Fluid separator

A separation device (7, Fig 3) adapted to separate a fluid into at least a first and second outlet streams; said first stream being richer in particulate matter than said second outlet stream. The device comprises a container which forms a chamber 11 having a central longitudinal axis and being of generally circular cross-section. A fluid inlet means 12 is generally located towards one end of said container, and at least first and second fluid outlets 13, 14 are located towards the other end of said chamber. The fluid inlet is arranged to create a fluid cyclone/vortex within the chamber with a net general flow from the first (inlet) end to the opposite (outlets) end and the first outlet is located generally further away from the central axis compared to the second outlet. A diffuser or venturi may be located downstream of the second outlet. Preferably a fuel system including a fuel tank 2 fluidly connected to a pump (4, Fig 3) includes the separation device such as a hydro-cyclone, located downstream of the pump. The first outlet may be fluidly connected back to the tank. The separation device may be used to protect items such as pumps and injectors from debris damage.