Abstract: A polyolefin production system, comprising a polymerization reactor (such as a polyethylene loop slurry reactor) and a fractionation system that receives reactor effluent processed in a diluent/monomer recovery system for recycle to the reactor and to suppliers. A conduit diverts a portion of a reflux flow comprising monomer, such as ethylene, from within the fractionation system to the polymerization reactor, providing for less venting of monomer, such as ethylene, to the supplier. Accordingly, monomer yield is advantageously increased, as the monomer returned to the reactor displaces monomer feedstock to the reactor. The reflux flow may originate from a condensed overhead lights from a diluent recycle column disposed in the fractionation subsystem. The diluent recycle column may receive a stream comprising diluent and monomer as feed from the diluent/monomer recovery subsystem, and may receive the non-diverted portion of the reflux flow as reflux.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the working-up of a vitamin E (VE)- and/or vitamin E acetate (VEA)-containing product stream, which is substantially characterized by purification of a vitamin E-containing product stream, acetylation of at least a part of the purified vitamin E and purification of at least a part of the acetylated vitamin E, the purification of vitamin E and vitamin E acetate preferably being effected by distillation, for example rectification.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus for the alkylation of benzene with mono-olefin aliphatic compound in at least two reaction zones in the presence of solid alkylation catalyst use a crude distillation of the reaction effluent passing between reaction zones to remove a substantial portion of the alkylbenzene. The processes reduce the amount of heavies generated in an economically attractive manner.

Abstract: A porous honeycomb water treatment device washes out deposited salt automatically with high heat exchange rate to produce sufficient fresh water, a hollow, vacuum, and high pressure distillation column, where salt water alternatively heated up to 100° C. or cooled down to 0˜18° C.; a bottom product exit (13) formed at a bottom of the fractionator (1); an inlet pipe (11) disposed above the fractionator (1) injects salt water in the fractionator (1); a top product outlet pipe (12) disposed above the fractionator (1) discharges water vapor out of the fractionator (1); and at least, one tray (4) disposed inside the fractionator (1) equidistantly arranged in neat stack; the tray (4) is composed of a plurality of heat pipe (40) filled with working fluid mixed with nano-scale metallic particulates; the heat pipes (40) are arrayed in parallel and equidistantly supported on a hollowed-out frame (41) at an inclined angle (?).

Abstract: A contaminated solvent recycling system comprises a distillation vessel having a distillation zone and a separate waste collection zone and heating means for heating contaminated solvent feed within the distillation zone vessel to distill off the solvent. By separating the distillation zone from the waste collection zone, the distillation zone can be made small enough to process small consecutive batches of contaminated solvent feed whilst the waste collection zone can be made large enough to accommodate waste accumulating from the distillation process for extended periods of time between waste removal operations.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for recovering 1-butene from a feed steam comprising n-butane, isobutane and butene isomers using a single, divided wall distillation column. The disclosed process includes introducing the feed steam into an inlet of a first side of a distillation column, wherein the distillation column comprises a top, a bottom and a center dividing wall extending between the bottom and the top of the column and dividing the column into the first side and a second side. The process includes taking off an isobutane stream from the top of the second side of column, taking off a 1-butene stream as a bottoms stream from the second side of the column, and taking off a combination 2-butene and n-butane stream as a bottom stream from the first side of column.

Abstract: A system and method for removing water from a liquid desiccant such as a glycol used to dry cooled air in order to restore the desiccant to a purity up to around 97% in a closed continuous flow process. Liquid desiccant can be sprayed into cooled air in a conditioner where it gains moisture. The wet or gained desiccant can be optionally preheated in an economizing heat exchanger and then routed into a concentrator. Desiccant pure to around 97% can be removed from the concentrator, passed through an economizing heat exchanger to provide the preheating and returned to the conditioner holding area. The concentrator can be heated by steam or other means such as natural gas to boil the wet desiccant causing mixed vapor to enter a vertical distillation column where most of the glycol condenses out on the column packing or plates and returns to the concentrator.

Abstract: An improved process for separation of liquid mixtures involves vapor stripping followed by mechanical compression of the vapor which is then exposed to a permeation membrane for separation of the compressed vapor.

