A separation system for a vacuum cleaner

A separation system 400 for a vacuum cleaner (1, fig.1), preferably a second stage downstream of a first stage (200, fig.22) having first and second dirt collection chambers (228, 230, fig.22), comprising first and second parallel cyclone bodies 464, preferably first and second sets 474, 476 in a cone assembly (408, fig.42) with dirt outlets (473, fig.43) facing towards a central axis (C, fig.43), and a valve (406, fig.41) movable between a first position in which it permits airflow through first and second inlets 472, which are in a common plane preferably normal to the central axis, of the first and second cyclone bodies, and a second position in which it permits airflow through the first inlets and inhibits airflow through the second. The first set may be greater in number than the second. The valve may have a flow separator (404, fig.42) with a central bore (420, fig.42) and outlet apertures (428, fig.42) within a central channel 462, controllable, via user selection or sensed conditions, by an actuator (448, fig.44) coupled to airflow paths (488, 490, fig.44) upstream and downstream of a motor (500, fig.78). The first and second positions may correspond to first and second suction power modes.