Abstract: A flashing feed inlet device is used in a vapor/liquid contacting column, such as a distillation column, to decrease the amount of liquid entrainment and maldistribution of vapor occurring when the liquid feed stream is introduced into the column at a temperature and/or pressure conditions higher than those existing in the column. The entrainment of the liquid and the maldistribution of the vapor are decreased by substantially decreasing the linear velocity of the vapor produced by the flashing of the liquid feed stream.

Abstract: A flashing feed inlet device is used in a vapor/liquid contacting column, such as a distillation column, to decrease the amount of liquid entrainment and maldistribution of vapor occurring when the liquid feed stream is introduced into the column at a temperature and/or pressure conditions higher than those existing in the column. The entrainment of the liquid and the maldistribution of the vapor are decreased by substantially decreasing the linear velocity of the vapor produced by the flashing of the liquid feed stream.

Abstract: A liquid distribution device for more uniformly distributing a liquid to packed beds is composed of a box-pipe distributor, for the delivery of liquid to a pan distributor having a deck and risers postioned on the deck, with ells contained in the risers. The ells direct liquid axially through the risers so that gas/liquid interaction is minimized. The pan distributor also includes a plurality of holes positioned about the risers and a set of wall-ells about the periphery of the pan for more completely and uniformly distributing a liquid to packed beds positioned beneath the liquid distribution device.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for de-entraining liquid droplets from a vaporous stream as it leaves a flash zone of a separation tower. The removal of the droplets is accomplished by a chimney which directs vapor flow through two direction changes of about 180.degree. each. The chimney comprises a riser and hat which have an annulus between them. The cross-sectional area of the annulus is less than that of the cross-sectional area of the riser, so the momentum imparted to the entrained droplets drives them downwardly while the lighter vapor undergoes the second direction change and continues upwardly. The chimney may further reduce entrainment by having an extended portion of the riser below a plate and a lip attached to the inside perimeter of an opening of the riser above the tray. Preferably a lower portion of the riser has a larger cross-sectional area than an upper portion of the riser.