Abstract: An improved liquid/liquid solvent extraction method and apparatus utilizes an external electrode for creating an electric field within an extraction cell to shatter aqueous sample droplets flowing within a non-conductive solvent. The external electrode is in intimate contact with the exterior surface of the insulative cell wall so as to preclude direct electrical contact between the electrode and the internal liquids. A sample interface detector permits the interface between the two liquids to be detected when the liquids sequentially flow out from the cell, thereby facilitating separate collection of the liquid. Interface detection is achieved by coupling electrical pulses into the flowing liquid to cause ionization charge/discharge cycles in the conductive aqueous sample but not in the non-conductive solvent. Downstream detection of the charge/discharge cycle in the liquid identifies the interface.