Seagarden orders further GEA Spray Dryer & adds GEA OptiPartner software solution

As a result of increased demand, the Norwegian-based Seagarden, a major producer of fish-based collagen-peptide, has ordered another FSD Spray Dryer from technology group GEA.

The first installation of the GEA FSD dryer with a capacity of 350kg/h in 2019 was a catalyst for growth. This prompted Seagarden to plan the installation of a further dryer with an increased capacity of more than double. In addition, Seagarden ordered the GEA OptiPartner software solution. The GEA FSD dryer is scheduled to go into production in Q3 2022.

Fish-based collagen-peptide is a hydrolyzed form of collagen extracted from the skins of wild cod and an important ingredient for the food, beverage and cosmetics industries. Prior to working with GEA, Seagarden transported each batch of liquid feed to a toll manufacturer in Sweden – some 1000km away – where a GEA dryer was used to convert it into a preserved and easily transported and marketed powder.

GEA FSD Spray Dryer ensures consistency and quality of product

Since bringing the process in-house, the company has seen a wide variety of benefits – from controlling the process to improving efficiency to enhanced sustainability and reduced transport costs. Going forward, the existing dryer will also be utilized for Seagarden’s other fish-based product ranges, including powders used in the food and beverage industry – bringing greater control over production across its portfolio. Combining spray- and fluid-bed drying, the FSD is designed to provide optimum drying efficiency and best product quality in agglomerated powders, ensuring consistency and quality of the product.

“With the proven success of our first collaboration with GEA, which began back in 2018, we knew we were getting a true partner in production,” said Rune Paulsen, chief executive officer of Seagarden. “Our first Spray Dryer installation not only drove our business forward in terms of capacity but also impressed our customers, who experienced first-hand our willingness to invest in the future of this industry. GEA has been with us side-by-side throughout. The new dryer with advanced software will enable us to enhance our service to our customers further and also to ensure we are fully prepared for the next phase in our growth.”

Software enhancements will drive further efficiencies

In addition, Seagarden has ordered GEA OptiPartner, a software solution that combines GEAs process design and operation know-how with remote service and plant monitoring to achieve continuous improvement of plant productivity. The software functions as an additional layer on top of the existing control system to maintain optimal performance. It utilizes advanced technologies in the fields of machine learning algorithms and digital twinning to control real-time optimizers. This ensures improved stability and efficiency of the process.

Morten Lykke Poulsen, area sales manager at GEA commented, “GEA OptiPartner is a dynamic model that is fully integrated into the control system to continuously monitor and adjust process parameters at intervals of every 10-15 seconds. It is like always having an extremely perceptive pair of eyes on your line, which can also see into the near future, providing advanced predictive capabilities that deliver process stability and optimization. This, in turn, enables production staff to focus on overall production conditions and other important value-added operational tasks. For Seagarden, GEA OptiPartner will add considerable value as the company scales up operationally, and we are proud to be continuing our excellent working partnership.”