WCS Group Revolutionizes Tertiary Solids And Phosphorus Removal

The Flocell XFM modular filtration system introduced by WCS Environmental Engineering (WCSEE) is a tertiary wastewater treatment technology designed to remove fine suspended solids and precipitated phosphorus from effluent streams. It targets applications in municipal and rural wastewater treatment plants (WwTPs) facing tightening discharge consents, particularly phosphorus limits around 0.25 mg/l total phosphorus (TP), while also addressing energy, water use, and maintenance challenges associated with conventional tertiary filters.

Technology Overview and Operational Context
The Flocell XFM system employs engineered open-cell media that can retain particulate matter down to approximately 1 µm without creating significant hydraulic resistance. In both single-pass and multi-pass (bio-dialysis) operational modes, the system has demonstrated the capacity to reduce total suspended solids (TSS) to <10 mg/l in single-pass configurations and <5 mg/l under multi-pass recirculation to the Final Settlement Tank, where effluent is repeatedly filtered for enhanced solids capture. Phosphorus removal is achieved when chemical dosing is applied upstream to precipitate dissolved phosphates into particulate form that the filter media can capture; combined with dosing, TP discharge concentrations below 0.25 mg/l are reported.

The filtration mechanism itself avoids traditional backwash cycles by using an air-based “Air Clean” process. Low-energy blowers gently agitate the media to dislodge entrapped solids, after which the filter is drained rather than backwashed. This method reduces consumptive water losses typically associated with backwashing and lowers energy demand due to the absence of high-pressure hydraulics or moving parts within the filter package.

Relevance to Wastewater Treatment Operations
Tertiary solids removal is an increasingly common requirement for WwTPs to meet effluent quality regulations and protect receiving waters from nutrient enrichment. Traditional tertiary technologies—such as cloth filters, sand filters, or multimedia depth filters—often require frequent backwashing, significant civil works, high power inputs, and consumable replacements. In contrast, the modular design of the Flocell XFM system supports rapid deployment, with on-site commissioning reportedly achievable within about one hour and minimal operator training required. The modular containerised format does not require a dedicated concrete base and can be re-sited or scaled with additional units to match varying flow rates.

From an operational standpoint, the system’s weekly cleaning cycle (typically under 30 minutes) and low maintenance footprint reduce routine site interventions. This can be particularly beneficial in smaller plants or those with constrained staffing resources, enabling teams to focus on upstream or downstream process control while maintaining compliance.

Performance data from field trials, including deployments at United Utilities’ Appleby WwTP and installations with several UK water utilities, indicate that the system can consistently achieve stringent phosphorus limits when combined with appropriate chemical dosing strategies. Over 1,000 effluent samples analysed in these contexts supported both robust solids removal and phosphorus control.

Typical use cases include:

Integration with Broader Treatment Processes
The Flocell XFM’s flexible flow handling—supporting both gravity and pumped configurations—facilitates integration at different points in the treatment train. The bio-dialysis mode, which recirculates filtrate back to the Final Settlement Tank, provides a buffer against hydraulic fluctuations and enhances solids capture without significant disturbance to sludge blankets.

The Flocell XFM modular filtration system represents a tertiary treatment solution that addresses fine solids and phosphorus removal requirements with a design prioritising energy and water efficiency, simplified maintenance, and rapid deployment. Its technical features—open-cell media, air-based cleaning, and scalable containerised modules—offer operators an alternative to conventional tertiary filters, particularly in contexts where regulatory pressures for low phosphorus and TSS discharges coincide with operational constraints on power, water use, and staffing.



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