Skip to content Self-Cleaning with Vibrating Vertical Plates
Easy, dry solid recovery or disposal.
Dry Cake Discharge (DCD) is Sparkler's operator and disposal friendly method of solids removal from vertical plate filters—using just air operated vibration. Designed for applications where a slurry is not feasible or preferred, the DCD system uses mechanical vibration to knock dry cake off vertical filter plates once filtration is complete.
Once filtration is complete, a hydraulically operated quick opening cover is unlocked and the tank shell or bottom is retracted hydraulically, exposing the filter plates. A pneumatic vibrator is then activated, causing the plates to release the dry cake in the form of solid sheets or chunks. These solids fall by gravity into collection bins or onto conveyors for disposal, collection or further processing.
No wash, No Slurry. Just clean plates—and dry cake that’s ready to handle.
MCRO models using DCD are commonly found in mining , chemical , petrochemical, metals recovery, and high-solid specialty chemical applications.
VF models using DCD are found in a wide range of industrial applications but are highly favored in food and beverage , biofuels, petrochemical and chemical industries.
PLC Controller : Spec’d to your requirements. Local operator control.
DCS : Proximity switches and solenoids can be integrated into plant DCS.
Both : Dual-mode control allows for maintenance override or backup control.
Control Logic Provided : Sparkler supplies base logic and can assist with custom sequencing.
Click here for a complete view of specs and options.
✔️ No Liquid Required : Perfect for operations where water/product is limited or unwanted in final solids
✔️ Operator Accessible : Filter shell retracts and exposes plates directly with access to each plate—making inspection, cleaning, or media replacement easy
✔️ Efficient Cake Drop : Engineered plate and media combinations release cake with minimal vibration
✔️ Quick Turnaround : Full cleaning cycle can be completed in minutes—no need for drainage handling
✔️ Durable System Design : Proven in high-throughput, high-solids operations with minimal maintenance requirements.
DCD cake is discharged dry and ready for further handling. Common methods include :
Sparkler can help design your downstream handling system to match discharge characteristics.
| 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 MCRO 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 integrate Dry Cake Discharge into your operation. Whether you’re planning a new project or want to reduce disposal cost and moisture content, we’ll design the right system for your goals.
With nearly a century of liquid/solid separation experience, Sparkler Filters continues to innovate in filtration performance. Our DCD systems are built to deliver years of rugged, consistent operation in the most demanding environments.
Built to ASME Code
Lifetime Technical Support
Custom Engineered for Your Solids
Performance-Driven Design
