Application Overview

Electrocoagulation (EC) technology is increasingly used in industrial wastewater treatment because it efficiently removes suspended solids, heavy metals, and organic contaminants.
However, after the electrocoagulation process, flocculated solids and residual polymers create new filtration challenges. Selecting the proper filtration accuracy and backwash strategy is essential for maintaining stable operation.
For this pilot project in New Zealand, the customer required a compact automatic backwash filtration system with the following operating conditions.

Process Data

Application: Electrocoagulation wastewater filtration
Flow Capacity: 1 m³/h (1,000 L/h)
Media: Flocculated inorganic solids after electrocoagulation
Solid Content: Approximately 3%
Filter Material: SS316L
Required Filtration Accuracy: Initially <25 μm
Sludge Handling: Backwash discharge sent to Screw Press for dewatering

The Challenge

Unlike ordinary suspended solids, electrocoagulation wastewater contains:

• Flocculated inorganic particles
• Residual polymer (flocculant)
• Sticky suspended solids

The customer was mainly concerned about three issues:

• Can filtered water be reused for backwashing?
• Will residual polymer clog the filter element?
• If the differential pressure rises too quickly, will the filter enter continuous backwash cycles?

These concerns are common in EC wastewater treatment because excessive clogging can interrupt continuous filtration and increase maintenance frequency.

Our Technical Evaluation

After reviewing the customer's process, our engineers confirmed:

Filter Location

Installing the automatic backwash filter after the settling tank is the optimal solution.
Most large flocs are removed during sedimentation, significantly reducing the filtration load and improving cleaning efficiency.

Backwash Water

No external clean water is required.
The filtered water can be directly used for automatic backwashing, provided the backwash pressure remains above 3 bar.
This greatly simplifies system design and reduces operating costs.

Backwash Wastewater

The concentrated solids discharged during backwashing can be sent directly to the sludge conditioning tank for polymer treatment, followed by dewatering using a Screw Press or Filter Press.

The Customer's Concern

Although the customer initially requested filtration below 25 μm, they were worried that:

• Residual polymer could rapidly block a finer filter element.
• Frequent backwashing might interrupt the filtration process.
• Continuous backwash cycles could reduce overall system efficiency.

Rather than simply supplying a finer filter, we evaluated the process characteristics and proposed a more flexible solution.Our Solution
Based on the wastewater characteristics, we recommended:

JX-XF-400 Automatic Backwash Filter

Standard Configuration

• Material: SS316L
• Filtration Rating: 25 μm
• Capacity: 800 L/h

To provide future flexibility, we also supplied:

Spare Filter Element

• Filtration Rating: 5 μm
• Material: SS316L

Both filter elements are compatible with the same filter housing.
This allows the customer to begin operation with 25 μm, ensuring stable system performance.
If operating results show that finer filtration is possible without excessive clogging, the filter element can simply be replaced with the 5 μm version—without changing the filter body.
If clogging becomes excessive, the customer can easily switch back to the 25 μm element.
To ensure smooth operation, we will also provide:

• Filter element replacement video
• Remote installation guidance
• Remote commissioning support

This approach minimizes project risk while allowing filtration performance to be optimized during pilot testing.

Why This Solution Works

Flexible Filtration Accuracy

One filter housing supports multiple filter element ratings, allowing easy upgrades or adjustments based on actual operating conditions.

Lower Investment Risk

The customer does not need to purchase different filtration systems for different filtration accuracies.

Easier Maintenance

Filter element replacement is straightforward, with remote technical support available whenever needed.

Optimized for Pilot Testing

Because wastewater characteristics may change during pilot operation, interchangeable filter elements provide valuable flexibility for process optimization.

Result

For this electrocoagulation wastewater pilot project, JX Filtration recommended a practical and flexible automatic backwash filtration solution.
Instead of focusing only on filtration accuracy, we considered the entire treatment process—including polymer dosing, sedimentation, backwash operation, and sludge dewatering—to help the customer minimize operational risks while maintaining the flexibility to optimize filtration performance during future testing.
At JX Filtration, we don't simply recommend equipment. We analyze the complete treatment process and provide filtration solutions that balance efficiency, reliability, and long-term operational stability.