The Reflux Classifier is a device consisting of parallel inclined channels above a fluidized bed. Water-based versions of the system have been successfully employed in industry for gravity separation of -2 + 0.25 mm coal and mineral matter. In this study an air-fluidized system was investigated using a single 2 m long inclined channel with 100 mm wide channels and 20 mm perpendicular spacing. Sand (-355 + 125 micron) was used as a dense-medium and vibration at two distinct levels was used to improve fluidization stability. Tracer particles of -6.35 + 1.00 mm nominal diameter and 1300 to 2400 kg/m(3) density were used to study the effects of the vibration energy and vibration direction on the separation efficiency. The device was able to separate coal particles from a maximum of 8 mm down to 1 mm on the basis of density: hence this method has potential for industrial application. Results were analysed using a simple 2-parameter dispersion-convection model. Dense particles had negative slip velocities, low-density particles had positive slip velocities and the slip velocities were proportional to particle diameter. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.