WO2017208082A1

WO2017208082A1 - Gravity separation system, gravity separation vessel and method for separating a mixed liquid

Info

Publication number: WO2017208082A1
Application number: PCT/IB2017/000859
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kurt C. HOLECEK
Original assignee: Energia Tech S.R.O
Priority date: 2016-05-30
Filing date: 2017-05-30
Publication date: 2017-12-07
Also published as: AT518686A1; WO2017208082A4; AT518686B1

Abstract

Disclosed are a method for separating a mixed liquid (2), a gravity separation system (1) and a gravity separation vessel (3), in which the liquid (2) is fed into a phase separation vessel (3) by a feeder line (12). In the phase separation vessel (3) the mixed liquid (2) is separated into a heavier phase (6) and a lighter phase (7) of the liquid (2), the heavy phase (6) of the liquid (2) being collected in the lower region (13) and the light phase (7) in the upper region (14) of the phase separation vessel (3) and the liquids (2) of the individual phases (6, 7) being withdrawn via lines (4, 5). The fed, mixed liquid is introduced approximately at the height (15) of the phase interface (16) of the two phases (6, 7) of the liquid (2), preferably continuously at a low flow rate, the phase interface (16) forming between a lighter phase (7) of the liquid (2) and a heavier phase (6) of the liquid (2).

Description

Gravity separator, gravitational separation vessel and method for separating a mixed liquid

The invention describes a method for separating a thoroughly mixed

Liquid, a gravity separator and a gravity separation container, as described in the preambles of claims 1, 6 and 13.

Gravity separation of liquids is known per se and is differentiated into two different separation methods. These include static or passive systems, such as settling tanks or decanters and dynamic systems under the collective term centrifuges, the solution according to the invention being assigned to the first systems, namely the static systems. In a static system, 2 liquids are separated by the action of gravity alone. The liquids must not form a stable emulsion or solution, although they may be mixed as fine as desired below the emulsion limit. The two phases of the liquid must have at least slightly different densities in order to carry out a separation by gravity.

Usually, the systems of static gravity separation devices known from the prior art operate in such a way that first the mixed-up liquid is distributed over the entire height of a generally cylindrical or cuboid container. As a result, the mixture droplets of the mixed liquid must cover comparatively long ways to unification with their homogeneous phase, which can be up to several thousand droplet diameter, so that this can take many hours or days with fine distribution in extreme cases. As a result, very large apparatus, in particular containers, of many m ³ volumes are required in industrial systems. From WO 2014/131874 A a device for gravity separation of immiscible liquids with different densities from an emulsion is known, wherein the mixed liquid flows in a container via an inlet, so that the liquids are separated by the action of gravity by a extracted light phase of the liquid above and settles the heaviest liquid below, the two phases through corresponding outlets (14, 18) flows through overflows from the tank. The tank has a dividing wall, wherein in a first chamber the inlet is arranged and the dividing wall has a lower connection channel between the chambers, so that the heaviest

Liquid can flow through the connecting channel in the second chamber.

The disadvantage here is that no adjustment options for the formation of the phase separation surface is possible.

The object of the invention is to provide a method for separating a

mixed liquid, a gravity separator and a

Gravity separation vessel to create, in which without great technical

Control effort is a rapid and safe separation of mixed fluid alone on the effect of gravity.

The problem is solved by the invention.

The object of the invention is achieved by a method for separating a

dissolved liquid in which the introduction of the supplied mixed liquid at about the level of the phase separation surface of the two phases of the liquid, preferably continuously with less

Flow rate, wherein the phase separation surface between a lighter phase of the liquid and a heavier phase of the liquid is formed.

