An apparatus for separating solid matter from a liquid stream, where the apparatus includes a generally cylindrical separation panel surrounding an interior space, which is oriented so as to have a substantially vertical longitudinal axis. The separation panel has a plurality of vertically and horizontally spaced openings which are adapted to remove solid material larger than a predetermined size from liquid passing through the separation panel. The apparatus also includes a chamber surrounding the separation panel and providing a chamber portion into which the liquid passes after passing through the separation panel. The apparatus may further include an inlet positioned below the separation panel, through which the liquid stream is delivered from a bottom opening of the separation panel to the interior space and which is arranged such that the liquid circulates about the axis so as to pass the separation panel, and an outlet extending from the chamber portion.