Abstract: A process for separating carbon dioxide from a compressed, dried and cooled carbon dioxide containing fluid comprises separating the fluid into at least a carbon dioxide enriched stream, and a carbon dioxide depleted stream, expanding at least part of the carbon dioxide lean stream in an expander, compressing a process stream wherein the power for the compression step is at least in part provided by the power generated by the expander.

Abstract: According to the invention, a process for the rectification of mixtures of high-boiling air- and/or temperature-sensitive substances which require a high separation efficiency is proposed, in particular a process for the working-up of a VE- or VEA-containing product stream. The process is characterized in particular in that, in a first purification stage, low-boiling products and unspecified isomers of the useful product are separated from the product stream virtually without loss of useful product and that, in a second purification stage, the useful product is removed in a stream having a purity of >97% by weight and a further stream having a purity of >92% by weight. A preferred embodiment of the process serves for working up VEA, in which the loss of useful product in the first purification stage is less than 5%, based on that amount of VEA in the feed which is added to the purification stage per unit time.

Abstract: A novel method for connecting multiple existing columns which are retrofitted into vapor-liquid contacting devices with trays or packings suitable for the operation of a three-phase (vapor-liquid-liquid) extractive distillation column for aromatics recovery. The retrofitted columns are connected by a vapor transfer line to transfer the vapor phase from the top of the lower column to the bottom of the upper column, and by a liquid transfer line to transfer the liquid phase from the bottom of the upper column to the top of the lower column of the three-phase extractive distillation column.

Abstract: A separation system for a methyl acetate hydrolysis is provided. The separation system comprises a reactive distillation system, a reflux system, a first separation system and a second separation. The reactive distillation system allows the hydrolysis of a methyl acetate solution to generate a first mixture and a second mixture. The reflux system is packed with a heterogeneous catalyst and coupled to the reactive distillation system, which refluxes the first mixture to the reactive distillation system. The first separation system is coupled to the reactive distillation system, which directs the second mixture thereinto so as to isolate an acetic acid and a third mixture therefrom. The second separation system is coupled to the first separation system, which directs the third mixture thereintio so as to separate a methanol therefrom. The methyl acetate feeding system is coupled to, one of the reactive distillation system and the reflux system, which feeds the methyl acetate solution thereinto.

Abstract: Improved processes and apparatus use a finishing column with a mid-cut that provides alkylbenzene products of high purity containing less than about 1 ppmw benzene and less than about 50 ppmw heavies while accommodating enhancements in the efficiencies and the capacities of the distillation train to recover alkylbenzene from alkylation reaction product and while enabling the use of catalytic treatments to reduce olefinic-component content.

Abstract: A distillation apparatus for subjecting a crude readily polymerizable compound to distillation under vacuum conditions to purify the same includes a distillation column and a vacuum generator, an exhaust gas conduit of the vacuum generator being connected to a connecting conduit therebetween through a pressure control valve. The purification method includes using the disclosed distillation apparatus and controlling the action of the pressure control valve based on a pressure of the distillation column, thereby controlling the amount of the exhaust gas to be introduced to control the pressure of the distillation column.

Abstract: Disclosed is a purification apparatus and method. The purification apparatus includes: a mobile phase distillation part for distilling a mobile phase; a mobile phase liquefaction part for liquefying the distilled mobile phase; and a purification part disposed between the mobile phase distillation part and the mobile phase liquefaction part, for mixing the mobile phase liquefied at the mobile liquefaction part with to-be-purified material, removing impurities from the mixture through a bonded phase, and sending the impurity-removed purified material to the mobile phase distillation part.

Abstract: This invention relates to a simple, convenient, portable mini-distillation apparatus for the production of essential oils and hydrosols, said apparatus is useful to distill essential oils and hydrosols such as rose water, ajowain water from fresh and dried plant material like leaves, flowers, roots and rhizomes by water distillation, water and steam distillations and as an optional, steam distillation can also be perform at atmospheric pressure as well as slightly higher and lower than atmospheric pressure, said apparatus can be heated on brick-clay furnace with small agro-waste, LPG cooking gas, electrically heated stove or kerosene/diesel burner etc. and requires minimum attention during handling; since the apparatus is made of stainless steel and glass, the essential oil distilled is of better quality.

