The MSE membrane filter press technology, a revolution in recycling

Riccardo Rumé of MSE Filterpressen GmbH elucidates how the membrane chamber filter press technology is pioneering the future of recycling, leveraging a circular, environmentally friendly process that exemplifies the potential of modern recycling.

In a world where environmental responsibility is no longer optional but essential, the RCO Recycling Center in Eastern Switzerland is setting a new standard. With its advanced wet-mechanical processing plant, the facility efficiently reclaims mineral construction waste, giving materials a second life while reducing the environmental impact of construction. This innovation’s heart is the breakthrough membrane chamber filter press by MSE Filterpressen GmbH, a technological marvel that redefines recycling.

The MSE membrane filter press

Technical specifications

Powered by the MSE 2FAST Discharge Technology, the filter press is a tailor-made system meticulously designed to integrate perfectly into the RCO’s fully automated processes. The dual-sided feed system ensures uniform sludge distribution, remarkably optimising cycle times and boosting productivity.

Weighing 85 tons, the filter is 16 m long, 4 m wide, and 3 m tall. It consists of 130 plates of size 2×2 m. At an operating pressure of 15 bar, the filter has a capacity of approximately 12,000 L chamber volume and a filter area of 850 m2. It also comprises an automatic filter cake release (shaker), automatic swing drip plate, automatic cloth cleaning, an industrial router for remote maintenance, membrane break detectors, and real-time residual moisture measurement.

Function

The MSE membrane filter performs the critical task of sludge dewatering with unparalleled precision.

The RCO plant processes approximately 200,000 tons of contaminated excavation and demolition material every year. This advanced membrane technology extracts water from sludge and produces a filter cake with a remarkably high dry solids content. The filter’s job is not just about drying sludge—it is about transforming waste into valuable resources. The filter cake, comprising ultra-fine particles unfit for concrete production, serves a higher purpose; the pollutants embedded within are removed from the material cycle and neutralised permanently.

Much of this filter cake is repurposed as a raw material for cement production. This safeguards primary resources that would otherwise have to be extracted from the earth. The rest is used in landfill construction, vital in sealing and compartmentalising waste.

The i-Plate, smart filtration for a smarter future

In collaboration with LENSER Filtration, MSE Filterpressen GmbH has introduced the ground-breaking i-Plate technology, an intelligent filtration system equipped with embedded sensors that measure filter cake moisture in real time. The system dynamically moderates the dewatering process by continuously analysing these readings to maximise efficiency while minimising water consumption. This adaptive capability enables RCO to handle fluctuations in material composition efficiently, ensuring consistent quality regardless of input variability.

Sustainability at its core

Throughout the recycling process, the facility relies on rainwater, which is repeatedly treated and reused, eliminating the need for freshwater consumption. By conserving water, reducing emissions, and recovering valuable materials, MSE Filterpressen GmbH is facilitating RCO’s redefining environmentally conscious construction practices. Key sustainability achievements include water recycling, resource preservation, and emission reduction.

The filter cake, once an unwanted by-product of sludge processing, is now a valuable raw material in cement production and landfill construction. Contaminants are safely neutralised during cement production, ensuring the recycling cycle remains uncontaminated and environmentally safe.

A vision for a greener tomorrow

The success of this project is the result of a dynamic partnership between RCO, Frei Fördertechnik AG, LENSER Filtration GmbH, and MSE Filterpressen GmbH. It proves what can be achieved when expertise, ingenuity, and a shared commitment to sustainability converge. The advanced filter press technology at RCO is testimony to the fact that economic efficiency and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive but two sides of the same coin.

For more details, visit: https://mse-filterpressen.com/