Abstract: A dehydration apparatus (10) for a sludge comprises an endless first metal screen (14) having a first section (14.1) and a second section (14.2). Material to be dehydrated is introduced onto section (14.1) at inlet (18). A liquid collection region (70) is located between the first and second sections. The liquid collection region comprises a liquid suction chamber connected to a compressed air driven venturi (78) for generating suction in the chamber. The apparatus further comprises a press having a compression region (22) formed by converging sections (14.1) and (16.1). Vibrators (28.1), hot air introducing boxes and liquid suction boxes (30.1) adjacent the compression region aid in the dewatering process. Dehydrated cakes are delivered between rollers (13) and (17).

Abstract: A separator 10 is disclosed and claimed. The separator includes a continuous separating assembly 20 following a trajectory having a top run A and a return run B. The assembly includes a train of articulated pan assemblies 22.1 to 22.n. Each pan assembly includes first and second back-to-back pans 22.11 and 22.12 separated by a discrete mesh segment 60.1. In use, the separator is charged with a mixture including a liquid, a first solid particulate component and a second solid particulate component of which the particles are bigger than the first particulate component, both at the start 26 of the top run and at the start 28 of the return run. The first particulate component is received in sumps 30,32 and 34,36 and the second particulate component is collected in collection regions 42 and 46.