CDE installs its largest ProPress in Australia
The X5 ProPress filter recycles 95% of processed water to be immediately used in the washing process
CDE will install its first X5 ProPress in Australia in the coming months, marking the first commissioning of this technology globally.
Unveiled at Hillhead in Buxton, England, last year, CDE's ProPress represents a new generation of filter press technology that delivers operational efficiency and enhanced water recovery.
CDE's ProPress X5
James Murphy, CDE's head of business development for Asia Pacific, is proud to see the first installation of the ProPress X5: "The ProPress is our response to minimizing freshwater dependency and maximizing water recycling, all while improving processing capacity, reducing operating costs, and minimizing maintenance downtime. This technology will be key for our customers in regions where water resources are particularly scarce."
Maximizing resource, minimizing water usage
In natural processing, the ProPress is a helpful solution for water and tailings management, especially in operations aiming to eliminate tailings dams and reduce environmental impact. Dry tailings are easier to handle, transport, and store.
This process allows for better use of available land, especially in space-constrained sites or urban operations. In addition, the water extracted during the filtration process is clean enough to be recycled back into the plant, reducing freshwater demand and improving overall water efficiency.
Designed to operate in conjunction with an existing plant, CDE's ProPress allows up to 95 percent of processed water to be recycled for immediate reuse in the wash plant.
Unlike traditional filter presses, the system is dual feed, meaning sludge is fed from both sides of the ProPress for improved efficiency and faster cycle times. Optimized sludge feed pressure also allows for faster dewatering to increase overall throughput. This process is further supported by an overhead beam design that ensures reliability by reducing stress on the unit and improving its durability.
The ProPress integrates the latest technological advancements, including plates that are 25 percent larger, 2.5 metres by 2 metres, and plate-shaking technology that addresses filter cake build-up within chambers to help reduce the need for manual intervention.
The smart design is supported by an innovative, multifunctional robot, which serves as the main workhorse for the ProPress, controlling plate opening, plate shaking, cloth washing, plate winch, and the maintenance platform. The robot allows for reduced movement of mechanical parts which can allow for greater uptime, lower maintenance costs and ultimately improve the uptime of the ProPress.
One mission: zero waste
In a time when water preservation across the globe is of utmost importance, there is mounting pressure on businesses to align practices with regional sustainability goals, which is why technologies like CDE's ProPress provide support to the industry in protecting vital resources.
In Australia, factors like decreased rainfall levels and increases in population have led to increased focus on water conservation through initiatives which ensure water supplies are not only protected, but also cleaner
CDE's installation of their largest ProPress model marks a significant milestone in sustainable water management and resource recovery in Australia and the ongoing efforts of the industry to protect precious water resources.
Prioritizing safety
As well as focussing on water management, CDE's ProPress filter press prioritizes safety through features like an automated multifunctional robot for plate operation and cloth washing, a secure operator platform with access walkways to all moving parts for maintenance and flush-mounted drip trays, and handrails around the frame for improved operator protection.
The use of larger plates with lower hydraulic pressure and a dual-ram, pull-to-close system also contributes to mechanical safety and structural integrity. The built in intelligent HMI system enables diagnostic maintenance helping to eradicate the need for manual intervention.
James Murphy adds, "We're excited to see how this innovation brings value to their operations whilst allowing for maximum recovery of resources. Sustainable water management is so important to both CDE and our customers, and that's why we're so delighted to see the first installation of this pioneering technology in Australia."
