Abstract: An evaporative cooler, including one or more media, distributes water from a source of water to each media through a constant flow valve. A distribution unit at each media includes a pair of spray bars for spraying water through two rows of uniformly spaced apertures disposed in each spray bar. A spray bar channel associated with each spray bar distributes the streams of water impinging thereupon from one row of apertures to the underlying media in specific locations. A distribution cap associated with each spray bar distributes streams of water impinging thereupon to the front and back edges of the underlying media. The water dripping from the media is drained. A fan or other air moving device draws air through the media to obtain cooled air resulting from evaporation of water flowing downwardly along the media.

Abstract: Dispensers and refills for volatile liquids, such as fragrances, are disclosed. Dispensers and refills in combination with dispensers according to the present invention may comprise a volatile liquid and a housing. In certain embodiments, the volatile liquid of the present invention has a predetermined evaporation rate, measured and calculated by the method described herein. In other embodiments, the volatile liquid exhibits a predefined relative evaporation rate. In addition to the housing, the present invention includes optional components, such as a motorized fan and/or a wick, to facilitate release of the volatile liquid into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A device, system and method of mixing two fluids are described herein. A gaseous first fluid is distributed through a distribution zone to a mixing zone by a bundle of pipes parallel to an axis inside which the first fluid is uniformly distributed. A second fluid is uniformly distributed outside the pipes in the distribution zone. The mixing zone is separated from the distribution zone by a pipe-plate supporting the pipes. The pipe-plate has slits or openings to uniformly discharge the second fluid in an axial flow direction into the mixing zone. The pipes extend beyond the pipe-plate into the mixing zone to partialize an outlet flow of the first fluid. In one aspect, the pipes have different lengths to partialize the outlet flow. In another aspect, a terminal portion of the pipes partializes the outlet flow axially, radially, transversally or a combination thereof in the mixing zone.

Abstract: A system for distributing a fluid via a packing disposed in a container, the packing configured to have the fluid trickle from a top to a bottom thereof, includes at least one distributor member including a pressure conduit having at least one nozzle configured to discharge the fluid therethrough and a distributor channel adjoining the distributor member. A width of the distributor channel does not substantially exceed a diameter of the distributor member. The distributor channel defines at least one outlet slot disposed at a lower end of the distributor channel. The at least one outlet slot has a specified width and is configured to discharge the fluid from the distributor channel to the packing via a guide member. The distributor channel is configured to receive the fluid discharged from the at least one nozzle so as to provide a specified level of the fluid in the distributor channel. The distributor channel forms a ventable chamber above the specified fluid level.

Abstract: The liquid distributor includes a channel for the reception of a liquid which is divided by a dividing wall into a first chamber and a second chamber. An inlet element for a liquid opens into the first chamber to fill the first chamber with the liquid. Openings are provided in the dividing wall so that the liquid can be distributed from the first chamber via the openings into the second chamber in the form of jets to create turbulent vortices.

Abstract: A packing structure according to the invention for a fluid contacting column forms a volume comprising an ordered arrangement of bundles of tubes of diameter ranging between 5 and 50 mm. The walls of the tubes comprise orifices which promote circulation and mixes fluids in the structure. The orifices are inscribed in rectangles whose sides range between 2 and 45 mm, and each one of the orifices extends over a surface area greater than 2 mm2.

Abstract: Dispensers and refills for volatile liquids, such as fragrances, are disclosed. Dispensers and refills in combination with dispensers according to the present invention may comprise a volatile liquid and a housing. In certain embodiments, the volatile liquid of the present invention has a predetermined evaporation rate, measured and calculated by the method described herein. In other embodiments, the volatile liquid exhibits a predefined relative evaporation rate. In addition to the housing, the present invention includes optional components, such as a motorized fan and/or a wick, to facilitate release of the volatile liquid into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A mass and/or heat transfer column is provided with a multiphase vapor distributor with distributes a vapor stream about the inner periphery of the column.

