The present invention provides an apparatus (1) for deaerating a feed fluid, the apparatus comprising a chamber (3) for separating said feed fluid into a first component (11) substantially comprising froth or gas and a second component (12) substantially comprising deaerated liquid or sludge; an opening (6) for fluid flow from said separating chamber (2), and a device (7) for restricting fluid flow through said opening, wherein said opening (6) and said flow restricting device (7) induce a rotational flow of said feed fluid in said separating chamber such that said rotational flow generates a centrifugal vortex to separate said feed fluid into said first component (11) and said second component (12). A method of for deaerating a feed fluid is also provided.