Abstract: A fiber bed element and process for removing aerosols from gas streams wherein a bed of fibers is packed to a desired packing density between two foraminous screens. A substantial portion of the fibers in the bed are positioned in a generally parallel arrangement such that the element can be mounted in an operative position with such substantial portion of the fibers extending in a generally vertical direction to enhance drainage of collected aerosols from the element to thereby allow-operation at even high bed velocities with reduced re-entrainment of collected liquid and thereby increase the total collection efficiency of the element. In the process, the bed element is mounted such that the parallel fibers extend in a generally vertical direction and the gas to be treated is passed through the bed at a predetermined velocity.