Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing sludge, which utilizes filter plates and flow regulating means to form condensed sludge of higher concentration, have been developed. The filter plates are disposed within a sludge tank and noncondensed sludge is added to the sludge tank to completely cover the filter plates. Filtrate is then removed from the sludge tank by the filtrate extraction means via the permeable walls of the filter plates. As the filtrate passes through the permeable walls a first condensed sludge forms on the filter plates. After first condensed sludge is formed on the filter plates, a flow regulating means is operated to form second condensed sludge, an even higher concentrations of condensed sludge.

Abstract: An electroosmotic dewaterer for dehydrating a liquid mud by supplying the liquid mud into a space between facing anode and cathode electrodes, applying d.c. voltage across said electrodes so as to gather the water content of the liquid mud to the cathode electrode by means of electroosmotic action and filtering the liquid through a filtering medium, wherein the cathode electrode is equipped with means for removing a deposit formed on the surface thereof while the dehydrating operation is carried out.