A system and method for separating immiscible fluids are provided. The system
(10)
includes a hollow vessel (50) which receives a mixture (20) of a
first fluid (40) and a second fluid (60), which are immiscible with
respect to one another. The density of the first fluid (40) is less than
the density of the second fluid (60). The mixture (20) is pumped
into the hollow vessel (50) by a pump (110) where it is received
by a primary tube (80). The primary tube (80) is immersed in a separation
medium (70). The separation medium has a density greater than the density
of the first fluid (40) and less than the density of the second fluid (60).
The second fluid (60) settles out of the separation medium (70) and
the first fluid (40) rises above the separation medium (70). The
first fluid (40) and the second fluid (60) can then be drained separately
from the hollow vessel (50).