It is advantageous here that the individual droplets of the lighter and heavier phases are introduced in the immediate vicinity of the phase separation surface, so that they only have to travel short distances to deposit in the individual areas, whereas in the prior art, the mixed liquid first over the entire or a large Part of the height of the phase separation container is distributed so that, for example, the droplets of the heavy phase in the upper part of a very long way to the bottom deposition area of the heavy phase

have to go back. Another significant advantage is that the introduction of the mixed liquid in the region of the phase separation surface no further mixing of the already separated phases takes place, wherein the

Introduction occurs preferably by a slow, horizontal inflow velocity, that is to say that the introduction takes place on a horizontal plane, so that a separation of the liquid already takes place when it flows in due to the effect of gravity, and at the same time a mixing of the phases only in

horizontal plane in a very small area around the phase separation surface arises. It is also advantageous that, by means of suitable horizontal distribution plates, an areal horizontal distribution of the inflowing liquid in the

Phase separator is effected, so that, for example, the incoming

Liquid is distributed over the entire horizontal cross section of the phase separation container. The measures are advantageous in which the heavy phase of the liquid at the lowest point, in particular a bottom outlet, of the phase separation vessel is discharged via a first line, the line rising from there first with a branching device which is arranged higher than the bottom outlet. and connected to the highest point of the phase separation vessel. This ensures that the discharge of the heavy phase is carried out by gravity without additional pumps or funding by the

Reaching the branching device, a free overflow of the heavy phase is created and this can then be collected in a lower collection container. Thus, only liquid is discharged from the heavy phase, if already sufficiently separated liquid is present. Will namely a

Used pump or other funding, so there is a risk that liquid is sucked, which is not yet completely separated.

Another advantage is the measures that the lighter phase of the liquid in the upper region of the phase separation vessel by a further, positionally above, but otherwise arranged independently of the branching device

Overflow, such as an overflow funnel, is discharged via another line. This ensures that the light phase of the liquid in a simple form Overflow of the upper edge, for example, the overflow funnel is removed. A suitable, flat flow guidance, for example by means of overflow funnel, ensures that only separated, light liquid is discharged from the upper phase.

But also advantageous are the measures in which the introduction of the mixed liquid takes place between two horizontal distribution plates.

This ensures that a horizontal spread of the mixed

Liquid over the horizontal cross section of the phase separation container is achieved in a simple form. At the same time a further mixing is prevented, since the flow velocity of the liquid is substantially reduced by the propagation of the inflowing liquid over a wide cross-section. It is further advantageous if one or both distributor plates in another possible embodiment have holes or bores, in particular also in different sizes and more towards the outer edge of the distributor plates, so that the distributed liquid also emerges over a good part of the surfaces of the distributor plates can. It is also advantageous, if in the space between the distributor plates, in particular close to the outer edge, a fine filter material such. Wire, mineral or other fabrics or fibers are arranged. This unfolds when flowing through the mixed liquid coalescence effect on the smallest droplets, which known manner then especially to the

Crossover points of the fibers grow together to larger droplets and thus favor the separation. By the arrangement near the outer edge of the flowing liquid is already widely distributed, thereby the

Speed component is reduced and kept the pressure loss through the filter material very low.

Advantageous are the measures in which by height adjustment of

Branching device, the height of the overflow for the heavy phase, and thus the height of the phase separation surface is set, preferably the

Phase separation is set in the area between the upper and lower distributor plate. It is thereby achieved that, for the first time, the possibility is created that the phase separation surface can be adjusted to a certain range by simply adjusting the height of the branching device. If this is set once according to a given density difference of the two phases, Due to the self-regulating effect between the two free overflows, the phase separation surface always remains stable at the same altitude, regardless of the mixing ratio in the incoming mixed liquid. In a further embodiment, it is possible that by arranging sensors for detecting the phase separation surface and electrical adjustment means for the

Branch device automatic adjustment of the phase separation surface, in particular in the region of the distributor plates, is possible. As a result, the separating device can then also respond to changes in the density difference and continue to operate stably, as long as the previously lower phase remains the heavier of the two liquids. If, for example, the density of one of the phases increases, this causes the phase separation area to decrease. Will now the

Lifted branch device or the overflow of the lower phase, so in the phase separation container more liquid of the heavy phase is collected, whereby the phase separation surface lifts.This is also achieved that no mixing of the already settled light and heavy phases

Liquid takes place, so that they can be dissipated freely and continuously by overflowing, even if new mixed liquid is refilled. Preferably, the speed of entry into the container is thereby kept as low as possible, so that a separation of the individual phases already occurs during introduction. Another advantage is that it requires the individual phases, in particular droplets, to travel very short vertical paths to their already settled areas.

