Apparatus and methods for separating solids from flowing liquids or gases

An apparatus for separating solid matter from a liquid stream passing through the apparatus, comprising:

• a generally cylindrical separation panel surrounding an interior space and which is oriented so as to have a generally upright longitudinal axis, the separation panel having a plurality of vertically and horizontally spaced openings which are adapted to remove solid material larger than a predetermined size from liquid passing through the separation panel;
• a chamber member surrounding the separation panel and providing a chamber portion into which the liquid passes after passing through the separation panel;
• an inlet through which the liquid stream is delivered to said interior space and which is arranged such that the liquid circulates about said axis so as to pass said separation panel;
• and
• an outlet extending from said chamber portion, the outlet being positioned with respect to the chamber portion so that at least a portion of said panel is submerged,
• wherein said panel has a plurality of vertically and horizontally spaced deflective segments adjacent the openings and which project inwardly with respect to said space to inhibit particulate matter of at least said predetermined size from blocking said openings by the openings being positioned behind the deflective segments relative to the flow of liquid there passed.