METHOD OF SEPARATING TWO DISPERSED-PHASE IMMISCIBLE LIQUIDS

Method of separating two dispersed-phase immiscible liquids. The two liquids are fed into a gravity separator where both liquids are separated by decantation. A first phase consisting of a first liquid is obtained at the bottom of the separator, a second phase consisting of the second liquid is obtained at the tap of the separator, a third phase containing the two dispersed-phase immiscible liquids and a fourth phase containing the two immiscible liquids in a dense bed are obtained. Physico-chemical properties of the liquids and of the dispersed phase are measured, and a physical separation model is defined. This model is defined considering that the separator works under stationary conditions, using a matter conservation balance for the first fluid within the dense bed, while taking account of a first phenomenon of coalescence between water drops within the third phase, and of a second phenomenon of coalescence between water drops of the fourth phase and the first phase. This model is then used to optimize implementation of the separation. Application to the separation of petroleum effluents for example.