The present invention relates to a method for the break-up of at least one emulsion and separation of the light and heavy phase with at least an de-emulsification rate of more than 95% in only one apparatus (module) within less than 5 min by applying at least one time dependent or temporal changeable electrical field wherein the at least one electrical field is a high frequency (HF) singular alternating current (AC) field with an electrical field strength between 2,000 and 100,000 V/m and a frequency (HF) between 12,000 Hz and 200,000 Hz. The present invention relates furthermore to a method for the treatment of at least one emulsion by applying at least one direct current (DC) field and at least one high frequency alternating current—HF/AC field wherein the at least one DC field, in particular a pulsed DC-field, and the at least one HF/AC field are applied in series to the emulsion to be treated. The present invention refers further to a device for conducting said methods.