Abstract: A method and apparatus for gravitational separation of discontinuous mixtures using laminar flow coalescing techniques is disclosed. The apparatus includes a number of discrete sets of fluid interrupting surfaces arranged in series one after the other. After analyzing the physical, chemical and statistical characteristics of any given discontinuous mixture, the configuration of the surfaces can be correlated or adjusted to provide enhanced and efficient separation of the components of the mixture.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating solids and liquid components of different densities from a fluid mixture or emulsion. The apparatus is comprised of a stack of vertically disposed spaced plates that are positioned within a container and between an inlet and an outlet. The plates are corrugated and the fluid mixture flows from the inlet, and through the stack, parallel to the corrugations, whereby the solids in the mixture drop through to the bottom of the plates, and the light density liquid components flow up toward the top of the stack, while the heavy density liquid components pass through the lower portion of the stack and out towards the outlet.