Abstract: The fine distributor for a liquid includes a primary distribution stage that has a plurality of outlet openings and a secondary distribution stage that has distribution gutters below the primary distribution stage. A mesh structure leads from the primary to the secondary distribution stage to further distribute the descending liquid laterally. One outlet opening or a group of outlet openings in the primary stage are associated with each guide mens and also a distribution gutter is associated with each guide means. Each guide means, by means of which liquid (23) can be directed from the at least one associated outlet opening to the secondary distribution stage, extends from the primary distribution stage to the associated distribution gutter and also through it and forms a drip edge (45) for the liquid supplied below the distribution gutter. Each guide means has at least partially a three-dimensional structuring and also a regular perforation.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a sprayer for distributing at least one fluid in a vessel. The sprayer can include a first member having a first surface and a second surface forming at least one aperture there-through. Generally, the at least one aperture is skewed with respect to a substantially vertical axis passing through a center of the first member for distributing the at least one fluid in the vessel.

Abstract: A device for distributing a poly-phase mixture having a gas phase and liquid phase which mixture is in downflow mode through at least one bed of granular solid. The device has at least one tray (P) located above one of the beds of granular solid. It further has mixer conduits (21) for the liquid and gas phases, each conduit having an upper cross section for flow (22) allowing the passage of the majority of the gas phase, and a lower cross section for flow (23) allowing the mixture formed inside the conduits to communicate with a bed of granular solid. The mixer conduits (21) also having one or more lateral cross sections for flow (26) over at least a portion of their height to allow the passage of the liquid phase and possibly a minor portion of the gas phase inside the mixer conduits. The device also has a jet breaker type dispersive system (28) having a controlled porosity disposed below the lower cross section for flow (23) and above the bed of granular solids.

Abstract: A liquid distribution device is presented for the collection and distribution of liquid between reactor or adsorbent beds. The device includes a liquid collection tray, a mixing chamber in fluid communication with the liquid collection tray, a liquid distribution tray in fluid communication with the mixing chamber, and a plurality of nozzles for delivering the liquid over the top of a reactor or adsorbent bed.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a distributor for a liquid in a gas-liquid contacting vessel. The distributor can include: a first member forming a plurality of apertures permitting a liquid to pass there-through; a first compartment coupled to the first member forming a barrier proximate to a perimeter of a first aperture of the plurality of apertures; and a second compartment coupled to the first member forming a barrier proximate to a perimeter of a second aperture of the plurality of apertures. Generally, the first compartment forms a hole at a first height and the second compartment forms a hole at a second height different from the first height with respect to the first member.

Abstract: An inclined fluid receiving surface (230) is positioned a short distance away from a pipe distributor (210) having a plurality of openings (212) and receives from the openings a liquid-containing fluid (220) with a horizontal momentum (222) in the direction of the pipe flow. The fluid receiving surface (230) further includes a flow-impeding portion (232) that reduces the horizontal momentum (222) of the fluid (220) on the fluid receiving surface (230), thereby significantly improving distribution of the fluid (220).

Abstract: A stacked packing for a heat-exchange or mass-transfer column has a horizontal packing part formed of a plurality of upright layers. Some of the layers of the lower part are of substantially greater density and have a greater surface area than others of the layers.

Abstract: A stacked packing for a heat-exchange or mass-transfer column has a horizontal upper packing part and a horizontal lower packing part below the upper part. This lower part is formed of a plurality of upright layers, some of which are of substantially greater density and have a greater surface area than others.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid distributor for a material and heat exchange column, comprising a series of adjacent parallel vertical walls (11) which define alternate gas and liquid volumes, whereby some of the vertical walls are separated by horizontal bottom walls, provided with a line of holes and at least one section of each vertical wall is provided with a line of openings (12, 12A), formed in the upper part of the vertical wall and whereby first openings (12) have a first length towards the horizontal wall and second openings (12A) have a second length towards the horizontal wall, the second length being greater than the first.

Abstract: A fluid distribution tray that is capable of providing for the distribution of a fluid across a surface area of a bed of contact material contained within a vessel, wherein the fluid distribution tray includes lost area due to a support element upon which the fluid distribution tray is supported within the vessel, wherein the fluid distribution tray includes a plurality of fluid flow means distributed across the fluid distribution tray in a distribution pattern providing for a high density distribution of fluid flow means within a compensation area that is adjacent and near to the lost area and a low density distribution of fluid flow means within the remaining useable area of the fluid distribution tray. Also included is a method providing for a uniform fluid distribution within a vessel.

