Apparatus and method for detecting and handling liquid separation in liquid emulsions

A method of preventing separated higher density liquid from an emulsion of different density liquids stored in a tank 1 from being withdrawn from a withdrawal conduit 3 disposed adjacent the lower portion of the tank 1 for drawing off the emulsified liquid from the tank characterized by the steps of disposing within the tank 1, a float 5 which floats on the higher density liquid and sinks in the emulsion, disposing a pump 9 so that its suction is in fluid communication with the lowest portion of the tank 1 and it discharges into the central portion of the tank 1, and providing a drive 15 cooperatively associated with the pump 9 and the float 5 so that when the float 5 is lifted by an accumulation of higher density liquid in the lower portion of the tank 1, the drive 15 operates the pump 9, whereby the high density liquid is removed from the bottom of the tank 1 and introduced into the central portion of the tank 1 where the high density fluid is reemulsified and prevented from entering the withdrawal conduit 3.