(FR2702671-A1)      Sepn. of a mixt. of a conductive phase (II) dispersed as particles (e.g. droplets) in a continuous phase (I), in which the two phases have different densities, is carried out by (a) feeding the mixt. into an annular zone (5) delimited by two cylinders, the mixt. being introduced towards the periphery of one of the cylinders to impart rotational motion within the annular zone; (b) applying a potential difference between the cylinders (1,3) to create a radial electric field in the annular zone (5) to promote dispersed phase (II) coalescence and phase sepn.; and (c) recovering the (partially) sepd. phases in a reception and decantation zone.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for the sepn. of a mixt. such as crude oil contg. a dispersed aq. phase, esp. desalination of crude oil involving addn. of water with low salt content (claimed). Sepn. is enhanced by combining the effects of an electric field and centrifugal forces, using electrodes of simple shape.    (EP617115-B1)      Sepn. of a mixt. of a conductive phase (II) dispersed as particles (e.g. droplets) in a continuous phase (I), in which the two phases have different densities, is carried out by (a) feeding the mixt. into an annular zone (5) delimited by two cylinders, the mixt. being introduced towards the periphery of one of the cylinders to impart rotational motion within the annular zone; (b) applying a potential difference between the cylinders (1,3) to create a radial electric field in the annular zone (5) to promote dispersed phase (II) coalescence and phase sepn.; and (c) recovering the (partially) sepd. phases in a reception and decantation zone. Also claimed is an appts. for carrying out the above process.    USE -   Sepn. of a mixt. such as crude oil contg. a dispersed aq. phase, esp. desalination of crude oil involving addn. of water with low salt content (claimed).    ADVANTAGE -   Sepn. is enhanced by combining the effects of an electric field and centrifugal forces, using electrodes of simple shape.