A rotating drum divided in axial spaced compartments with one of the compartments includes paddles and coalescing material to separate the fluid from the liquid and the other compartment includes a stationary third pump and a stationary water pump for effectively separating fluid such as oil or gas from liquid such a water. Another embodiment includes a simplified version of the fluid/liquid separator adapted for zero gravity environment and includes a device for purging the lines from air prior to pumping the liquid. An electrical sensing circuit including conductivity sensors or an electronic controller including pressure sensors serve to control the rate of removal of the separated component or controlling the purging device.