Abstract: An apparatus for removing liquid from a slurry of solid particulate material and for consolidating the solid material into a shape-retaining slug is disclosed which comprises (a) a cylindrical consolidation chamber having a cylindrical piston movable axially therein, (b) a means for filling said chamber with the slurry, (c) a compression means for reciprocating said piston axially within said chamber and, (d) at least one drainage means for allowing liquid to escape from said chamber during consolidation of said slurry, and (e) at least one porous structure for retaining solid particulate material within said chamber and for allowing liquid to escape from said chamber during consolidation of said slurry.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing liquid from a slurry of solid particulate material and for consolidating said solid material into a shape-retaining slug is disclosed which comprises (a) a cylindrical consolidation chamber in which the slurry is to be consolidated, which is substantially sealed against the passage of solid material, said chamber comprising (i) a first cylindrical piston mounted in a stationary position with its axis aligned vertically, the upper surface of said piston being its working face, (ii) a mold comprising a cylindrical wall defining a cylindrical bore in which said first piston is movable axially and which is disposed with its axis aligned vertically and a horizontal table having a circular opening through one end thereof, said table being mounted to the upper edge of said wall so that said opening communicates with said bore in said wall and the surface of the table extends outward from said wall in a direction perpendicular to the axis thereof, said mold having a compression position in w