Abstract: A fluid distribution system for a packed absorption tower. The system includes one or more troughs mounted in the tower above the packing. Fluid enters each trough through an inlet in a side wall of the trough for flow to one or more orifices through which the fluid passes to fill the trough. Fluid is directed to the orifices by a conduit defined by the bottom and side walls of the trough and by a partition extending between the side walls above the inlet. Downtubes on each trough extend from inside the trough down through the bottom wall of the trough to a location below the trough. Each downtube has an inlet disposed inside the trough. Fluid passes through the orifices to fill the trough to a level sufficient for fluid to enter the inlets of the downtubes and to flow down the downtubes for distribution on the packing.