Abstract: A random dumped bed is formed of packing elements each comprising a curved base and hoops which are curved oppositely to the base. The base has a liquid channel in its concave inner surface, and openings are formed in the channel to permit liquid to flow from the channel onto the convex outer surface of the base. Two hoops project unequal distances from the base to deter axial nesting of the elements and to deter preferential orientation of the elements when they are dumped in the bed. The base has elongated slots, and nesting of the hoops in these slots is avoided by providing each hoop with nonlinear side edges and a tapered shape so that its maximum width is greater than the minimum width of a slot.

Abstract: A gas-liquid contact grid is formed of grid members which are connected together by connector members. Each grid member has an elongated upstanding web and laterally extending upper and lower flanges which are discontinuously formed of flange segments which extend alternately in opposite lateral directions from the web. Openings are provided in the upper and lower flanges. The web has interruptions which are located below and in vertical alignment with the ends of the flange segments to cause downwardly flowing liquid to spread longitudinally along the web. The flange segments on adjacent grid members do not extend toward each other to constrict the flow of ascending gases.The connector members are slotted and they extend through aligned holes in the webs of the grid members. During assembly, a connector member is inserted through the holes, and then it is rotated so that the slots engage the web to retain the connector members and the grid members in interengaged relationship.

Abstract: This vapor-liquid contact apparatus, suitable for use in fractionating tower sections, includes a plurality of grids which are arranged in a vertical stack. Each grid is formed of a plurality of parallel, horizontal elongated segments; and, the longitudinal axes of the segments are angularly turned relative to the segment axes in the grid therebeneath.Each segment has an upstanding flange which supports a downflowing film of liquid, and a trough portion for receiving liquid which has flowed from the flange. The trough portion is provided with liquid drain openings which are located to release liquid directly onto contacting upper edges of the flanges of the next lower grid. A plurality of connector portions, integral with and bent outwardly from the flange portions, are spot welded to the trough portions to interconnect these elements.The gas flows upwardly through openings which are provided between the flanges and troughs of the segments.

Abstract: This vapor-liquid contact apparatus, suitable for use in fractionating tower sections, includes a plurality of grids which are arranged in a vertical stack. Each grid is formed of a plurality of parallel, horizontal elongated segments; and, the longitudinal axes of the segments are angularly displaced relative to the segment axis in the grid therebeneath.Each segment has an upstanding flange which supports a downflowing film of liquid, and a trough portion for receiving liquid which has flowed from the flange. The trough portion is provided with liquid drain openings which are located to allow liquid to flow directly onto contacting upper edges of the flanges of the next lower grid.The gas flows upwardly through openings which are provided between the flanges and troughs of the segments. The ascending gas strikes mutually inclined lower surfaces, giving the gas a slight angular velocity to promote turbulence in the vicinity of the flanges.

Abstract: Packing material is formed of stacked panels of expanded metal, each of which has intersecting sets of parallel linear metal strips. Each panel has a horizontal set of linear strips oriented parallel to a corresponding set of linear strips on an adjacent panel and perpendicular to a vertical fluid flow direction which is parallel to the panels; and, each panel has a second set of linear strips inclined about 45.degree. from the vertical in a direction opposite to the inclination of the corresponding inclined set of strips on the adjacent panel. The strips of adjacent panels are canted in opposite directions relative to the planes of their respective panels. Alternative orientations and directions are also disclosed. The packing material is used in packed towers and conduit-connected motionless mixers, and with crossflow trays and dualflow trays.

Abstract: A gas stream with entrained liquid is given a helical motion which causes the entrained liquid to impinge and coalesce on the wall of a separation chamber, with gases being discharged through a tailpipe which extends inwardly into the downstream end of the separation chamber. A closed second chamber surrounds the tailpipe downstream of the separation chamber. Aperture means in the tailpipe permits communication between the interiors of the second chamber and the tailpipe. A conduit means, provided downstream of the aperture means but within the tailpipe, is arranged to permit communication between the center of the tailpipe and the interior of the second chamber tending to equalize pressures so as to cause any residual liquid collected on the interior surface of the tailpipe to flow out of the tailpipe through the aperture means.