Abstract: A water distribution tray having an improvement comprising a first downwardly inclined surface therein commencing at a base of a water impingement pedestal within a first of a plurality of channels and ending at a corresponding first of a plurality of discharge apertures, wherein the first downwardly inclined surface has a first declension angle associated therewith, and a second downwardly inclined surface commencing at the base within a second of the plurality of channels and ending at a corresponding second of the plurality of discharge apertures, wherein the second downwardly inclined surface has a second declension angle associated therewith different from the first declension angle. A method of manufacturing is also provided.

Abstract: A distribution tray for distribution of vapor and liquid across a vessel has a plurality of downcomers extending above the tray and having open upper and lower ends. A liquid conduit for each downcomer has an inlet, a section for upward liquid flow, and openings in fluid communication with the downcomer. A reduced flow area section and a device for improved liquid spread may be used at the outlet of the downcomer. During operation, vapor enters the upper downcomer end. Liquid collected on the tray flows through the inlet, upward through the conduit, and through the openings into the downcomer, where the liquid is mixed with downwardly-flowing vapor. The two-phase stream passes the reduced flow area section with increased velocity for improved dispersion of the liquid before the stream flows through the device for improved liquid spread, and then exits through the lower end of the downcomer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for mixing and distributing a gas and a liquid, arranged upstream from a granular bed. The device includes a substantially horizontal lower plate, said lower plate being equipped with a plurality of risers evenly distributed over the surface of said plate, each riser having an upper part and a lower end communicating with the underside of said plate, the upper part of the risers being provided with at least one lateral orifice. A substantially horizontal upper plate is provided above which the gas and the liquid are supplied, wherein said upper plate rests on risers extending upwardly from the lower plate.

Abstract: A liquid distributor for use in a column having distillation trays has been developed. The liquid distributor functions to uniformly distribute a descending liquid stream across the tray for interaction with an ascending vapor stream. The liquid distributor has a feed pipe which delivers the liquid stream to an underlying elongated trough. Liquid discharge holes are positioned in the floor of the trough. A perforated v-plate positioned within the trough so that liquid from the feed pipe passes through the perforated v-plate before encountering the floor of the trough. When liquid passes through the perforated v-plate, the stream is divided into smaller streams of lower velocity, providing a more uniform overall flow rate of liquid passing through the trough. Liquid is then delivered from the discharge outlets of the trough onto the upper surface of the tray with a substantially uniform flow rate across the trough.

Abstract: A liquid distributor for use in a column having distillation trays has been developed. The liquid distributor functions to uniformly distribute a descending liquid stream across the tray for interaction with an ascending vapor stream. The liquid distributor has a feed pipe which delivers the liquid stream to an underlying elongated trough. Liquid discharge holes are positioned in the floor of the trough. A perforated v-plate positioned within the trough so that liquid from the feed pipe passes through the perforated v-plate before encountering the floor of the trough. When liquid passes through the perforated v-plate, the stream is divided into smaller streams of lower velocity, providing a more uniform overall flow rate of liquid passing through the trough. Liquid is then delivered from the discharge outlets of the trough onto the upper surface of the tray with a substantially uniform flow rate across the trough.

Abstract: The invention is a high capacity and high efficiency co-current vapor-liquid contacting apparatus for use in distillation columns and other vapor-liquid contacting processes. The apparatus is characterized by an arrangement of modules in horizontal stages rather than tray-like construction. The modules define a co-current contacting volume and in an exemplary configuration the modules include a liquid distributor, a demister, a receiving pan and a duct. The modules of one stage are rotated to be non-parallel with respect to the modules of an inferior stage, a superior stage, or both. Variations relate to the design of the individual elements such as the demister, liquid distributor, ducts, and contacting volumes, and the overall arrangement of the apparatus.

Abstract: The liquid distributor includes a plurality of parallel spaced apart passages for receiving liquid, at least one carrier beam disposed transversely of and over the walls of the passages and at least one sheet metal plate slidably mounted on one of walls of the carrier beam in parallel relation to the wall. The walls of the carrier beam have hooks disposed in apertures of the passages and elevations disposed in recesses in the metal plate.

Abstract: A packing element for use in a fluidised bed includes a continuous surface with at least one recessed portion. The recessed portion has a volume in the range of 0.2 to 30% of the volume of the packing element itself.

