A vapour/liquid separator comprising: a vessel having an inlet for receiving a vapour/liquid mixture; a hub located within the vessel at a position below the inlet wherein the hub supports a plurality of vane elements at its near end for centrifuging the mixture as the mixture proceeds through the vessel; a vapour outlet located at the distant end of the hub for withdrawing the vapour phase of the mixture from the vessel; and an outlet located below the vapour outlet for withdrawing the liquid phase of the mixture from the vessel. The invention further relates to a method for separating the vapour and liquid phases of a mixture of hydrocarbon and steam comprising the steps of: flowing the mixture through the inlet of a vessel; centrifuging the mixture by means of a centrifuge located at the head end of the vessel; controlling the recirculation and splashing of the mixture as the mixture falls on the centrifuge; flowing the liquid phase down the walls of the vessel; directing the vapour phase toward an outlet pipe for the vapours; directing the vapour phase from the vessel and to means for further processing; and directing the liquid phase from the vessel and to means for further processing.
