Abstract: A separation component for a separator includes a truncated hollow conical separation member having an operatively upper inclined separation surface and an operatively lower inclined separation surface, and a plurality of spacers protruding from, and extending along, one of the separation surfaces of the separation member. The spacers are spaced apart about the separation member A valley is defined between each spacer and the separation surface and provides a pathway along which, in use, solids can pass. The angles at which the pathways are inclined to the horizontal are less than the angle at which the separation surface is inclined to the horizontal.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of separating particulate material from a carrier fluid in which it is suspended. A first zone of a body of the carrier fluid is separated from a second clarified fluid zone thereof, and a suspension of particulate material in carrier fluid is fed into the body of fluid. Clarified fluid is withdrawn from the clarified fluid zone, and substantially all the clarified fluid which enters the clarified fluid zone is allowed to pass from the first zone to the second zone through a sub-zone in which at least some separation of particulate material from carrier fluid, against the direction of flow, takes place. The sub-zone is of smaller cross-sectional area than the body of fluid.