Abstract: Disclosed is a purification apparatus and method. The purification apparatus includes: a mobile phase distillation part for distilling a mobile phase; a mobile phase liquefaction part for liquefying the distilled mobile phase; and a purification part disposed between the mobile phase distillation part and the mobile phase liquefaction part, for mixing the mobile phase liquefied at the mobile liquefaction part with to-be-purified material, removing impurities from the mixture through a bonded phase, and sending the impurity-removed purified material to the mobile phase distillation part.

Abstract: A system is described for recovering a purified distillable component from a starting mixture utilizing a transition tank to receive a transition mixture distilled from a starting mixture, which is returned to the system for further distillation. The system includes a condenser which features an annular tube having cooling fins arranged inside and outside its annular region to improve its cooling efficiency, and a reflux column which features a flow distributor and a flow centralizer to improve mixing of the rising vapors with the descending liquid. The system also includes a temperature sensor located between the reflux column and the condenser for supplying temperature measurements used in the automatic, operator-less control of the system.

Abstract: A combination reflux/distillation apparatus is provided having interchangeable reflux and distillation columns, a segmented collection trough and an integrated indirect heating provision. The apparatus is uniquely adapted for refluxing and distilling small quantities of materials without the losses attendant to larger apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circulation evaporator for separating mixtures consisting of more volatile and less volatile components, which comprises a discharge container that consists of at least a chamber for the feed and of a chamber for the outflow. The invention further relates to a process for the separation by distillation of a mixture consisting of more volatile and less volatile components by employing the circulation evaporator.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a solvent distillation apparatus capable of preparing a highly pure anoxic, dehydrated solvent. A distilling flask is connected to a vacuum double-barrel fractionating column by a glass flange. The upper end of the fractionating column is connected to a middle portion of a reflux condenser. The upper end of the reflux condenser is provided with an outlet for a purge gas, and the lower end thereof is connected to a condensate reservoir. The base of the condensate reservoir is connected to the fractionating column near a lower end thereof via a Young cock, and also connected to a collecting flask via a Young cock and a glass flange. An immersion tube is used to blow an inactive gas into a base portion of the condensate reservoir. The fractionating column, the reflux condenser and the condensate reservoir are integrated as one body.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a solvent distillation apparatus capable of preparing a highly pure anoxic, dehydrated solvent. A distilling flask is connected to a vacuum double-barrel fractionating column by a glass flange. The upper end of the fractionating column is connected to a middle portion of a reflux condenser. The upper end of the reflux condenser is provided with an outlet for a purge gas, and the lower end thereof is connected to a condensate reservoir. The base of the condensate reservoir is connected to the fractionating column near a lower end thereof via a Young cock, and also connected to a collecting flask via a Young cock and a glass flange. An immersion tube is used to blow an inactive gas into a base portion of the condensate reservoir. The fractionating column, the reflux condenser and the condensate reservoir are integrated as one body.

Abstract: Provided is a novel on-site system and method for providing ultra-high-purity nitric acid to a point of use. The system includes a source of nitric acid at a concentration greater than 68 wt %; a reflux distillation column having an inlet in communication with the nitric acid source for introducing nitric acid into the column, a reboiler, and a condensate outlet to provide a flow of nitric acid condensate from the column; a reservoir in communication with the condensate outlet for receiving the flow of nitric acid condensate; and piping for delivering nitric acid from the reservoir to a point of use. The system and method can be used as an on-site subsystem, in a semiconductor device fabrication facility for supplying the nitric acid condensate to points of use in the semiconductor device fabrication facility.

Abstract: The invention relates to a distillation and reaction device having a reaction section and a distillation-reaction section. The distillation-reaction section has a distillation zone with at least one device for circulation of the effluent from the reaction section to the distillation zone. Effluent from the reaction section is circulated to the distillation zone. The distillation-reaction section also has at least one distillation-reaction zone having at least one catalyst bed. The distillation-reaction zone is distinct from the distillation zone and provides at least partly the reflux of the distillation zone. The distillation-reaction section can also have at least one complementary reaction zone containing at least one catalyst bed. The invention further relates to a process for preparing at least one aliphatic monoalcohol, generally in excess, and at least one olefin.