But it is also advantageous that the upper end of the line for the heavy phase is connected to the free gas space in the uppermost region of the not completely filled with liquid phase separation vessel. This ensures that when filling the line with the liquid of the heavy phase, the gases contained in the line simply with the gas space of the phase separation vessel

communicate. Due to the escape of the gases contained in the line, neither back pressure is built up nor, conversely, can a siphoning effect occur, so that the heavy phase flows unhindered into the line assigned to it and can freely overflow at the branch piece. It is also advantageous that the three lines, which lead to or from the branch piece for the heavy phase, are at least partially formed of a flexible material or a telescopic tube or the like. This ensures that a simple height adjustment of the branch device can be made, with the line can adapt accordingly.

Furthermore, the object of the invention is achieved by a gravity separation device, wherein a phase separation surface is aligned or formed at the same height of an inflow opening for the mixed liquid.

It is advantageous hereby that mixing only takes place in the region of the phase separation surface through the new introduced mixed-in liquid, and hardly any of the already separated light and heavy phases are mixed again. Thus, a continuous removal of the separated phases is possible, which are removed without aids, so without pumps or other funding, by simply overflowing. In this case, a device or system is formed, which is operated purely on the basis of the applied gravity, that is, the introduced mixed liquid is separated by gravity into a light and heavy phase, depending on the amount of the divided phases this over due to the respective overflow a lower and upper overflow edge (eg overflow funnel, branching device) are discharged automatically. Thus, a continuous supply of new mixed liquid for separating into the phase separation vessel can be performed.

But also advantageous are the embodiments in which the phase separation vessel has a bottom outlet at the lowest point at which a conduit for discharging the heavy phase of the liquid is connected, wherein the conduit with a branching device and a vent at the highest point of the

Phase separation tank is connected. This ensures that the line is automatically filled with the heavy phase of the liquid, forming in the phase separation vessel, a lower region with the heavy phase and at the same time the heavy phase rises in the line up until the liquid of the heavy phase at the Branch device overflows freely and is collected for example in a collecting container arranged underneath. However, it is also an embodiment of advantage in which an overflow in the upper region is arranged in the phase separation container for the light phase of the liquid, which is connected to a line for discharging the light phase. This ensures that in a continuous separation of the liquid and by collecting the liquid in the upper region, a free overflow over the overflow edge, so that the light phase is easily removed without additional aids. There is no danger that when removing the light phase a

Mixing of the separated phases can arise. The height of this upper overflow, for the light phase, is defined as having a sufficient height difference with respect to the phase separation surface so that the phase separation surface can be sufficiently up and down.

But also advantageous is an education in which the phase separation in the

Height range, where the position of the phase separation surface is intended, two horizontal distribution plates arranged and connected in the middle of the feed line, between the outer edges of a long, narrow inlet opening for introducing the mixed liquid is formed in the container. It is thereby achieved that in a simple manner a flat, horizontal distribution of the inflowing liquid over the cross section of the phase separation vessel takes place. At the same time it is thus achieved in an advantageous manner that the incoming

Liquid is forced into a horizontal flow, creating a

Mixing the above and below, already separated phases most is avoided, since the inflowing liquid propagates horizontally and thus can not flow into one of the separated phases down or up.

An advantage is an embodiment in which the phase separation surface in height in the region of the inflow opening over the height position of the branching device and the balance between the liquid columns of the heavy phase in the

Riser from the bottom outlet to the branch device on the one hand and the composite liquid column of heavy and overlying light phase in the interior of the phase separation vessel, is aligned or adjustable to the upper overflow on the other. This ensures that a thorough mixing of the separated phases is avoided, since freshly introduced mixed Liquid flows exactly in that area that divides the two phases, ie, that there is only a thin horizontal layer in the phase separation vessel in which a not yet separated mixed liquid is present, above this thin layer, the light phases of the liquid and below the heavy phase of the liquid is deposited or collected. Thus, the vertical distance of the individual droplets to reach their respective areas is shortened.

But it is also an embodiment of advantage in which the separation phase surface in height by adjusting the branching device is adjustable. This ensures that in a simple manner, the height of the phase separation surface can be adjusted in the region of the inflow opening. Thus, an unwanted

Mixing by newly inflowing liquid within a zone or

A phase can be prevented. However, an embodiment in which the line for the heavy phase and for the vent above the branching device / of the lower overflow is flexible is also advantageous. This ensures that the branching device can be easily adjusted in height, without the additional work on the line

must be made.

