A liquid vortex separator including a vortex tube (16) with an impeller (13) in the feed end to impart a rotational motion to liquid within the tube, a feed cylinder (12) connected to the vortex tube by a reducing cone (14). The separator has a separating cone (17) at the outlet end, an annular collecting ring (18) for heavy solids and a liquid discharge pipe extending axially from the separating cone. A feed tank (31) and circulating stream arrangement ensures operation of the system at varying feed rates. The liquid vortex separator may also be fitted with microwave generators (40), electrodes (51)powered from a DC source or magnets (60) to produce desired effects or chemical reactions in the material being processed through the liquid vortex separator.