Apparatus and method for dewatering sludges

The invention relates to an apparatus and method for dewatering of sludge and sludge-containing mixtures such as sewage sludge, industrial sludge and other mud-like starting materials, wherein the liquid portion of the to be dewatered sludge through a sieve belt (1) is pressed and removed of the remaining sludge press cake (16) becomes. DOLLAR A It is proposed that in such a device on the screen belt (1) is a liftable and lowerable box (4, 22) is arranged, which rests in its lowered position with a seal (5) on the screen belt (1) and can be filled with mud, and that in the box (4, 22) one with a sliding seal (11) against the inner wall of the box (4, 22) sealed press plate (10, 21) by at least one pressure device (9, 20) ascending moved up and down and located variable pressure on the box (4) is pressed sludge (Fig. 1). DOLLAR A This device is relatively simple in construction and in operation and achieved with lower energy consumption, a better drainage of higher dry substance of the press cake.