<p>A belt filter for separating liquids from solids in a slurry feed comprising a frame supporting a porous filter medium arranged over a moving carrier belt. The medium is adaptable to receive the feed and separate liquid filtrate therefrom. A vacuum pan is provided for collecting liquid filtrate separated from the feed. The vacuum pan is a rectangular trough having an open end located directly underneath the carrier belt, with the length of said vacuum pan being situated in the direction of movement of the carrier belt. A filtrate manifold is provided for receiving the filtrate from the vacuum pan, with the filtrate manifold being attached to and located directly underneath the vacuum pan to form an integral assembly that facilitates performing maintenance on the vacuum pan.</p>