Abstract: A liquid distributor for use in a column having distillation trays has been developed. The liquid distributor functions to uniformly distribute a descending liquid stream across the tray for interaction with an ascending vapor stream. The liquid distributor has a feed pipe which delivers the liquid stream to an underlying elongated trough. Liquid discharge holes are positioned in the floor of the trough. A perforated v-plate positioned within the trough so that liquid from the feed pipe passes through the perforated v-plate before encountering the floor of the trough. When liquid passes through the perforated v-plate, the stream is divided into smaller streams of lower velocity, providing a more uniform overall flow rate of liquid passing through the trough. Liquid is then delivered from the discharge outlets of the trough onto the upper surface of the tray with a substantially uniform flow rate across the trough.

Abstract: A fixed-bed reactor is described for carrying out reactions of fluid reaction mixtures in the presence of a particulate heterogeneous catalyst having a structured packing which forms interstices in the reactor interior, in which the quotient of the hydraulic diameter for the fluid flow through the structured packing and the equivalent diameter of the catalyst particles is in the range from 2 to 20, preferably in the range from 5 to 10, to such an extent that the catalyst particles are introduced into the interstices, loosely distributed and discharged under the action of gravity.

Abstract: The device is arranged in a process engineering column (10) and serves in particular for the guiding of liquid. This device includes at least two parts (1, 2) made of sheet metal and releasably connected to one another. A recess (12) is arranged in the one part, the sheet metal part (1) of a first kind, and an elevation (21) fitting into the recess is arranged in the other part, the sheet metal part (2) of a second kind. The two sheet metal parts are held in a secured position by a hook connection between the recess and the elevation. The recess and the elevation form a single pair or one pair among several and the sheet metal parts have planar regions lying on top of one another in the neighbourhood (120, 210) of the pair or of each pair respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mass transfer vessel or a mass transfer tower, which is installed in water purification equipment, condensate water demineralization equipment, sewage treatment equipment, waste water treatment equipment, or chemical reactors to perform filtration, adsorption, ion exchange, regeneration of an ion exchange resin, chemical reaction, and spray of a chemical cleaning solution, and more particularly to a method for designing radial distributors in a mass transfer vessel, which uniformly distribute influent flow quantity into all cross sections so as to improve the efficiency of a mass transfer process, such as filtration, adsorption, ion exchange, a chemical reaction process, and a chemical cleaning process.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved natural draft cooling tower (10) having improved cooling capability and reduced liquid losses of evaporation and blow-out. To this end, the distribution of hot liquid to the packing assembly within the tower is increased around the perimeter zone of the packing assembly and reduced within the remaining packing assembly of the tower (24). A plurality of air injector fans (30) spaced circumferentially in the air inlet (20) between the shell (12) support columns (14), together with reduced air resistance through reduced hot liquid distribution to tower interior, produce increased air rates (32) and (34) resulting in improved cooling capability and reduced evaporation loss. With improved cooling, further reduction in evaporation, if required, can be achieved with a hot liquid by-pass (52).

Abstract: A bubble cap (400) has a cap (430) with at least one slot (495) and a riser (420), configured with a skirt height (460) of at least 4 cm, such that 1.5*Skirt Height (cm)+[Slot Length (cm)?Exposed Slot Height (cm)] is greater than or equal to 7.5, and posed such that a liquid fluid and a gas flow co-currently upwardly in a space between the riser (420) and the cap (430).

Abstract: A flow distributor for liquid descending in a vertically elongated process column having an internal space. The distributor is made up of an elongated liquid distribution trough configured and arranged for being mounted in a process column in a position to extend across the internal space thereof. The trough has outer walls defining an elongated, longitudinally extending internal fluid distribution chamber and includes outlet holes which extend through the walls at locations permitting liquid to escape laterally outwardly from the trough. The distributor also includes a baffle distributor structure made up of an elongated, downwardly extending distributor plate member disposed adjacent the trough in a position such that at least a portion of a surface thereof is contacted by liquid escaping from said hole.

Abstract: Described is an enclosed space, a column, or a reactor including a device for mixing and distribution of at least one gaseous phase and at least one liquid phase. The device can be placed upstream of a reaction zone or of a gas/liquid contact zone that can contain a packing bed or a bed of solid, possibly catalytic, particles. Also described is a process for implementing such an enclosed space, column or reactor and to a process for fabricating such an enclosed space, column or reactor.

