This subject is one I'm very familiar with. I spent the past 5 years working on a research project in Chemical Engineering. Cyclonic Separators (also known as hydrocyclones) are a staple in this field. It's not Rocket Science, that's my other hobby... But seriously, if you understand a little algebra, you can find plug-and-chug formulas on the internet. If you understand calculus, there are some in-depth descriptions of the theory on-line, as well as some excellent text books*. All of the "operational" separators were made from 316 stainless due to the heat and possible reactivity, but we made several out of cardboard (and foamboard) and duct tape to add onto shopvacs to help clean up various spills.

*search for design and construction of cyclonic separators - the textbook we used is "Gas Cyclones and Swirl Tubes: Principles, Design, and Operation" by Hoffman and Stein - you might find a copy at your local library, or they might be able to get you a copy.