A method of treating an invert emulsion drilling fluid, the method
including pumping the drilling fluid to an electrophoresis unit that
includes a positively charged electrode and a negatively charged
electrode, applying a voltage between 200 V and 5000 V across the two
electrodes to deposit water and solids on one of the charged electrodes,
and removing deposited solids and water from the collection electrode is
disclosed. An apparatus for treating an invert emulsion drilling fluid,
the apparatus including a bath, a drum disposed in the bath, a power
supply capable of applying a voltage between the housing and the drum in
the range of 200 V to 5000 V, a motor coupled to the drum to rotate the
drum at a predetermined speed, and a scraper having a first position in
which the scraper contacts the rotating drum to remove deposited solids
and water and a second position in which the scraper is retained away
from the drum is also disclosed.