Patent ID: 8501018

Claim:
A method for separating a multi-component stream, comprising: providing a process vessel which is divided into a calming zone and a suction zone by a dividing means located between an inlet and an outlet, wherein the dividing means is configured to create the calming zone on the inlet side of the dividing means to permit settling of suspended solids in the calming zone; feeding a reaction water stream to the process vessel via the inlet located at the calming zone of the vessel, wherein the reaction water stream is derived from a Fischer-Tropsch reaction water stream after exiting a three-phase separator, and wherein the reaction water stream contains non-acid chemicals, water, acids, suspended solids and suspended hydrocarbons; allowing the reaction water stream to remain in the process vessel for a minimum residence time of four hours to allow the reaction water stream to separate into a phase rich in suspended hydrocarbons and a water-rich phase and to allow suspended solids to settle out of the reaction water stream; withdrawing the phase rich in suspended hydrocarbons from the vessel via a draw-off point of the process vessel, wherein the draw-off point is selected from two or more draw-off points; and withdrawing the water-rich phase via the outlet of the process vessel, wherein the outlet is located below the draw-off point.