Abstract: Method of separating two dispersed-phase immiscible liquids. The two liquids are fed into a gravity separator where both liquids are separated by decantation. A first phase consisting of a first liquid is obtained at the bottom of the separator, a second phase consisting of the second liquid is obtained at the tap of the separator, a third phase containing the two dispersed-phase immiscible liquids and a fourth phase containing the two immiscible liquids in a dense bed are obtained. Physico-chemical properties of the liquids and of the dispersed phase are measured, and a physical separation model is defined. This model is defined considering that the separator works under stationary conditions, using a matter conservation balance for the first fluid within the dense bed, while taking account of a first phenomenon of coalescence between water drops within the third phase, and of a second phenomenon of coalescence between water drops of the fourth phase and the first phase.

Abstract: A device for controlling the interaction of a tip and a sample includes a deformable element carrying the tip and means for positioning the tip with respect to the sample. The device also includes at lest two electrodes for creating an electrical field that exerts a force. The deformable element is preferably elastically deformable and includes advantageously a cantilever. According to a method for controlling the interaction of a tip and a sample, the tip carried by a deformable element is positioned with respect to the sample and the interaction of the tip and the sample is controlled by creating an electric field using a voltage between at least two electrodes. This electrical field exerts a force on the tip. Applications are to atomic force microscopy (AFM) and to nano-indentation measurements.