Abstract: Highly purified ammonia for use in semiconductor manufacturing is prepared on-site by drawing ammonia vapor from a liquid ammonia reservoir, passing the vapor through a filter capable of filtering out particles of less than 0.005 micron in size, and scrubbing the filtered vapor in a high-pH aqueous scrubber.

Abstract: A system for purification and generation of hydrofluoric acid on-site at a semiconductor device fabrication facility. An evaporation stage (optionally with arsenic oxidation) is followed by a fractionating column to remove most other impurities, an Ionic Purifier column to suppress contaminants not removed by the fractionating column, and finally the HF Supplier (HFS).

Abstract: Highly purified ammonia for use in processes for the production of high-precision electronic components is prepared on-site by drawing ammonia vapor from a liquid ammonia reservoir, passing the vapor through a filter capable of filtering out particles of less than 0.005 micron in size, and scrubbing the filtered vapor in a high-pH aqueous scrubber.

Abstract: An integrated distillation column having a partitioned stripping or absorption section is presented. The integrated stripping/distillation column comprises a single shell housing a refluxed absorption section and a reboiled stripping section. The stripping section is partitioned by a vertical wall into first and second separate portions having upper end in fluid communication the absorption section. The stripping portions include fluid isolated lower ends having separate reboilers. In the integrated absorption/distillation column, the absorption section is partitioned and separate reflux loops are provided for each portion of the absorption section. In such a manner, a two column distillation process can be combined into one for achieving space and equipment savings.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method and a novel apparatus for the concentration, separation, and purification of contaminated chemical compounds, wherein the chemical compound is less volatile than the contaminant. The distillation is performed using constant, predetermined distillation parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating chemical production plant process condensate such that a contaminant-rich stream and a relatively pure aqueous stream is separately recoverable from the condensate, wherein the contaminants are substantially removed from the condensate by steam stripping and subsequent rectification in a relatively low pressure stripping/rectification tower. The tower overhead is then condensed with a portion of the condensed overhead being returned to the top of the rectification section of the tower as reflux and the balance being withdrawn as a concentrated stream for reuse in the plant. In a second embodiment, separate stripping and rectification towers operate in series whereby the overhead of the stripping tower is delivered to the lower section of the rectification tower and the rectification bottoms are returned to the top of the stripping tower.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting, concentrating, and separating biochemical compounds from plant or animal biological substances. It has a heating vessel for the substance to be treated, and is connected at its lower part to an evaporation circuit. The evaporation circuit is connected to the upper part of the heating vessel and, by a valve, to the bottom of a distillation column. A condenser is connected to a vacuum source and, by a valve to the top of the distillation column. A decanter is connected by a valve to the condenser and then successively to a first tank for recovering essential oil, a second tank for recovering aromatic water, and to the vacuum source. A dual discharge circuit has its first circuit connected by two valves to a third tank for receiving light aromatic compounds and to a fourth tank for receiving regenerated solvents.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method and a novel apparatus for the concentration, separation, and purification of contaminated chemical compounds, wherein the chemical compound is less volatile than the contaminant. The distillation is performed using constant, predetermined distillation parameters.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the distillation of liquids which is particularly suited for the removal of soluble impurities and insoluble and non-volatile particles of 10 microns to 0.2 micron or less in size. A substantially elongated distillation chamber having walls equipped with axially disposed concentric boiling rings spaced from the walls near the bottom, and a packing stop, packing redirector rings for condensed vapor, and a reflux condenser in the upper part of the distillation chamber provide, during distillation, a smooth convective upward flow of distilling liquid and vapor proximate the walls and boiling rings and a smooth convective downward flow of distilling liquid and vapor substantially centrally of the distillation chamber.

Abstract: An improved fractionating process is provided wherein a liquid stream is withdrawn from the separation zone of the fractionator, is cooled and is recycled to the fractionator at a location below the location of withdrawal of the liquid stream. An improved fractionator is provided which comprises a withdrawal point from which a liquid stream is withdrawn, a cooler to cool the withdrawn stream and a means for recycling the withdrawn stream to a point below the withdrawal point.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaporative concentration of a liquid sample comprises a housing including an upper chamber and a lower chamber, a concentrator flask, a reflex tube and a vortex tube. The concentrator flask includes an upper solution vessel section and a lower cold finger section, and the flask is arranged within the housing with the solution vessel section positioned in the upper chamber and the cold finger section positioned in the lower chamber. The reflex tube is arranged at the upper end of the concentrator flask. The vortex tube has a cold air outlet connected with an inlet to the lower chamber of the housing and a hot air outlet connected with an inlet to the upper chamber of the housing. The apparatus is employed to concentrate a liquid sample contained in the concentrator flask with the temperatures of the cold and hot air from the vortex tube being sufficient to induce the evaporative separation of samples.

