Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatically detecting and removing contaminant particles from a moving pulp mat are provided, detection of the particles being accomplished using a light source for transmitting light to the pulp mat, a light detecting means for detecting decreases in the intensity of light across the pulp mat corresponding to positions or locations of contaminant particles in the mat, and a control package for generating signals corresponding to the detected positions to be used in the contaminant removal proceses, removal of the particles being accomplished by cutting a rectangular section containing the particle from the mat using a bank of fluid jet nozzles which produce longitudinal slits and transverse cuts in the pulp mat as the mat travels past the nozzle bank.