Abstract: A vessel is constructed with (preferably substantially stationary) screen surfaces which minimize compaction of comminuted cellulosic fibrous material, and allow springback of the material, as it flows downwardly. A slurry of wood chips, sawdust, or pulp is passed downwardly past one or more screen surfaces, which have a number of parts, including at least a first perforated part through which liquid is extracted, and a substantially solid part substantially immediately adjacent and below the first part which has a step out to relieve compaction and allow springback of the material.

Abstract: The problems of non-uniform treatment of paper pulp that may be caused by differential flow velocities within a vessel, channeling, and/or disruption of the pulp flow, are substantially eliminated by providing a non-circular cross-section substantially atmospheric pressure vessel with at least one screen surface, and typically a liquid introducing device. The vessel, screen surface, and liquid introducing device are constructed and positioned with respect to each other so that during the treatment of a pulp slurry the slurry has substantially uniform width in a treatment zone, and there is substantially uniform resistance to the flow of slurry over the screen surface over any particular cross-section of the vessel in the treatment zone, and its consistency varies less than 6% in the treatment zone (e.g. between 8-14%).