Skip to content Wet Cake Discharge (WCD) is Sparkler's go-to method for rapid, sanitary, and highly effective cleaning of vertical plate filters. Used on our VF and MCRO models, this process uses liquid pressure jets—typically water or filtered product—to remove the filter cake from the plates without manual intervention. Solids are discharged as a slurry of wash fluid and cake, eliminating the need to open the filter for manual removal.
If your operation demands reduced downtime, high throughput, and longer run times as a result of precision cleaning, WCD may be the best option.
After filtration is complete, high-pressure liquid jets are activated to “sluice” the cake from the vertical filter plates. These overhead jets direct a stream of liquid across the surface of each plate, effectively flushing off built-up solids and carrying them to a designated disposal area (drain).
No scraping, no opening & closing the filter. Just clean plates—ready for the next run.
MCRO models using WCD are often found in 24/7 production environments and are typically chosen for extremely high-volume operations involving multiple filters
PLC Controller : Spec’d to your requirements. Full operator control locally
DCS : Solenoid valves and proximity switches ready for plant DCS control.
Both : Can be controlled by DCS but ability to control locally for maintenance or backup.
*Recommended Sluice Travel Time is 4’ per minute, 2-cycles.
✔️ Self Cleaning/Full Automation : Reduces operator involvement and process interruptions.
✔️ Efficient Cleaning Design : Sparkler’s overhead pressure jets deliver focused, high-pressure cleaning that functions like a dedicated pressure washer for every plate and significantly extends media life. This maximizes uptime, reduces consumable costs, and delivers the lowest total cost of ownership in the industry.
✔️ Durable Hardware : Sparkler’s wet cake filters are designed for use in the harshest conditions. One of our largest industrial partners has operated over 25 Sparkler wet cake filters continuously since 1977—all fully integrated into their DCS for automated performance.
✔️ Reliable Cake Release : Engineered plate design and media pairings maximize release for efficient cleaning and longer run times.
✔️ Reduced Downtime : A single filter can be sluiced clean and brought back online in minutes—not hours. Multiple units can be used and programed for uninterrupted use.
If your operation demands reduced downtime, high throughput, and longer run times as a result of precision cleaning, WCD may be the best option
Sparkler can assist in designing a complete discharge system—from filter to final handling.
| Feature | Wet Cake Discharge (WCD) | Dry Cake Discharge (DCD) |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning Method | Liquid sluice jets | Vibrating filter plates |
| Cake Format | Slurry or semi-slurry | Low moisture, solid sheet or chunks |
| Vapor Exposure | None or Minimal | Open Tank to Discharge |
| Solids Removal System | Pump-out | Vibration or Manual |
| Filter Aid | Optional ~5 – 100 micron | Required under ~40 micron |
Need both options? Sparkler can configure filters with both WCD and DCD capabilities in a single unit.
Need help deciding which fits your application? Contact Us for an application consultation
Let Sparkler’s engineers help you implement or upgrade to one of our Wet Cake Discharge systems. Whether you’re considering a new filter or optimizing your current setup, we’ll evaluate your application parameters and recommend a best-fit solution.
With nearly 100 years of innovation in industrial liquid/solid separation, Sparkler Filters has engineered, built, and supported over 30,000 filters globally. Our Wet Cake Discharge systems are trusted in thousands of critical applications around the world—for good reason:
ASME Code Manufacturing
Lifetime Technical Support
Custom Engineered to Match Your Process
Performance Guarantees Specific to your Application
