An apparatus for augmenting the coalescence of a component of an oil/water mixture employs an elongated cylindrical vessel having a fluid inlet at one end and a fluid outlet at the other end and an electrically conductive sidewall. An electrode is positioned within the vessel, concentric with the vessel sidewall, and between the fluid inlet and fluid outlet. An electrical potential is applied between the electrode and the vessel sidewall. A distributor plate is positioned within the vessel and between the vessel fluid inlet and the electrode. The distributor plate is shaped to cause fluid passing through it to move in a spiral pattern within the vessel and around the electrode as the fluid moves towards the fluid outlet.