Endless belt filter

An endless belt filter for separating liquids and solids from a mixture, comprising a liquid-permeable, driven filter belt, at least one suction tray below the upper run of said belt to be movable in the direction of the belt, the at least one tray incorporating an elongate slide member on its underside extending the length of the tray, an elongate vacuum rail below the at least one suction tray and extending substantially the length of the upper run of the endless belt, said vacuum rail receiving thereon the slide member of the at least one tray whereby the at least one tray seats on, to be guided in its longitudinal movement by, said vacuum rail, and a vacuum source connected to the vacuum rail, at least one aperture extending through the at least one tray and through the associated slide member to communicate with the vacuum rail whereby an under pressure is applied to the at least one tray by the vacuum source to draw liquid from the at least one tray into the vacuum rail, the underside of the at least one tray to each side of the vacuum rail being supported by a pneumatic cushion.