GEA’s new series of KOB homogenizers

With the KOB product family, GEA has introduced a new, cost-effective series of high-pressure homogenizers covering pressures up to 400 bar. The KOB series was developed to provide operators of small and medium-sized production plants with access to industrial performance at an attractive investment.

The KOB 11, 22, 45, and 90 models offer a compact, hygienic, and flexible solution for a wide range of applications in the food, beverage, chemical, and personal care industries – including homogenization and spray dryer feeding. The optimized design, low noise emissions, easy maintenance access, and energy-efficient operation ensure significant added value in both existing plants and new production lines.

Designed for high performance: up to 400 bar and variable valve designs

KOB homogenizers are based on a robust, high-pressure design for up to 400 bar and ensure uniform, efficient homogenization even with demanding, medium-viscosity, and abrasive products. For diverse process requirements, higher-performance homogenizing valves and particularly wear-resistant materials are available as options, extending service life with highly abrasive formulations. The standard version utilizes economical, wear-resistant components suitable for less demanding, non-abrasive products, offering a cost-effective solution.

Compact design for high efficiency, low noise emissions and low operating costs

The KOB series  is designed for users who require on-demand homogenization performance in confined spaces. Its compact design is based on an optimized crankcase and gearbox concept, enabling high mechanical efficiency while simultaneously minimizing heat, noise, and vibration. Since the drive unit requires neither oil cooling nor forced ventilation, the need for auxiliary components is significantly reduced. This lowers installation and maintenance costs as well as energy and operating resource consumption.

A newly developed machine frame and a correspondingly designed enclosure, conceived using modern structural analyses, further contribute to low vibration levels and high long-term stability. The use of poppet valves improves flow control and process stability during feeding, significantly reduces noise and cavitation, and increases both volumetric efficiency and component service life.

The result is a homogenizer series that reduces energy consumption, simplifies daily operation and maintenance, and minimizes downtime. Thanks to their small footprint and minimal maintenance clearance, KOB machines are equally suitable for new installations and for replacing existing homogenizers – without extensive modifications to the plant layout.

Hygienic, CIP/SIP-compatible design

All KOB models are consistently designed to meet stringent hygiene requirements. They are CIP and SIP capable and can be configured to comply with 3-A hygiene standards. Full-stroke, dampable sterile chambers ensure aseptic product handling. To support process automation and monitoring, the machines can be equipped with a pressure gauge for the second homogenization stage, as well as pressure transmitters at both homogenization stages and at the product outlet.

This makes KOB homogenizers suitable for a wide range of applications, including milk and dairy ingredients, beverages, plant-based formulations, and selected chemical, personal care, and cosmetic products – in manual, semi-automated, and fully automated production lines.

Modular automation for easy integration

The KOB series covers various levels of automation – from simple motor starter solutions to complete PLC/HMI controllers. Interfaces for plant communication enable integration into SCADA systems and higher-level plant control. This allows operators to implement the appropriate level of digitalization for their operations. The modular design ensures short installation times and straightforward retrofitting in existing production lines.