Abstract

A separator for cleaning material from particles such as oil from sand. A container is provided having upper wall structure with an opening formed therethrough leading to an annular zone extending radially outward from the opening. A cone shaped baffle has an upper open end coupled to the opening and a lower end flaring downward and outward into the container with the lower end of the baffle being located close to but spaced from the side wall of the container. Means is provided for injecting the sand to be cleaned into the upper portion of the container above the baffle. Means is provided for injecting water into the upper portion of the container above the baffle in a direction to cause the sand to swirl downward into the container below the baffle and around the side wall of the container for causing the oil to be removed from the sand. The oil flows upward through the open end of the baffle and through the opening and into the annular zone for removal and the water and sand flow downward through a lower outlet in the container. Gas is injected into the container through the side wall to facilitate the flow of oil upward through the open end of the baffle and through the opening.