Abstract: A method of removing dispersed oil from an oil in water emulsion is accomplished by the steps of dissolving gas in water to form an aerated solution, introducing the emulsion and aerated solution into a treatment vessel in which is positioned a coalescing media formed by an assembly of closely spaced corrugated plates of oleophilic material, the emulsion and aerated solution passing in contact with the plates to cause oil droplets to coalescence on the plates and small gas bubbles carried with the aerated solution to adhere to the oil droplets to increase the buoyancy of the oil droplets so that the oil droplets more readily rise to the surface of the emulsion, accumulated oil being removed from the surface.

Abstract: Conduit segments are mounted above a horizontal plate which supports an upper bed of media. The segments have perforations formed on their underside. A screen is draped over each segment and extends down the sides of a cradle mounted on the plate to support the segment. The screen laterally supports the media and functions to isolate the media from a fluid volume beneath the perforations in the underside of the conduit.