Abstract: A method and apparatus for filtering pulp fibers from a pulp slurry, using a combination of vacuum, hydrodynamic and hydrostatic forces in order to achieve a more effective deposition of pulp fibers onto the filter surface and enhanced flow of filtrate through the cylinder. The apparatus is in the form of an improved vacuum filtration system, in which the filtrate outlet tube is disposed along the axis of rotation of the rotary cylinder and the filtrate inlet and outlet ports of each filtrate conduct are radially offset from one another in the direction of intended rotation of the cylinder. During various phases of filter operation, vacuum forces generated by the vacuum source cooperate with either hydrodynamically or hydrostatically generated forces, which together act upon columns of filtrate in the filtrate conduits as the cylinder rotates.