A method for providing a smoothly mixed slurry to a web is provided which
includes inserting calcined gypsum and water into a mixer (12), agitating
the contents of the mixer (12) to form an aqueous dispersion of the
calcined gysum, and passing the agitated contents from an outlet (20) of
the mixer (12) into a slurry dispensing apparatus (22) including a
flexible, resilient conduit (24). Additionally, the method includes the
step of creating a back-pressure on the mixture in the slurry dispensing
apparatus by constricting the conduit (24). The constricting of the
conduit (24) is effected by a constrictor valve (28) located on the
conduit (24).