Abstract: The invention relates to contact trays with a self adjusting free section for rectification and absorption tray columns in gas (steam)-fluid systems operating in a wide range of gas (steam) loads. The contact tray comprises a base with apertures in every one of which a valve is mounted providing a one-way outlet of gas and having an upper wall, side walls, and position limiters to define the upper (open) and lower (closed) positions of the valve. Every valve is manufactured from a blank made in the form of a circular sector with a truncated apex, whose peripheral side and segment portions are bent to form side walls of the valve, one of the lower position limiters and the upper wall of the valve. This makes it possible to simplify the technology of manufacturing valves, improve the conditions of operation and raise the efficiency of the tray.