the present invention provides an apparatus and method for the separation of solids entrained in fluid streams . the apparatus consists of a pipecross - like chamber which is divided into two regions by a perforated deflector / separator plate angularly disposed within the chamber . a shear jet is disposed perpendicular to the flow path and higher pressure fluid is thereby injected into the chamber to deflect and separate entrained solids . in preferred embodiments the apparatus and method are used to protect a centrifugal pump impeller from damage by the solids . while conventional pipe joints and parts can be used , an alternate embodiment provides removable side plates and a removable deflector / separator plate for ease of installation and maintenance .