Abstract: An apparatus for dehydrating and degassing oil-continuous emulsions containing gases and a dispersed aqueous phase comprising a treating vessel provided with a combined distributor-degasser having an inverted trough with orifices along the sides and with an upper peaked portion having a central upwardly directed opening; a demister in the central opening communicating with the trough; a defoamer in the peaked portion on each side of and communicating with the demister; means associated with the trough for communicating with liquid-gas interface level control means; and a gas outlet in the demister. The treating vessel is provided with emulsion inlet means communicating with the inverted trough, a gas outlet communicating with the demister, and water and treated oil outlets. The treating vessel is preferably provided with an electrode system and means for controlling the aqueous material level at a position between the distributor-degasser and the electrode system.