Abstract: In a hydro-extractor, a screw is disposed with an outer concentric cylindrical sieve. The sieve is formed of sections placed lengthwise of the screw, with each section capable of having the same or different size holes so that the extractor captures solids both large and small in a controlled manner and will dewater faster or slower with various combinations of sieve sections. Where a sieve section contains smaller size holes of higher density per unit area and is constructed of relatively thin gauge material, an outer back-up screen of thicker gauge material with large holes is utilized in order to support the thinner screen and cooperate in withstanding the pressures generated during dewatering. Therefore, modulation of the sieve sections may be accomplished both vertically and horizontally.