The advantage is that the lines for the light and heavy phase are each connected to a lower arranged collecting container. This ensures that the system can be operated continuously, as continuously the fluids of the individual phases overflow freely and then dissipated and in one

Collection container to be collected.

In addition, the object of the invention by a

Gravity separation vessel in which two horizontal distributor plates are arranged in the lower region, between which a wide inflow opening for introducing the mixed liquid is formed, and that when liquid is filled, a phase separation surface which separates the light phase from the heavy phase, in the region between the two Distributor plates is adjustable or arranged. The advantage here is that a simple cost-effective design of the container is made possible, with no tools needed for the operation. The exact separation of the mixed liquid takes place solely on the basis of gravity and the removal of the divided phases by free overflow of an upper (eg overflow funnel) and a lower overflow (eg the branching device) takes place.

However, it is also an embodiment of advantage in which the line for the heavy phase with a branching device or a freely positionable overflow is preferably connected outside of the phase separation vessel. This ensures that an overflow for the discharge of the heavy phase of the liquid is created.

Another advantage is an embodiment in which the separation phase surface is adjustable by adjusting the branching device in height. This ensures that by simply adjusting the branching device in height one

Adjustment of the phase separation surface can be made. Thus, an adjustment of the system can be done in a simple manner.

It is also advantageous that the phase separation container has a sight glass, which is preferably arranged in the region of the distributor plates. This ensures that from the outside simply the phase separation surface can be controlled and thus the desired setting of the phase separation surface in the amount of

Distribution plates can be controlled. The invention will be described in more detail below by means of several exemplary embodiments, the invention not being restricted exclusively to this example shown and described.

Show it:

A schematic representation of a gravity separation device;

Fig.2. a schematic representation of another embodiment of the

Gravity separation means; 3 shows another embodiment of the gravity separation device, in more schematic

Presentation.

Exemplary embodiments of a gravity separation device 1 are shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the gravity separation device 1 being designed to separate mixed liquids 2 by gravity in a phase separation vessel 3, in particular in a gravity separation vessel 3. In this case, the phase separation vessel 3 or gravity separation vessel 3 is in each case provided with a line 4, 5 for a heavy phase 6 of the liquid 2 and a light phase 7 of the liquid 2. The lines are 4.5 with appropriate

Receiving containers 8,9 connected to the separate phases 6,7 of the liquid 2. To remove the separated phases 6,7 of the liquid 2 are the

Collecting container 8.9 connected to separate extraction lines 10.1 1.

In the gravity separation device 1, the mixed liquid 2 via a feed line 12 into the phase separation vessel 3, in particular the

Schwerkraftrennbehälter 3, fed, wherein in the phase separation vessel 3 due to the applied gravity, the mixed liquid 2 is separated into the heavier phase 6 and the lighter phase 7 of the liquid 2. In this case, the heavy phase 6 of the liquid 2 in the lower region 13 and the light phase 7 in the upper region 14 of the phase separation container 3, in particular the

Gravity separation container 3, is collected or annealed, so that the separated liquids 2 of the individual phases are discharged via lines 6, 5, 4.

Essential in the gravity separation device 1 according to the invention is that the introduction of the supplied mixed liquid 2 approximately at a height 15 of a phase separation surface 16 of the two phases 6,7 of the liquid 2, preferably continuously with low flow velocity, takes place, wherein the

Phase separation surface 16 between the lighter phase 7 of the liquid 2 and the heavier phase 6 of the liquid 2 is formed. It is in accordance with the Embodiment, the phase separation surface 16 at the same height 15 of an inflow opening 17 of the feeder line 12 for the mixed liquid 2 aligned or formed. The heavy phase 6 of the liquid 2 is discharged at the lowest point, in particular a bottom outlet 18 of the phase separation vessel 3, in particular the gravity separation vessel 3, via the first line 4, the line 4 from there, ie the bottom outlet 18 first rising with a branching device 19th , which is arranged higher than the bottom outlet 18, as well as with the highest point 20 of the phase separation container 3, in particular the

Gravity separation container 3, is connected. The lighter phase 7 of the liquid 2 is in the upper region 14 of the phase separation vessel 3 by a further, above-arranged, but otherwise independent of the branching device 19, arranged overflow 21, such as. an overflow funnel, discharged via the further line 5.

