CDE, a leader in wet processing solutions for the waste recycling and natural processing sectors, is on course to install its first X5 ProPress in Australia this year, which will be the first commissioning of this technology globally.
Unveiled at Hillhead in Buxton, England in 2024, CDE’s ProPress represents a new generation of filter press technology which delivers exceptional operational efficiency and maximum water recovery.
CDE has established a strong footprint in Australia, delivering some of the country’s most advanced and globally recognised wet processing recycling plants over the past decade. Working alongside some of the biggest companies in recycling, CDE’s technologies have been instrumental in diverting waste from landfill and maximising water recovery.
The installation of the ProPress X5 – the largest model in the range and the first of its kind globally – demonstrates CDE’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in the region and will be fully commissioned in Q4 2025.
James Murphy, CDE’s head of business development for Asia Pacific, is proud to be bringing the first ProPress to Australia.
“This technology will be key for our Australian customers, particularly in regions where water resources are particularly scarce. The ProPress is our response to minimising freshwater dependency and maximising water recycling, all while improving processing capacity, reducing operating costs, and minimising maintenance downtime.
“We’re excited to see how this innovation brings value to their operations while 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 this pioneering technology here now in Australia.”
Maximising resource, minimising water usage
In natural processing, the ProPress is a powerful 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 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 per cent of process 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. Optimised sludge feed pressure also allows for faster dewatering to increase overall throughput. This 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 per cent larger, 2.5 metres by two metres, and plate-shaking technology which 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 in Australia 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.
A Bureau of Meteorology report issued in October 2025 detailed that rainfall was below average, with many water storages in the west and eastern states 10-50 per cent lower than at the same time last year.
With an increase in population across all major cities in Australia, Perth had the highest growth rate (3.1 per cent), followed by Melbourne and Brisbane (both 2.7 per cent) and as a result there is an increased focus on water conservation.
CDE’s installation of its 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.
Prioritising safety
As well as focusing on water management, CDE’s ProPress filter press prioritises safety through features such as 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.
Customer for life
Once the ProPress is commissioned, every customer is introduced to the local CDE CustomCare team, which provides aftersales support to help achieve maximum performance from the equipment. CDE’s new Australian headquarters facilitates responsive on-the-ground support and locally available parts with short lead times.
Peter Neely, CDE’s CustomCare Regional Manager for Australasia said: “Our in-house team of service engineers, who have been installing, commissioning and supporting this customer since we first started working together, are knowledgeable of the full CDE equipment range and familiar with the objectives and operation of each plant, ensuring best practice is the norm.
“Our customer relationship managers support in co-ordinating any and all aftersales activity in our proactive approach to maintenance. Enhancing this service, two years ago we opened our new Australian headquarters in Queensland in our commitment to provide additional resources to the local market.
“With additional resources, we can work closely with customers to ensure their plants’ performances are optimised, and by maximising efficiency, which is not only better for customer operations but can also allow for more material to be transformed into valuable resources.”
For more information, visit www.CDEgroup.com
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