Abstract: At least one section of structured packing where the length of the section is about 1 m to about 6 m; and where the specific surface area of the structured packing of the section is greater than 500 m2/m3, is used in a vapour/liquid contact column operating in locations where environmental conditions adversely affect steady state operation of the column to reduce maldistribution of liquid in the column under motion. The structured packing section has particular application offshore on a buoyant platform where tilt of the column out of vertical alignment due to the rolling motion of the platform can significantly affect the efficiency of the column.

Abstract: At least one section of structured packing characterised in that: (a) the length of said section is from about 1 m to about 6 m; and (b) the specific surface area of the structured packing of said section is greater than 500 m2/m3, is used in a vapour/liquid contact column operating in locations where environmental conditions adversely affect steady state operation of said column to reduce maldistribution of liquid in said column under motion. The structured packing section has particular application offshore on a buoyant platform where tilt of the column out of vertical alignment due to the rolling motion of the platform can significantly affect the efficiency of the column.

Abstract: A process vessel (2) is for achieving contact between at least one fluid passing through the vessel (2) and a packing material contained therein. The process vessel (2) has a peripheral wall (8) disposed around a longitudinal axis, an inlet for permitting entry of fluid into the vessel and an outlet for permitting the exit of fluid from the vessel. A redistributor (4) is located within the vessel (2) and the redistributor (4) follows a locus (3) which extends around the inside surface (10) of the peripheral wall (8). The locus (3) is neither perpendicular or parallel to the longitudinal axis and is preferably spiral or helical.