An apparatus includes a materials separator that includes a continuous filter belt disposed around a plurality of rollers. The apparatus also includes a pressure differential system operatively coupled to the separator and configured to adjust a pressure differential across the continuous filter belt. A vacuum is applied to the continuous filter belt and a fluid portion of the slurry on the continuous filter belt is drawn through the continuous filter belt. An apparatus includes a materials separator having a first deck with a first continuous filter belt and a second deck with a second continuous filter belt.