Abstract: A process and apparatus for separating a liquid phase dispersed in a heavier continuous liquid phase, such as a hydrocarbon dispersion in an aqueous phase, of the floatation type, wherein gas bubbles are generated in the continuous phase to assure ascending entrainment of the dispersed phase, the gas bubbles being formed from a mixture of at least one base gas which is only slightly soluble in the continuous phase, and at least one transfer gas with a higher solubility in the continuous phase, such as instance ammonia, thereby significantly improving the separation yield and efficiency.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for separating a phase dispersed by emulsion or by suspension in a continuous phase of different density, comprising a coalescence enclosure 1 provided with an inlet 1a and with an outlet 1b which enters a separation enclosure 4, the coalescence enclosure 1 assuming the shape of an elongated surface of revolution about an axis XX' slanted with respect to the vertical and containing at least one rigid or semi-rigid sheet 7 rolled up about the inclined axis XX' to form windings of which the generatrices extend along the enclosures, these windings being spaced apart and substantially covering all of the free cross-section of the enclosure; this sheet in particular may be rolled up in a spiral and may consist of a material preferentially wetted by the dispersed phase.