Method and apparatus for washing pulp

A method of washing pulp utilizing a moving liquid-pervious support surface comprising:

• moving the support surface in a first direction past a plurality of washing stages successively disposed along said first direction and including at least two washing phases each;
• feeding pulp onto the support surface in a substantially continuous layer, the layer moving in the first direction;
• supplying washing liquid to the pulp layer at one of said washing stages near a downstream end of said support surface in said first direction, said washing liquid passing through and washing the pulp layer at said one washing stage;
• dividing the washing liquid after it has passed through the pulp layer at said one washing stage into two partial flows;
• passing washing liquid of one of said partial flows to a first washing phase of a first upstream washing stage which is upstream of said one washing stage;
• passing washing liquid from the other of said partial flows to a second washing phase of the first upstream washing stage which is upstream of said first washing phase;
• and
• passing washing liquid respectively from said first and second washing phases to alternating and respective further washing phases of further upstream washing stages which are upstream from said first upstream washing stage whereby said washing liquid flows generally in a second direction which is opposite to said first direction along said successive washing stages.