A device for separating liquids from solids and solids from solids is provided by utilizing a tall column filled with liquid which is subjected to a siphon action that pulls the liquid/solids mixture vertically through the column clarifying the liquid and classifying the solids. This siphon method provides a most efficient method of classification of solids and clarification of liquids. Atmospheric pressure and gravity create forces within the device which simultaneously act on every particle. The interior of the tall column has no moving parts.