Abstract: A vapor-liquid contacting process is disclosed which may be used in gas treating, absorption or in fractional distillation. The process is characterized by the utilization of a liquid support plate (tray) having a flat vapor-liquid contacting area formed by uniformly spaced parallel members which provide long narrow passages for the rising vapor. The process is especially useful when a low pressure drop through the liquid support plate or a high tendency of the liquid support plate to prevent weeping is desired. The process allows higher operating capacity than the use of valve-type liquid support valves.

Abstract: A vapor-liquid contacting apparatus suitable for use as a fractionation tray is disclosed. The horizontal liquid support area of the apparatus has a flat vapor-liquid contacting area formed by closely spaced parallel members. The parallel members are shaped such that the elongated openings between adjacent members have a tapered shape which is smallest at the top. The apparatus may be used as a fractionation tray which has a low pressure drop and a low tendency for liquid to fall through the contacting area.