Abstract: Method for the production of ultrapure sulfuric acid including distillation of sulfuric acid material for the removal of soluble impurities and insoluble and non-volatile particles of 10 microns to 0.2 micron or less in size. Reprocessing is also provided. Distillation takes place in a distillation chamber having walls which are provided with means within the chamber to provide smooth convective upward flow of distilling liquid and vapor proximate the walls and means for smooth convective downward flow substantially centrally of the distillation chamber. Redirection means and packing together with reflux means insure the washing of rising vapor and direct the condensing vapor substantially centrally of the distillation chamber. Ultrapure sulfuric acid is also provided having 5 or less particles per cubic centimeter of a size of 0.5 micron and larger and less than 10 ppb of any specific trace impurity such as cations.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for recovering a diesel-quality fuel from produced crude oil is described. The diesel-quality fuel is produced by flashing the crude feedstock at high temperatures and recovering the diesel quality fuel as a liquid from a refluxing exchanger. Process efficiency is enhanced by heat integration. The process is particularly applicable to remote locations, both onshore and offshore, where conventional fuel supplies are inadequate or not available.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a technique of concentrating waste water whereby the water content of the waste water is removed with a high decontamination factor, employs a porous membrane having a property allowing gas such as steam to permeate but not allowing a liquid such as water to do, as a membrane for concentrating the waste water, and adopts a method wherein the waste water is turned into a vapor flow and this vapor flow is made to contact the porous membrane so as for the waste water to be concentrated on the occasion when the waste water is to be concentrated by means of this porous membrane. By turning the waste water into the vapor flow, most of various metal ions, a surfactant, etc. existing in the waste water are separated from the vapor flow. Mist, metal ions in the mist and others contained in the vapor flow are removed by the aforesaid porous membrane from the steam while permeating the same.

Abstract: Spinning band fractionating column apparatus is disclosed having a spinning band formed with a magnet embedded in its bottom end in the manner of a magnetic stirring vane for rotation by a rotating external magnetic field at the bottom of the apparatus. Reflux is controlled by an angled drip edge on a rotatable condenser column that passes a portion of dripped condensate to a collecting spout with the portion varying as rotation of the condenser column brings the drip from said edge closer or further from center opposition with the spout.

Abstract: A continuous process for reducing the arsenic content of phosphorus is described in which the impure phosphorus is continually passed through a heat exchanger and heated to vaporize a portion of the phosphorus at a temperature not above 200.degree. C., separating the vaporized phosphorus in a disengaging zone under subatmospheric pressure and introducing it into a fractionating zone under subatmospheric pressure, fractionating the phosphorus from the less volatile arsenic, condensing under subatmospheric pressure low-arsenic phosphorus rising from the fractionating zone, returning a portion of the low-arsenic phosphorus condensate as reflux to the column, removing high-arsenic liquid phosphorus as bottoms from the fractionating zone, and recovering the remaining portion of low-arsenic phosphorus condensate as product.

Abstract: A vapor compression distillation system for distillation of any two-component liquid mixture where separation of the more volatile from the less volatile component is required. This system achieves a very high efficiency through the use of vapor compression in conjunction with three heat exchangers: a reboiler which condenses the hot vapors compressed by a vapor pump and uses the heat given up by the condensing vapor to boil bottoms liquid to produce vapor within the stripper, a distillate heat exchanger which recovers heat from the distillate stream, and a bottoms heat exchanger which recovers heat from the outgoing bottoms effluent. This particular component configuration and process results in an exceptionally stable and reliable operation requiring the continuous control of only one parameter, reboiler temperature, while fixing all other process variables.

