Abstract: A vapor-liquid contacting tray is disclosed having an enclosure member overlying and extending transversely across the tray deck top surface from a portion above a tray support ring to an adjacent perforated portion of the tray deck wherein the perforation openings are unobstructed by the support ring. A vapor flow opening is located in the enclosure member over the portion of the tray deck above the support ring. Vapor flowing into the enclosure member from the overlaid tray deck perforation openings is directed through the vapor flow opening into the liquid on the tray deck surface portion overlying the support ring, to effect vapor-liquid contacting and prevent liquid flow stagnation thereon.

Abstract: Liquid discharge means for a vapor-liquid contacting tray having spout openings in the floor members of the downcomers. Lip means are provided with a wall segment which extends transversely beneath the spout openings associated with the lip means, whereby liquid in the downcomer flowing through the spout openings is vertically damped and given a horizontal velocity component by the lip means for dispersed flow of discharged liquid onto the active portion of tray surface area of an underlying tray.