Abstract: A fluids contacting and dispersing apparatus for a fluids contacting column is provided comprising a perforated cover plate, means for positioning the cover plate over a tray opening and securing it within the opening. Deflecting members span each perforation in the cover plate to prevent bleed fluid from shooting straight up and hitting the underside of the above tray. The deflecting members also provide a surface for dispersing lighter, finer bleed fluid flowing upwardly through the perforations over a central zone of the cover plate and into heavier fluid flowing across the tray in the path of the cover plate. The deflecting members direct lighter fluid into what would otherwise be a stagnant central zone of the cover plate. The cover plate is positioned over the tray opening by means of legs which are integral with the cover plate and are slidable within the tray opening.

Abstract: A fluids contacting and dispersing apparatus for a fluids contacting column is provided including a perforated cover plate, a device for positioning the cover plate over a tray opening and securing it within the opening. Deflecting members span each perforation in the cover plate to prevent bleed fluid from shooting straight up and hitting the underside of the above tray. The deflecting members also provide a surface for dispersing lighter, finer bleed fluid flowing upwardly through the perforations over a central zone of the cover plate and into heavier fluid flowing across the tray in the path of the cover plate. The deflecting members direct lighter fluid into what would otherwise be a stagnant central zone of the cover plate. The cover plate is positioned over the tray opening by legs which are integral with the cover plate and are slidable within the tray opening.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for attaching a dispersion valve to a fractionation tray surface. The valve is inserted into a fractionation tray perforation. At least two legs extend downward from a cover plate with a larger area than the perforation. Each of the legs is positioned at or near the peripheral inner surface of the tray perforation. Each leg has an outwardly projecting hooking element. As the valve is inserted into the fractionation tray perforation by pressure applied to the cover plate, the hooking elements bend inward slightly to a smaller circumferential plane than that of the tray perforation. After insertion, the flexible legs spring back to their original outwardly projection. The tip of each hooking element then contacts the bottom surface of the fractionation tray to define and limit the upward motion of the valve. At least one downward projection from the cover plate defines and limits the downward motion of the valve into the tray perforation.