Abstract: A contact assembly and method for vapor liquid contact towers employing a round aperture cover secured above a contact tray by integral depending legs, the upstream leg being of greater width than the downstream leg.

Abstract: A valve-tray assembly for vapor liquid contact towers. The active area of the tray beneath an upper downcomer is constructed with directional thrust valves facilitating oriented vapor flow therethrough and improving mass transfer efficiency. The valves include first and second support legs oriented into the liquid flow with the first leg having a wider surface area presented to the flow for diverting the flow therearound. The width of the first leg is less than the diameter of the valve aperture, about which the liquid is induced to flow into engagement with the vapor passing therethrough. The valve assembly is used in conjunction with, and outwardly of, a raised active inlet area to further control initially directed liquid flow from the perforated inlet area beneath the downcomer.