Abstract: A chimney tray for a column for thermal treatment of a liquid. The chimney tray includes a total take-off of liquid by a drain connection arranged at an edge of the chimney tray, and having one or more drain channels having a gradient in a direction of the drain connection, and having a gradient in a direction of the one or more drain channels.

Abstract: A liquid material evaporation apparatus including a mixing chamber, a flow control unit, a first flow passage for introducing a liquid material, a second flow passage for introducing a carrier gas connected to the mixing chamber through a first nozzle, the first nozzle inhibiting backflow from the mixing chamber into the second flow passage. A third flow passage for discharging evaporated mixed gas is connected to the mixing chamber through a second nozzle, the mixed liquid material and carrier gas being forced through the second nozzle by the flow control unit, the mixed liquid material and carrier gas depressurizing after passing through the second nozzle to evaporate into a mixed gas in the third flow passage. Heat is applied to the mixing chamber and the second and third flow passages to enhance mixing in the mixing chamber and to avoid condensation in the third flow passage.

Abstract: A collector is used to collect and mix liquid from an overlying zone in a mass transfer column in which fluid streams are processed, such as to obtain fractionation products. The collector has two or more liquid collection regions and two or more sumps positioned about the perimeter of the liquid collection regions. A plurality of channels and deflectors are spaced apart within each liquid collection region and vapor passages are formed in the spacings between adjacent channels. The deflectors direct descending liquid into the channels and shield the vapor passages from the descending liquid. The channels within each liquid collection region are arranged into interspersed sets, with one set of channels preferentially directing collected liquid into one sump and another set of channels preferentially directing collected liquid into another sump.

Abstract: A water distribution system for wetting an evaporative media pad includes a nozzle spraying a stream of water onto a water distributor that diverts the stream into at least two different portions. A plurality of fingers extend in at least two different directions to direct the two portions onto different locations of the media pad.

Abstract: A mixing system is disclosed which provides improved multiphase mixing through the use of a novel quench injection means. The mixing system comprises a horizontal collection tray, a mixing chamber positioned below the collection tray, and at least one passageway extending through the collection tray into the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber and the collection tray define a two-phase mixing volume. The passageway conducts fluid from above the collection tray into the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber preferably includes at least one outlet opening for the downward passage of fluid. In particular, mixing of quench fluid is significantly improved when quench is introduced into a region above the collection tray and where (i) lateral velocities of the process fluids are low, (ii) sufficient volume is available for the quench fluid to mix with the process fluids, and (iii) quench injection occurs opposite the prevailing direction of process fluid flow.

Abstract: A liquid distributor for packed or filled columns having a multiplicity of horizontal layers involved in heat transfer or mass transfer. At least one layer of the column has an increased density by comparison with the other layers and is designed specifically for flooding. The specific surface can be greater than the specific surface of the underlying layers by a factor of 1.5 to 10.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for periodically dumping liquids in an installation, in which liquids are recycled or otherwise accumulate dissolved and/or suspended contaminants, which process and apparatus makes use of a container for a liquid which is alternately filled and drained during operation of the installation, resulting in changing weight or buoyancy of the container or level of a float in the container, which actuates a dumping valve when a given critical weight, buoyancy or float level is exceeded or reduced.

Abstract: A device for distributing fluid into a monolith bed includes a plurality of flow channels stacked in order of decreasing diameter. The flow channels successively split a flow stream into a multiple flow streams prior to the flow stream entering the monolith bed.

Abstract: A device that is placed in a vessel for carrying out separate injection (1,6) of two fluids in two different physical states, or which are not miscible, and for homogeneous distribution of at least one of the two fluids in the vessel downstream of said device. The first fluid is injected (6) into the vessel at least one point level with said device, said device being characterized in that it contains a chamber (5) pierced by orifices (7, 8) for the passage of a first fluid. Said chamber (5) is also imperviously traversed by tubes (4) or conduits with a free end acting as a passage through said chamber for the second fluid.

