MSE Filterpressen’s Membrane Chamber Press Paving the Way for Sustainable Construction

The RCO Recycling Center in eastern Switzerland is setting a new benchmark in environmental responsibility, using cutting-edge filtration technology to transform waste into valuable resources and reduce construction’s environmental footprint

IN A WORLD where environmental responsibility is no longer optional but essential, the RCO Recycling Center in eastern Switzerland is setting a bold 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. At the heart of this innovation lies a breakthrough piece of engineering: the membrane chamber filter press from MSE Filterpressen GmbH – a technological marvel that redefines what’s possible when sustainability meets precision.

Engineering excellence: The MSE membrane filter press

The RCO plant processes approximately 200,000 t/y of contaminated excavation and demolition material. But thanks to the capabilities of the MSE membrane chamber filter press, it’s achieved with remarkable efficiency. Weighing 85 t and stretching 16 m in length, this powerhouse performs the critical task of sludge dewatering with unparalleled precision.

The secret to its success? Advanced membrane technology that extracts water from sludge and produces a filter cake with a remarkably high dry solids content. But this isn’t just about drying sludge – it’s about transforming waste into valuable resources. The filter cake, composed of ultra-fine particles unfit for concrete production, serves a higher purpose: pollutants are securely bound within, removed from the material cycle, and permanently neutralised.

A significant portion of this filter cake is subsequently repurposed as a raw material in cement production – safeguarding primary resources that would otherwise be extracted from the earth. The rest is used in landfill construction, playing a vital role in sealing and compartmentalising waste. The result? A circular, environmentally friendly process that exemplifies the potential of modern recycling technology.

This tailor-made system has been meticulously designed to integrate seamlessly into RCO’s fully automated processes. The dual-sided feed system ensures uniform sludge distribution, dramatically optimising cycle times and boosting productivity.

The i-Plate revolution: smart filtration for a smarter future

Innovation isn’t just about building bigger, faster machines – it’s about rethinking processes from the ground up. In collaboration with LENSER Filtration, MSE Filterpressen has introduced the groundbreaking i-Plate technology: an intelligent filtration system equipped with embedded sensors that measure filter cake moisture in real-time.

By continuously analysing these readings, the system dynamically adjusts the dewatering process to maximise efficiency while minimising water consumption. This adaptive capability enables RCO to handle fluctuations in material composition effortlessly, ensuring consistent quality regardless of input variability. It’s a leap into the future of process optimisation, with sustainability as the guiding principle.

Sustainability at its core: turning waste into opportunity

The membrane chamber filter press is testament to the power of sustainable thinking. Throughout the entire 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 is helping RCO redefine environmentally conscious construction practices.

Key sustainability achievements

• Water recycling: rainwater is captured, treated, and reused multiple times
• Resource preservation: reclaimed materials are reintroduced into the production cycle
• Emission reduction: avoiding primary material extraction significantly cuts CO2 emissions

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

Precision under pressure: a logistical masterstroke

Engineering innovation often goes hand in hand with logistical challenges – and the installation of the MSE filter press was no exception. Transporting an 85-t machine is one thing; precisely positioning it six-and-a-half metres above ground is another. Suspended from two colossal mobile cranes, the press was delicately manoeuvred into its designated location with millimetre-perfect accuracy – a striking display of collaboration, planning, and engineering prowess.

Beyond innovation: 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, and MSE Filterpressen. It proves what can be achieved when expertise, ingenuity, and a shared commitment to sustainability converge. The advanced filter-press technology at RCO demonstrates that economic efficiency and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive, but rather two sides of the same coin.

MSE Filterpressen is honoured to have contributed to this pioneering facility – a beacon for the future of recycling in the construction industry. As we look ahead, our mission remains clear: to provide cutting-edge solutions that close material cycles, reduce environmental footprints, and inspire industries to build more responsibly.

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