Apparatus for extracting solids from slurry

This invention relates to apparatus for the extraction of solids from a liquid slurry or suspension of a type in which a reduced pressure chamber applies suction to a zone on one side of a sieve surface whereby solids may be urged against a corresponding zone on the other side and the liquid is urged to flow through the sieve into the chamber. The invention provides means for transporting liquid from the chamber in discrete amounts while substantially maintaining reduced pressure in the chamber. In preferred embodiments the sieve is cylindrical and rotates, vanes are attached to the chamber side of the sieve carry the water out of the chamber in intervane spaces, while slipper pads provide a seal with vane tips to maintain reduced pressure in the chamber.