Abstract: An apparatus and method to saturate a fibrous web. The apparatus comprises a sealed chamber divided to form a low pressure preparation zone and a high pressure treatment zone. Air is evacuated from the open area between the fibers in the web in the vacuum zone and liquid in the treatment zone is forced into the evacuated open area between the fibers in the web. A pair of nip rollers are submerged in liquid in the treatment zone for squeezing residual air and liquid from the open area between the fibers in the web to cause liquid to be drawn into the open area between the fibers in the web upon exiting the nip between the rollers.