Eindicker

The invention relates to methods and corresponding devices for mechanically draining on a continuous basis suspensions (12) and sludge containing water, especially suspensions of waste paper or sewage sludge, between an endless strainer band (1) and an endless and smooth compression surface (7) which moves in the scrolling direction of the suspensions. The suspension cake (13) to be drained is compressed between the strainer band (1) and the compression surface (7). To achieve the required compression pressure, the strainer band encompasses the cylindrical compression surface while applying a longitudinal stress during draining, the expelled water (14) being withdrawn from the suspension cake (13) by means of the strainer band. According to the invention, devices are provided for increasing the time during which the draining pressure of the strainer band is applied to the suspension cake and for simultaneously increasing in a substantial way the compression pressure without preventing the expelled water from flowing. The inventive method increases the compression pressure from approximately 1 bar, which is the pressure applied until now, up to values approaching 100 bars. Said method can also be implemented as part of known draining methods for increasing the resistance of solid substances without necessarily increasing in a substantial way the required space or the complexity of use.