Abstract: A cyclone separator comprising an elongated separating chamber having a longitudinal axis of symmetry between opposite first and second ends, the separator including at least one feed inlet (3) adjacent the first end and at least two outlets (4), (5), the cyclone separator being characterized by the provision of control means (12) which is adapted to vary the cross-sectional dimension of the or one or more of the feed inlets (3).

Abstract: A cyclone separator for separating a denser liquid component from a less dense liquid component of a multi-phase liquid mixture wherein one phase is in the form of drops dispersed in the other phase, the separator having an elongated, unobstructed separating chamber with a longitudinal axis of symmetry between opposite first and second ends and including at least one feed inlet adjacent the first end and at least one outlet. The inlet is characterized by the provision of a control means for varying the cross-sectional dimension of the feed inlet. Means are provided for determining the concentrations of at least one of the phases in the mixture, and the control means is operated in response to the determination of phase concentration to vary the cross-sectional area of the feed inlet.