GEA, one of the world's leading suppliers of process technology, will showcase a GEA separator skid at this year's Rockwell Automation Inc. Automation Fair in Anaheim, California (November 18-21). The skid is controlled by Rockwell Automation's latest hardware and software solutions like FactoryTalk Optix. Rockwell Automation, one of the world's largest industrial automation and digital transformation companies, marks an important milestone in its partnership with GEA for centrifuge control and digitalization technologies.

“For our new control generation GEA X Control, it was important to us that operation and design are standardized, regardless of the underlying system architecture or manufacturer,” emphasizes Dieter Hille, vice president Automation & Controls, at GEA Separation. GEA centrifuges have been equipped with Rockwell Automation controls for many years.

GEA becomes Gold OEM Member of Rockwell Automation

The development of the new control technology was the result of close cooperation between GEA and Rockwell Automation experts from Germany, India and the USA. Together, the network developed the new Rockwell Automation-based software for GEA X Control, bringing it to market readiness. As part of the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Partner Program, GEA Rockwell Automation awarded Gold Member status, recognizing its innovation leadership.

“We are delighted to have GEA at our side as a strong practical partner with outstanding application expertise,” says Stefan Kösters, Global Strategic account manager at Rockwell Automation. “Our shared goal is to elevate automation, regardless of the size of plant size, and to provide competitive advantages for our customers.”

Showcasing GEA X Control with FactoryTalk Optix software

At the Automation Fair GEA and Rockwell Automation will demonstrate the advantages of the new system architecture using the Plug & Win I separator, designed for craft breweries and cider producers. The FactoryTalk Optix software enhances HMI and data visualization, expanding connection capabilities into a cloud architecture. It enables integration into smart machine, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), edge computing, data management and AI to monitor drive technology via FactoryTalk Analytics GuardianAI from Rockwell Automation.

For customers, this means a consistent interface and experience, whether they operate GEA centrifuges in the USA or Europe. FactoryTalk Optix also accelerates value creation through cutting-edge technologies, helping customers significantly improve processes and efficiency. Interested visitors can view the exhibit in the Industry Pavilion, OEM - Machine Builders.

Integration and standardization with MTP

GEA X-Control leverages the open automation standard MTP (Module Type Packaging). At the event, GEA and Rockwell Automation will demonstrate how plug-and-produce solution, based on the MTP network protocol, standardizes data exchange between the automation and engineering systems. This simplifies the integration of separators into existing production environments, reducing implementation time and increasing production flexibility.

The displayed separator is also available as a complete Eplan project. Eplan, a leading provider of electrical engineering software solutions for machine, plant and control cabinet construction, created the centrifuge’s control system as a digital twin. This twin is the basis for automated data exchange between PLC and Rockwell Automation’s Studio 5000 via the AML interface. Through Eplan’s augmented reality-based eViewAR solution, the project can be viewed directly at the control cabinet, even with the door closed. This ensures a continuous data flow from engineering to service.

Focus on digitalization and modularization

The partnership between GEA, Rockwell Automation and Eplan is another important step in the digitalization and modularization of production processes. GEA has already implemented similar collaborations, particularly in MTP and system-independent programming. Initial pilot systems are already successfully operating at customer sites.