Abstract: A vented cup ballistic separation device and method of use for achieving rapid separation of a suspension of fluidized solid particulate and gasiform material. The vented cup ballistic separation apparatus is useful in a wide variety of vapor-solid contacting devices where rapid separation of solids from vapor is desired e.g. in fluidized catalytic cracking systems. The vented cup ballistic separation apparatus particularly comprises annular chamber about the outer periphery of an open ended riser conduit. The annular chamber is open in the upper end and one or more open end conduits extend outwardly from the annular chamber to provide means for discharging vapors and also for attachment of cyclone separation means if desired. The riser with vented cup or annular chamber preferably terminates within a larger diameter chamber.