Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating floss from particles conveyed in a primary gas. The primary gas strikes a plate in a closed hopper so that the primary gas, particles and floss are deflected downwardly through an annular passageway to an annular separation section. A secondary gas is jetted radially outwardly in the separation section to deflect the floss to a floss discharge tube. The heavier particles continue falling into a closed particle discharge passageway into which a tertiary gas is jetted so that it flows upwardly to the separation section. The particles but no gas are discharged from the lower end of the particle discharge passageway.