Integrated apparatus for mixing and separating fluid phases and method therefor

Abstract

This disclosure relates generally to mixing and separating phases of a mixture, and, more particularly, to an integrated apparatus for mixing and separating immiscible fluid phases and method therefor. The apparatus includes an inlet section, a mixing section, a separating section, and an outlet section. The mixing section includes multiple spiral turns for separately introducing the fluid phases of different specific gravity into the mixing section. Each of the spiral turns includes a helical channel followed by a counter-helical channel for enabling mixing of fluid phases. The counter-helical channel changes the direction of flow of fluid phases upon flow of said fluid phases from the helical channel to the counter-helical channel. The separating section extends from the mixing section separates the fluid phases based on specific gravity difference of fluid phases. The outlet section facilitates in separate withdrawal of fluid phases based on the specific gravity of said fluid phases.