What is the difference between a coalescer and a separator?

A coalescer and a separator are both types of equipment used in various industries to separate mixtures or components. However, there are some differences between the two:

1. Purpose:  
- Coalescer: A coalescer is primarily used to separate immiscible liquids or remove droplets from a gas stream by merging or combining them into larger droplets. The main goal is to enhance the efficiency of liquid-liquid or liquid-gas separation.  
- Separator: A separator, on the other hand, is used to separate two or more phases of a mixture, such as gas-liquid, liquid-liquid, or gas-solid. The purpose is to remove a specific phase or component from the mixture.

2. Mechanism:  
- Coalescer: Coalescers work based on the principle of coalescence, where small droplets are brought together to form larger ones. This can be achieved through various methods like mesh, vane, or filter coalescers.  
- Separator: Separators typically employ different mechanisms depending on the type of separation required. For example, they can utilize gravity, cyclonic action, centrifugal force, or filtration.

3. Applications:  
- Coalescer: Coalescers are commonly used in industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, water treatment, and air pollution control. They are specifically designed to remove tiny liquid droplets or contaminants from gas or liquid streams.  
- Separator: Separators have a broader range of applications