CPC B01D 33/048 (2013.01) [B01D 33/056 (2013.01); B01D 2201/204 (2013.01); E21B 21/065 (2013.01)] | 20 Claims |
1. A method comprising:
rotating a continuous filter belt around a plurality of rollers of a materials separator;
introducing a slurry to the materials separator through an inlet of the materials separator and onto the continuous filter belt;
in an inclined region of the materials separator, advancing the continuous filter belt over a first collection pan disposed underneath the continuous filter belt;
applying a constant vacuum to the first collection pan to draw a first fluid portion of the slurry through the continuous filter belt and into the first collection pan;
in a horizontal region of the materials separator, advancing the continuous filter belt over a second collection pan disposed underneath the continuous filter belt; and
applying an intermittent vacuum to the second collection pan to draw a second fluid portion of the slurry through the continuous filter belt and into the second collection pan.
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