Plate Phase Separators – Function and Application
Plate phase separators utilize the effects of gravity and coalescence for the mechanical-physical separation of liquids with different densities and solids—without the use of chemicals. Due to increasing requirements, three-phase separators are being used more frequently, for example for the separation of mineral oils from wastewater, emulsions, and degreasing baths.
They are characterized by very low operating costs, universal applicability, and availability in various sizes.
The medium is fed directly into the three-phase separator by means of a positive displacement pump (e.g., progressive cavity pump or compressed air diaphragm pump). Inside the separator, the liquid mixture flows through an enlarged cross-section between parallel, corrugated plates.
Gravitational and coalescence effects cause the lighter phase to accumulate on the plate surfaces and merge into larger droplets. Through openings in the plates, these droplets rise to the liquid surface, where they are continuously removed via a skimmer and discharged by free overflow.
The cleaned heavier phase flows from the lower section of the unit through baffles into a collection chamber and exits over a weir edge. A downstream positive displacement pump returns the cleaned liquid to the process tank.Mischflüssigkeitsbehälter.