Abstract: An ultra low flow liquid distributor generates a very thin yet continuous liquid film over the entire width of a transfer surface. The ultra low flow liquid distributor includes a liquid supply system starting from a common main supply, which is split by repetitive bifurcations into a multitude of liquid sub-mains, until eventually each liquid supply sub-main feeds into one of the many liquid outlet openings. In this the liquid outlet openings are arranged above the liquid supply system, which automatically ensures self-priming.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting and redistributing a flow of a liquid descending in an exchange column containing a layer of structured packing and having a longitudinal axis, a cross-sectional area, and an inner wall having an inner perimeter, includes: a wall-flow collector located above the layer of structured packing, the wall-flow collector having an outer perimeter adjacent the inner perimeter of the inner wall and being adapted to collect at least a portion of the liquid descending on or near the inner wall of the exchange column; a transmission means for transmitting at least a portion of the collected liquid collected by the wall-flow collector toward the longitudinal axis a substantial distance across the cross-sectional area of the exchange column; and a dispensing means for dispensing at least a portion of the portion of the collected liquid from the transmission means to the layer of structured packing.

Abstract: For use in a separation column, a mat element or a beam element has at least: an upper part 2; at least one distributor-collector part (3) having one or more secondary orifices (7i) and at least one main orifice (6), whereby the passage sections of orifices (8) and (7i) are different; and a lower part (4). The distributor-collector part or parts (3) arranged between the upper part (2) and the lower part (4). A sealing element (5a) arranged between the distributor-collector part (3) and the upper part (2), and a sealing element (5b) arranged between the distributor-collector part (3) and the lower part (4). A separation element (8) arranged at distributor-collector part (3), thus delimiting two spaces (3a, 3b) for circulation of fluids.

Abstract: An arrangement for coupling microwave energy into a plasma CVD coating chamber (3) disposed in a cavity resonator (1) has a microwave feed (11) and a microwave waveguide (9, 1). So that a plastic container of a size and configuration which differ to a certain degree can be effectively coated in its interior, it is provided that the arrangement is of a substantially cylindrical structure, such that provided at the rear end is a first coaxial waveguide (in the region a) with an internal conductor in the form of an antenna (12), an approximately cylindrical waveguide (in the region b) follows in the centre of the arrangement and provided at the front end (in the region c) is a second coaxial waveguide (1) with internal conductor (13), wherein gas can be introduced through a gas feed tube (13) into the second coaxial waveguide (in the region c), which gas can be activated into the plasma state by the coupled-in microwave energy, and wherein a TM-mode is produced by the antenna (12) in the plasma region (1, c).

Abstract: Anti-swirl baffles are provided in a mass transfer column to reduce the swirling motion of a vapor or mixed phase feed stream introduced into the column. The column is of the type having an upper region of a preselected diameter, a lower region of reduced diameter, and an intermediate transition region that has a diameter that transitions from the preselected diameter of the upper region to the reduced diameter of the lower region. The column includes a vapor or mixed phase feed nozzle and a feed device such as a vapor horn located at least partially within the upper region for delivering the vapor or mixed phase feed stream into the column. The anti-swirl baffles are positioned in the intermediate transition region of the column to disrupt the swirling motion of the vapor or mixed phase feed stream as portions of it descend from the feed device into the transition region of the column.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a cyclonic vapor/liquid contacting device and distillation or related mass transfer or heat transfer processes employing its use, such as fluid catalytic cracking. Liquid feed is introduced near the floor of the cyclone via downcomer or plenum. Vapor enters through sieve holes in the bottom of the cyclonic device. Near the floor are angled tabs or vanes that impart a spin to the vapor rising up through the floor. The tabs or vanes mix the liquid and vapor. The liquid is then thrown toward the cyclone wall, where it exits through slots in the wall. A second set of tabs or vanes, located about in the middle of the cyclone, imparts additional spin to the vapor and entrained liquid rising through the cyclone. This improves liquid collection by the cyclone, especially in cases where a heavy liquid load dampens the spin action of the vapor in the base of the cyclone.

Abstract: An improved two-phase refrigerant distributor for use in a falling film evaporator in a refrigeration chiller system defines apertures in its undersurface from which serrated collars depend. The serrations cooperate to define locations below the undersurface of the distributor to which liquid refrigerant is drawn prior to exiting the distributor. As a result, the hang-up and/or travel of liquid refrigerant on the distributor undersurface is reduced or eliminated.