Abstract: A method for dewatering an aggregate solid substrate is disclosed which comprises placing the substrate between two moving permeable belts, compressing the substrate between the belts, contacting the substrate with a displacement fluid while it is still compressed between the belts such that the substrate and the fluid remain in plug flow while in contact with each other, removing relatively pure water which is expressed by the displacement fluid, further compressing the substrate between the belts to remove excess displacement fluid, and collecting the dewatered substrate. In a preferred embodiment, both the relatively pure water and the excess displacement fluid are collected for recycling, direct disposal, or other use.

Abstract: An apparatus for dewatering aggregate solid substrates is disclosed which is comprised of a frame, two moving permeable belts, means mounted on the frame for guiding the movement of the belts, roller means mounted on the frame for positioning the belts such that the substrate is guided and compressed between them, means for contacting the substrate with a displacement fluid while it is compressed between the belts such that the fluid collects between the top belt and the roller means before permeating through the top belt and contacting the substrate, means for removing relatively pure water which is expressed by the fluid through the bottom belt, means for further compressing the substrate to remove excess displacement fluid, and means for removing the dewatered substrate from the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of removing water from organic solid substrates, such as peat, wherein a primary solvent is used to extract water from the substrate and the primary solvent and the substrate are kept in plug flow during contact, and then a secondary solvent may be used to separate the primary solvent from the water.

Abstract: A method of removing water from organic solid substrates, such as peat, wherein a primary solvent is used to extract water from the substrate and a secondary solvent is used to separate the primary solvent from the water.