Abstract: A method and apparatus for dewatering a slurry of fine particles including a dewatering table and a forming fabric passed across the table. Vacuum is applied to the table and the forming fabric. A first slurry of particles is introduced through a primary headbox to the forming fabric. A second slurry of finer particles is introduced through a secondary headbox to the forming fabric. The primary and secondary headboxes are positioned relative to each other and the table so that the first slurry is introduced to the forming fabric before the second slurry as the fabric moves across the table. Vacuum is applied to the first slurry to form a mat of first slurry particles upon which the second slurry of finer particles is deposited to be dewatered thereby minimizing the loss of fine particles through the forming fabric and maximizing the amount of retained dewatered particles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dewatering a slurry of fine particles including a dewatering table and a forming fabric passed across the table. Vacuum is applied to the table and the forming fabric. A first slurry of particles is introduced through a primary headbox to the forming fabric. A second slurry of finer particles is introduced through a secondary headbox to the forming fabric. The primary and secondary headboxes are positioned relative to each other and the table so that the first slurry is introduced to the forming fabric before the second slurry as the fabric moves across the table. Vacuum is applied to the first slurry to form a mat of first slurry particles upon which the second slurry of finer particles is deposited to be dewatered thereby minimizing the loss of fine particles through the forming fabric and maximizing the amount of retained dewatered particles.