Air passing into an air ram creates a cyclonic effect that separates out the majority of the contaminants.
As the air swirls, the heavier air particles move out where they hit the vertical ribs that slow the particles down. Then with the action of the air, gravity and the ram-effect the particles are pushed out through four slots in the air ram. The vehicle air filter removes the finer particles that remain.
Where the environmental conditions are such that vision is impaired by dust, rain snow or bugs a cyclone separator non-ram type should be used.
This will not damage the engine duct and flow restrictions. The use of this type of separator will however reduce performance and economy.