The phase separation vessel 3 thus has a bottom outlet 18 at the lowest point at which the conduit 4 for discharging the heavy phase 6 of the liquid 2 is connected, wherein the conduit 4 is connected to the branching device 19 and a vent opening 22 at the highest point 20 of the phase separation vessel 3 is, whereas for the light phase 7 of the liquid 2, an overflow 21 is arranged in the upper region 14, which is connected to the conduit 5 for discharging the light phase 7. Furthermore, two horizontal distributor plates 23, 24 are arranged in the gravity separation vessel 3 or phase separation vessel 3 in the lower area 13, between which the wide inflow opening 17 is formed for introducing the mixed liquid 2, and that when the liquid 2 is filled

Phase separation surface 16, which separates the light phase 7 from the heavy phase 6, is adjustable or arranged in the region 25 between the two distributor plates 23,24.

However, so that the phase separation surface 16 in the region 25 between the

Distributor plates 23,24 forms, it is necessary depending on the introduced mixed liquid 2 to adapt them accordingly. This can insofar in the

The method according to the invention or the gravity separation device 1 take place such that the phase separation surface 16 at the height 15 by adjusting the

Branch device 19 is adjustable so that by height adjustment of Branch device 19 is a height 26 of the overflow into the collecting container 8 for the heavy phase 6 and thus the height 15 of the phase separation surface 16 is set, that is, that the height adjustment of the branching device 19, the overflow of the heavy phase 6 is definable and thus the training the phase separation surface 16 is adjustable. Thus, the phase separation surface 16 is at the height 15, eg between the two horizontal distributor plates 23, 24, over the elevation of the branching device 19 and the resulting balance between the liquid phases of the heavy phase 6 in the riser 4 from the bottom outlet 18 to the branching device 19 on the one hand and the composite liquid column of heavier and overlying light phase 6.7 in the interior of the phase separation container 3, up to the upper overflow 21 on the other aligned or adjustable.

Preferably, in the phase separation container 3 in the height range where the position of the phase separation surface 16 is intended, two horizontal distributor plates 23,24 arranged and connected to the feeder line 12, between the

Outside edges a long, narrow inlet opening 17 is formed for introducing the mixed liquid 2, so that possible little mixing of the already separated phases 6, 7 is caused. The gravity separator 1 is operated such that the

Phase separation vessel 3 via the feed line 12 is preferably continuously fed with the mixed liquid 2, wherein the inflow opening 17, which is preferably formed longitudinally between the distributor plates 23,24, in the

Phase separation vessel 3 between two horizontal, parallel distribution plates 23,24 opens, which the inflow of the mixed liquid 2 in

Phase separator 3 in a very wide and flat flow in the horizontal direction directs. The branching device 19 is adjusted in height 26 in such a way that the phase separation surface 16 forms between the distribution plates 23, 24, that is, for the first time by adjusting the branching device 19, an adjustment of the height 15 of the phase separation surface 16 is made possible. The setting of the

Branch device 19 can take place, for example, via a simple handwheel and spindle (not shown). In order to control the training of the

Phase separation surface 16 is possible, is on the phase separation vessel 3, a sight glass 27th arranged. Due to the independent separation of the two phases 6,7 on the effect of gravity, the heavy phase 6 forms in the lower region 13 and thus fills the line 4. When the line 4 is filled to the branching device 19, the liquid 2 passes over and is collected in the collecting container 8. So that a filling of the line 4 is possible, the gases contained therein must be able to escape, whereby the line 4 opens in the gas space in the upper region 14 of the phase separation vessel 3, thus also prevents that due to the siphon effect an uncontrolled liquid flow and thus a mixing of the phases. 6 , 7 can arise. At the same time, the light phase 7 in the upper region 14 of the phase separation vessel 3 via the overflow 21, through which a gentle, flat sequence of the light phase 7 is achieved, run free and this in turn

Collection container 9 are collected. In this case, a safe vertical distance to the heavy phase 6 can be created due to the position of the overflow 21.

