Abstract: A saddle-type random packing element for use in a vapor-liquid tower which packing comprises an arcuate body having generally parallel, upright flanges on either side, the arcuate body having a plurality of alternating, generally parallel, inner and outer arched rib elements extending transversely between the flanges. The method of manufacture of the packing element comprises slitting a flat metal sheet to form rib elements, bending the sheet to form the upright flanges, the arched rib elements and then into the arcuate shape of the packing.

Abstract: A gas liquid contact tray and method of using the tray and columns containing the tray, which gas liquid contact tray is characterized by high tray efficiency and capacity and a wide turndown ratio, and which tray comprises: a tray deck containing a plurality of openings therein, such as valves, to provide for the intimate contact of an upwardly flowing gas stream through the openings with liquid on the tray deck; one or more downcomers, to provide a passageway for the transportation of liquid from the tray deck to a lower tray deck or lower portion of the column; and mass-transfer packing materials in the passageway of one or more of the downcomers, to provide for the intimate gas liquid contact of the upwardly flowing gas stream and the downwardly flowing liquid stream in the passageway of the downcomer.