Apparatus and method for separating a feed material containing immiscible phases of different densities

An apparatus for separating a feed containing immiscible liquid phases of different densities comprising:

• a vessel comprising a domed top, cylindrical side walls extending down from the domed top, and a sloped base extending down from the cylindrical side walls, the domed top, the cylindrical side walls and the sloped base defining an interior, and the vessel being configured for pressure containment of the feed within the interior;
• a feed inlet to deliver the feed to the interior whereby settling of the feed establishes a heavier phase zone in a vicinity of the sloped base and a lighter phase zone above an interface with the heavier phase zone, the feed inlet comprising a feed pipe extending vertically through the domed top and into the interior of the vessel, the feed pipe having dimensions and a feed entry point located at a position above the sloped base and within the lighter phase zone, the feed pipe being configured to direct the feed in a substantially vertical and downward direction into the lighter phase zone at the feed entry point;
• an overflow outlet for the lighter phase zone;
• an underflow outlet for the heavier phase zone;
• wherein the cylindrical side walls have a height and define an interior diameter that define a height/diameter ratio;
• the feed inlet, the height/diameter ratio of the vessel, the dimensions of the feed pipe, and the position of the feed entry point being configured together and in accordance with fluid properties of the immiscible liquid phases of the feed to cause a feed velocity of the feed discharging from the feed entry point into the interior to dissipate in the lighter phase zone as the discharged feed entrains lighter phase material above the interface and spreads across the interior of the vessel such that the lighter phase material of the feed separates up to the overflow outlet and heavier phase material separates down to the underflow outlet;
• wherein the feed inlet includes degassing means to disengage vapour from the feed, the degassing means comprising a degassing pipe arranged co-axially with the feed pipe.