Apparatus for separating particles from a particulate suspension

An apparatus for separating particles from a particulate suspension, comprising:

• a conduit that comprises a plurality of elongate channels that extend in adjacent alignment along a spiral path at different curvature radii from an axis of the spiral path, wherein longitudinal sidewalls of the elongate channels are fluidly joined together to allow for transfer of fluid between the elongate channels;
• an inlet for directing a particulate suspension into the conduit under pressure and along the spiral path;
• and
• a plurality of outlets configured to direct fluid from the particulate suspension out from a plurality of different discharge positions on the conduit,
• wherein at least first and second of the elongate channels are approximately circular in cross section, wherein at least one of the longitudinal sidewalls is shared by the first and second of the elongate channels and comprises opposed uppermost and lowermost sidewall sections that are laterally offset from one another relative to the axis of the spiral path to allow for transfer of helically flowing fluid between the first and second of the elongate channels.