Abstract: An atomization/distillation unit for separating a component from a mixture containing that component having a chamber, a container incorporated within the bottom of the chamber for receiving the mixture, a heater for heating the mixture to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the component but insufficient to vaporize the entire mixture, an atomizer located within the container for spraying said mixture upward in the chamber thereby aiding in further vaporization of the component, and agitator plates operating in conjunction with the atomizer for propelling the vapor upward in the chamber. Cooling coils are located in the top portion of the chamber in order to condense the vaporized component. Once condensed, the distillate is easily removed from the chamber. The atomization/distillation system is effective in combining atomization and distillation in order to maximize recovery of the desired component in a highly energy efficient manner.

Abstract: A novel process for the purification of used oil comprising removing the ash-forming components, then subjecting the oil to vacuum fractionation. A novel vacuum fractionation column is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and a device for high-speed production of aromatic essential oils from perfume-generating plants. The device comprises at least one enclosure 1 provided with means 2 for crushing said plants into a slurry, heating means 5, means 6 for feeding said plants thereto, means 7 for drawing off said slurry, a distillation column 9 and at least a condensing apparatus 15, 20 to form at least one condensate of essential oils. This device is applicable for industrially recovering essential oils from perfume-generating plants such as jasmine, orange flower, mint, ginger, aniseed, etc.

Abstract: Volatile reactants are heated under reflux in a reactor and form volatile reaction by-products which are continuously removed in a vapor effluent from a reflux column and partial condenser. The effluent, which entrains some of the reactants, is condensed in a first total condenser and is fed to a distillation apparatus for separation of the volatile reactants and by-products and return of the separated reactants to the reactor. Before the condensate reaches the distillation apparatus, it is temporarily stored in a receiver from which it is controllably fed to a pre-heater where it is evaporated and then fed as a vapor to the distillation column of the distillation apparatus for separation. The distillation column includes at one end a reboiler which retains the reactants. The other end of the distillation column is coupled to a second total condenser in which the volatile by-products are condensed and withdrawn through a cooler for disposal.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention includes a quartz flask for containing 71% nitric acid and the organic matrix to be destroyed, a Soxhlet extractor disposed above the flask, and a Friedrich coldfinger reflux condenser disposed above the extractor. A Meeker or Fisher burner is employed to provide heat to the flask and distill the acid, and the vapors are condensed within the condenser and transmitted to the extractor. An adjustable volume displacement cylinder is disposed within the extractor so as to control siphoning of the acid condensate from the extractor back into the flask. The distillation-condensation-siphoning procedure of the present invention is automatically operative once the displacement cylinder is adjusted. The organic matrix is completely destroyed so as to produce a clear, colorless acid solution within which the trace inorganic salts are disposed. The acid solution may be subsequently qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed in accordance with known techniques.

Abstract: An apparatus to measure the asphaltene content of petroleum products where a precipitation evaporator for the sample is surmounted by a condensing unit. Immediately below the precipitation evaporator is a filtering unit with a rinsing vapor inlet line for conveying washing liquid from a balloon-flask evaporator. The precipitation evaporator is also equipped with an adjustable flap for preventing fluid from passing to the filtering unit.

Abstract: Decontaminating a liquid--such as a liquid containing radioactive materials--by evaporation, includes the steps of guiding the vapor through plurality of wash liquid baths and guiding the wash liquid through the individual baths substantially in a countercurrent to the vapor. The step of guiding the wash liquid comprises the steps of introducing the wash liquid into each bath along an outer edge zone thereof; guiding the wash liquid in each bath radially inwardly towards a centrally located outlet in each bath; and guiding the wash liquid through the central outlet. The step of guiding the vapor comprises the steps of passing the vapor through the wash liquid in a central zone of each bath and subsequently deflecting the vapor above each bath in a radially outwardly oriented direction.

Abstract: An improved fractional distillation column, especially adapted for use in fractional distillation of heat-sensitive materials under low pressure, is described. The improvement comprises a partial condenser disposed above the packing in the column. The partial condenser is a grid of hollow tubes mounted horizontally and extending through the side walls of the column. Heat exchange fluid at controlled temperature lower than the outer condensing vapor temperature is circulated through the tubes. The outer surfaces of the tubes within the column are provided with drip sites to facilitate uniform distribution of condensed liquid falling from condenser tubes to the packing below.