Abstract: To extract a liquid from a workable mass of material a first force is applied to the material in a first direction. A second opposed force is applied to the material within or slightly downstream of a liquid-extraction location. These opposed forces tend to compact the material to extract the liquid. The extracted liquid moves out of the liquid-extraction location along a path which extends generally transverse to the direction of the first and second forces. Third forces are applied to the material along the path in a direction generally opposite to that taken by the exiting liquid to prevent the material from traversing the path but to permit the liquid to exit. The first, second and third forces form a pinch point on the material within or slightly downstream of the liquid-extraction location to substantially obviate liquid flow countercurrent to the direction of the first force.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting a liquid from a workable mass of material includes a first screw section for transporting the material, a second screw section which applies a force on the material in a direction generally opposite that of the transport direction, and a second screw extruder at or near a liquid extraction location which provides a pinch point on the material. The pinch point substantially eliminates liquid flow countercurrent to the material transport direction.