According to the invention, the method or the gravity separating device has two essential parts, namely, on the one hand, the introduction of the thoroughly mixed one

Liquid in slow, horizontal flow exactly at the height 15 of the

Phase separation surface 16 and on the other hand, a self-regulation of the phase position, in particular the phase separation surface 16, by the use of two free overflow systems, in particular the branching device 19 and the overflow 21 for the two separate phases 6,7 of the liquid 2. Since the distance for the mixture droplets of the phases 6.7 in the vertical direction until reaching the homogeneous own phase 6.7 in the solution according to the invention by feeding in the phase separation area 16 now low, in particular limited to a few millimeters, the gravity separation takes place immediately in the inlet within a few seconds during the horizontal distribution within the

Distributor plates 23,24. Due to the following very slow flow in the vertical direction in the wide phase separation vessel 3 is no further

Mixing as well as no entrainment of the other phases 6,7. The height of the phase separation container 3, in particular the upper portion 14 for the light phase 7 serves above all the security with slightly fluctuating inflow

mixed liquid 2, for example, easy pulsation by a corresponding pump. The regulation is based solely on the density difference between the materials, in particular the phases 6 and 7, but independent of Mixing ratio. Thus, different mixtures can be separated easily, without therefore the phase boundary "crashes" or entrained material of the other phase, since the equilibrium position of

Phase separation surface 16 regulates itself. The principle of operation of the gravitational separation device is such that the combined static weight of the two liquid columns in the phase separation vessel 3 from the bottom outlet 18 to the upper overflow 21 in equilibrium with the heavy and therefore shorter liquid column or phase 6 in the line 4 to

Overflow in the branching device 19 is.

To operate the gravity separation device 1 with different materials and densities in the liquid 2 and the phase boundary, in particular the

Phase separation surface 16 to hold at the height 15 of the distributor plates 23,24, the lines 4 around the branching device 19 as flexible

2, that is, the three conduits 4, 28, 29 leading to and from the heavy phase branch piece 6 are at least partially formed of a flexible material.

Further, as shown in Fig. 3, it is possible that in the space between the distributor plates 23, 24, especially near the outer edge, a fine filter material 30, e.g. Wire, mineral or other fabrics or fibers are arranged. As the mixed liquid 2 flows through the filter material 30, a coalescence effect develops on the smallest droplets, which grow together to form larger droplets at the intersection points of the fibers of the filter material 30 and thus promote separation. The arrangement near the outer edge of the liquid flowing through is already widely distributed, whereby the speed is reduced and the pressure loss through the filter material 30 is thus kept very low. In a further embodiment, which is not shown, however, it is possible that by arranging sensors for detecting the phase separation surface 16 and electrical adjustment means for the branching device 19 an automatic

Adjustment of the phase separation surface 16, in particular in the field of Distributor plates 23,24, is possible, so that the system can continue to work independently even in continuously varying densities of the materials in the mixed liquid

Preferably, the gravitational separation device 1 is formed such that stationary phase separation container 3, as shown, are more suitable for smaller flow rates. For larger scales lying round container or rectangular tanks are better suited because of the larger horizontal cross-sectional area.

For the sake of order, it is pointed out that the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment variants, but may also include further embodiments.

Claims

claims:

A method for separating a mixed liquid (2), wherein the liquid (2) is fed via a feed line (12) in a phase separation vessel (3), wherein in the phase separation vessel (3) due to the applied gravity, the mixed liquid (2) in a heavier phase (6) and a lighter phase (7) of the liquid (2) is separated, wherein the heavy phase (6) of the liquid (2) in the lower region (13) and the light phase (7) in the upper region (14 ) of

Phase separation container (3) is collected and the liquids (2) of the individual phases (6,7) via lines (4,5) are discharged, characterized in that the introduction of the supplied mixed liquid at about the height (15) of the phase separation surface (16) of the two phases (6,7) of the liquid (2), preferably continuously with low flow velocity, takes place, wherein the

Phase separation surface (16) between a lighter phase (7) of the liquid (2) and a heavier phase (6) of the liquid (2) is formed.

