppliers for the food processing industry and a wide range of other industries that generated consolidated revenues of approximately EUR 4.6 billion in 2017. The international technology group focuses on process technology, components and sustainable energy solutions for sophisticated production processes in various end-user markets. The group generates around 70 percent of its revenue in the food and beverages sector that enjoys long-term sustainable growth. As of December 31, 2017, the company employed almost 18,000 people worldwide. GEA is a market and technology leader in its business areas. The company is listed on the German MDAX (G1A, WKN 660 200). In addition, GEA’s stock is included in the MSCI Global Sustainability Indexes. Further information is available on the Internet at gea.com.