Abstract: A novel spraying method and apparatus are disclosed for treating a gaseous stream in a gas-liquid contact zone. The apparatus includes a housing surrounding a spray nozzle which is provided with an opening for releasing the spray to a gaseous stream to be treated. The housing is pressurized with gaseous fluid, preferably air. The gaseous fluid leaves the housing through an opening surrounding the spray head or nozzle and forms a cylindrical gas curtain or shroud of gas around the housing opening in which the spray head is mounted. The gas shroud protects the spray nozzle by prohibiting the gas from the gaseous stream being treated from entering the housing and substantially reducing direct contact with the spray nozzle.