A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the heavy phase (6) of the liquid (2) at the lowest point, in particular a bottom outlet (18) of the

Phase separation vessel (3) via a first line (4) is discharged, the line from there rising first with a branching device (19), which is higher than the bottom outlet (18) is arranged, and with the highest point (20) of the

Phase separation tank (3) is connected.

A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lighter phase (7) of the liquid (2) in the upper region (14) of the phase separation container (3) by a further positionally above, but otherwise independent of the

Branch device (19) arranged overflow (21), such as an overflow funnel, via a further line (5) is discharged.

4. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the introduction of the mixed liquid (2) between two horizontal distributor plates (23,24) takes place.

5. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized in that by height adjustment of the branching device (19) the height

(26) of the overflow for the heavy phase (6) and thus in consequence the height (15) of the phase separation surface (16) is adjusted, preferably wherein the phase separation surface (16) in the region between the upper and lower distributor plate (24,25) set becomes.

6. Gravity separation device (1) for separating a mixed liquid (2) and for carrying out the method according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 5, comprising at least one phase separation vessel (3),

in particular a gravity separation vessel (3), a first line (4) for the heavier phase (6) of the liquid (2), a second line (5) for the lighter phase (7) of the liquid (2) and collecting vessel (8,9 ) for the separate phases (6, 7) of the liquid (2), characterized in that a phase separation surface (16) is aligned or formed at an equal height (15) of an inflow opening (17) for the mixed liquid (2).

7. Gravity separating device according to claim 6, characterized in that the

Phase separation container (3) has a bottom outlet (18) at the lowest point at which a line (4) for discharging the heavy phase (6) of the liquid (2)

is connected, wherein the conduit (4) with a branching device (19) and a vent opening (22) at the highest point (20) of the phase separation container (3) is connected.

8. Gravity separation device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that in the phase separation vessel (3) for the light phase (7) of the liquid (2) an overflow 2017/208082

18 (21) in the upper region (14) is arranged, which is connected to a line (5) for discharging the light phase (7).

9. Gravity separating device according to one or more of the preceding

Claims 6 to 8, characterized in that in the phase separation container (3) in the height range where the position of the phase separation surface (16) is intended, two horizontal distributor plates (24,25) are arranged and connected to the feeder line (12), between the outer edges a long, narrow inflow opening (17) for introducing the mixed liquid (2) is formed. 10. Gravity separating device according to one or more of the preceding

Claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the phase separation surface (16) at height (15) between the two horizontal distributor plates (24,25) on the altitude of the branching device (19) and the balance between the liquid columns of the heavy phase (6) in the riser from the bottom outlet (18) to the

Branching device (19) on the one hand and the composite liquid column of heavy and overlying light phase (6,7) inside the

Phase separation container (3), to the upper overflow (21) on the other hand is aligned or adjustable. 1 1. Gravity separating device according to one or more of the preceding

Claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the separation phase surface (16) in the height (15) by adjustment of the branching device (19) is adjustable.

12. Gravity separating device according to one or more of the preceding

Claims 6 to 1 1, characterized in that the line (4) for the heavy phase (6) and for the vent above the branching device (19) / overflow is flexible.

13. Gravity separation vessel (3) for separating mixed liquids (2) and for use in a gravity separation device (1) and a method according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 12, comprising at least one inflow opening (17) for a mixed liquid (2), a near-bottom

Bottom outlet (18) for a heavy phase (6) of the liquid (2) and a higher lying overflow (21) for a light phase (7) of the liquid (2), the bottom outlet (18) and the upper overflow (21) connected to lines (4,5), characterized in that in the lower region (13) has two horizontal

Distributor plates (23,24) are arranged, between which a wide inlet opening 17 is arranged for introducing the mixed liquid or is formed, and that when filled liquid 2, a phase separation surface 16 which separates the light phase 7 from the heavy phase 6, in Region 25 between the two distribution plates 23,24 is adjustable or arranged.

14. Gravity separation vessel (3) according to claim 13, characterized in that the line (4) for the heavy phase (6) is connected to a branching device (19). 15. Gravity separation vessel (3) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the separation phase surface (16) by adjustment of the branching device (19) in the height (26) is adjustable.