Abstract: A separator that provides a convergent conical flow path for a mixture introduced into the separator at fairly high velocity. Within the convergent flow path, the angular velocity of the spiraling mixture increases such that heavier species are segregated from lighter species. The convergent flow path transitions into a substantially uniform flow path where the spiraling mixture maintains a fairly uniform velocity and further separation occurs. The uniform flow path then transitions to a divergent conical exhaust flow path where some or all of the heavier species are exhausted from the separator. Within the substantially uniform flow path, a retrograde flow of the lighter species is created with an interaction with a diffuser surface arranged in the exhaust flow path. As such, the lighter species are channeled to a separate exit port to provide some degree of separation of the mixture.