an industrial separator and dewatering plant delivers an influent to an inclined rotating filter belt for filtering out solid matter from the influent . a wash water is sprayed on the return portion of the belt to dislodge residual solid matter captured within the belt . a dewatering portion has an auger screw positioned for receiving the solid matter and the wash water . the auger screw transports the wash water and the solid matter to a compression cage where water is driven out of the solid matter by compression as it exits the plant . alternately , the solid matter and wash water may be delivered together to a plant exit . excess wash water is able to drain from the auger screw through a separate drain .