Abstract: A dual flow mass transfer process is provided which employs a dual flow mass transfer tray having perforations, at least some of which are provided with vapor flow deflectors to deflect the flow of vapor rising through the perforations to give the vapor flow an increased horizontal component.

Abstract: A packing element with a plurality of symmetrically disposed subdivisions within a cylindrical body member provides a very strong, high temperature and corrosive media resistant structure with a large surface area. The elements are of great utility as dumped packing elements in mass transfer applications.

Abstract: Packing elements of the Pall ring type having improved resistance to crushing even though made from thinner gauge metal can be obtained by providing attachment means that hold overlapping ends of the ring together and resist deformation.

Abstract: A support device for supporting a packing material in a packed column having an upwardly flowing gas and a downwardly flowing liquid. The device comprises a plate having a plurality of formations. Each formation comprises spaced side walls connected by an upper wall, with apertures being provided in the side walls to permit the flow of the gas therethrough. A collecting channel is provided on at least one of the formations to collect the downwardly flowing liquid. The formations have a plural-skin construction to reduce the amount of liquid flowing through the apertures. The formations are provided with streamlining in order to improve the efficiency of gas flow.

Abstract: An efficient embossed packing element for exchange columns is made up of a plurality of preformed embossed vertical sheets, each having a plurality of elongated inclined troughs including converging embossed sidewalls, valleys, and ridges extending between upper inlet edges and lower outlet drip edges and projecting alternately outwardly from one side and then the opposite side of the median plane of each sheet. Projecting from the converging sidewalls of the troughs are a plurality of hollow protuberances with perforated peaks including small openings surrounded by edges of the wall about the peaks.

Abstract: A process for absorbing SO.sub.2 from a gas in a packed column employs a low aqueous sulfite feed rate of 0.05 to 1 gallon per minute per square foot of tower cross section, or preferably 0.1 to 0.3 gallons per minute per square foot. Lower capital costs and lower operating costs result because of less tower equipment, lower pressure drop, reduced oxidation to sulfate, and elimination of pump around as compared to the conventional processes. Also disclosed is an improved liquid distributor.