Abstract: Method and apparatus for contacting two liquid phases for liquid-liquid extraction in a vertical extraction vessel. A relatively heavier liquid phase, descending the extraction vessel at a relatively low volumetric flow rate, is dispersed into a continuous phase comprising a relatively lighter liquid rising through the extraction vessel at a relatively high flow rate. Sieve trays are provided with adjustable active areas and overlapping manways for personnel access.

Abstract: A plurality of fluid-fluid contact trays of the cross-flow type are provided for mounting within a shell of a mass transfer or heat exchange column. The trays include tray decks that may be supported on rings fixed to an inner surface of the shell and downcomers that are supported, not by the typical bolting bars fixed to the shell, but by the tray deck of the underlying tray. The mechanisms for supporting the downcomers in this fashion are support brackets that are not secured to the column shell, but instead extend downwardly from the downcomers and rest on the tray deck of the underlying tray. Alternating trays have side downcomers positioned at openings at one or both ends of the tray deck. The support rings for those trays having side downcomers may be truncated so that the rings do not extend around that portion of the shell circumference where the side downcomer openings are located. On the remaining trays, complete 360 degree rings may be used.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for contacting two liquid phases for liquid-liquid extraction in a vertical extraction vessel. A relatively heavier liquid phase, descending the extraction vessel at a relatively low volumetric flow rate, is dispersed into a continuous phase comprising a relatively lighter liquid rising through the extraction vessel at a relatively high flow rate. Sieve trays are provided with adjustable active areas and overlapping manways for personnel access.