The three-phase separator demonstration apparatus is a small-scale vessel that performs continuous separation of a mixture of oil, air, and water. It is available in horizontal and vertical orientations. The primary separation operation for crude oil occurs when the crude stream flows through a vessel of sufficient capacity to allow gravity separation of the gas, liquid hydrocarbon, and water phases. This trainer includes a clear horizontal primary separator vessel. The process has manual control valves with rotameters and is intended to demonstrate oilfield separation principles with basic visual/manual operation. 

This process trainer blends air, water, and refined oil to emulate a crude oil stream. This fluid mixture then flows into a separator vessel fabricated of clear materials. The oil and water are recycled; the air is vented into the atmosphere.