GEA Integrated Water-Hydraulic Valve Tech
The company has added Hydract water-hydraulic actuation technology to its existing VARIVENT valve product portfolio.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Beer
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GEA has incorporated Hydract water-hydraulic actuation into its VARIVENT valves, replacing traditional compressed air systems. This change aims to improve process efficiency by using water or water-glycol mixtures to hold valve positions.
Why it matters
The technology allows for continuous inline blending, enabling producers to differentiate product variants later in the manufacturing process. By switching to hydraulics, facilities can eliminate the need for compressed air, significantly cutting operational energy usage.
The system allowed a brewery to reduce the number of bright beer tanks from 26 to 14. This Hydract technology is currently available for single-seat, divert, and double-seat valves.
The players
GEA
GEA is a global technology supplier that provides process solutions for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries.
Carlsberg
Carlsberg is a major international brewing company that tested the Hydract technology at its site in Fredericia, Denmark.
The details
The system utilizes a compact pump station that maintains valve stability despite fluctuations in flow rates and pressure. It is compatible with retrofitting on existing process valves, allowing plants to upgrade current setups.
Timeline
The announcement was made on October 5, 2026.
GEA will present the technology at the BrauBeviale trade fair from November 10-12, 2026.
Roadmap
This integration follows a trend of upgrading legacy pneumatic valve systems to more energy-efficient hydraulic alternatives in industrial settings. By optimizing tank utilization and energy consumption, GEA aims to strengthen its position in automated food and beverage processing.
For industrial operators, the transition to water-hydraulic systems can lead to a drastic reduction in daily energy costs and maintenance needs. Retrofitting capabilities mean that existing production lines can be updated without the need for a full infrastructure overhaul.
The takeaway
The move toward water-based hydraulics highlights how small mechanical shifts can drastically improve capacity and energy efficiency in high-volume manufacturing. Operators should evaluate their current compressed air usage to determine if similar hydraulic retrofits could optimize their throughput.
What happens next
GEA is scheduled to present the updated valve technology at the BrauBeviale trade fair in Nuremberg, which takes place from November 10-12, 2026.
Further reading
For more on industry advancements in production, visit our Beer section.
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Will advancements in industrial blending technology lead to more product options for shoppers in the future?
