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Abstract

A method and apparatus to effect coalescence of a first liquid suspended as minute droplets in a second liquid of different specific gravity. An endless small-pore matrix having internal pore surfaces preferentially attractive to the first liquid, and having ingested a quantity of the mixture liquids is advanced through a transport interval to a point of discharge with quiescent conditions maintained within the pores for a sufficient time to permit gravitational settling and resultant coalescence of the droplets on the pore surfaces. Squeezing the resiliently compressible matrix at the end of such transport or pumping interval purges the second liquid and coalesced first liquid from the pores, and subsequent reexpansion of the matrix as it reenters the mixture causes ingestion of additional mixture to be processed, the process being repeated on a continuing cyclical basis.

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First Claim