A method for separating particulate matter from a fluid includes feeding a
fluid containing a particulate matter into a chamber of a vessel through
an inlet, the chamber being at least partially bounded by a peripheral
wall and the chamber also communicating with a first outlet and a second
outlet. The vessel is rotated such that at least a portion of the
particulate matter settles out of the fluid against at least a portion of
the peripheral wall. At least a portion of the particulate matter settled
against the peripheral is subsequently disturbed so that at least a
portion of the particulate matter is resuspend within the fluid. The
method further includes removing at least a portion of the fluid having
the resuspended particulate matter therein through the first outlet and
removing through the second outlet the fluid from which the particulate
material has settled out.