A liquid removal apparatus adapted to separate liquid from a composite slurry of liquid and solids. The apparatus includes a movable, permeable membrane having opposing first and second sides. A ‘loaded belt portion’ of the second side is configured to receive the slurry. A permeable membrane support system is configured to provide movable support for the loaded belt portion and includes a transport deck located in contact with the first side of the permeable membrane below the loaded belt portion. The liquid removal apparatus has a housing with a low-pressure chamber in sealing contact with the first side of the permeable membrane. A pressure conditioning system applies a differential pressure via the housing to generate a lower pressure on the first filter belt side than on the second side. The transport deck is located within the low pressure chamber.