Abstract: An apparatus for removing particulate matter from gases includes an outer tube having an apertured bottom member, a plurality of stationary vanes for guiding gases into a vortical path through the outer tube, and an inner tube. The inner tube has a smaller diameter than the outer tube and fits partially inside the outer tube. Since the inner tube is arranged coaxially with respect to the outer tube, an annular passageway is defined between them. The passageway end of the outer tube is flared out forming a bell-mouth-shaped lip. A plurality of separate airfoil-shaped vanes, disposed across the passageway have their leading edges above the passageway. The bell-mouth-shaped lip and airfoil-shaped vanes, with their thicker leading edges extending above the passageway, both contribute to a more laminar flow through the passageway, thereby minimizing the pressure drop through the passageway.