There is provided herein in one specific embodiment a process for separating a mixture comprising: combining at least one silicone surfactant (a), where silicone of silicone surfactant (a) has the general structure of: M.sup.1.sub.aM.sup.2.sub.bD.sup.1.sub.cD.sup.2.sub.dT.sup.1.sub.eT.sup.2.- sub.fQ.sub.g and a mixture (b) comprising an aqueous phase, a solid filler phase and optionally an oil phase that is substantially insoluble in said aqueous phase; and providing for separation of any one or more of said aqueous phase, said solid filler phase, and if present, said oil phase from mixture (b) to provide a separated mixture (b).