Abstract: An apparatus for catalytic distillation consists of alternatively a catalyst unit and an active liquid distributor tray. The catalyst unit is formed by series of troughs containing catalysts with spaces between adjacent troughs for vapor flow. The active liquid distributor tray is preferably a V-shaped tray formed with collectors that function as both a liquid distributor to deliver liquid at the appropriate locations to the underneath catalyst unit and a mass transfer device. Liquid flows down to the catalyst toughs from bottom of the sump of each collector and vapor flows up through the upper diverging walls of the collector. Packing materials may be placed on the tray or in the spaces between the troughs or both to enhance mass transfer. The catalyst troughs preferably are partitioned to cause the liquid to flow through the catalyst and to overflow the upper rim of the troughs to escape therefrom whereby the catalyst is maintained submerged.

Abstract: The distributor device for a column includes a system of distributor tubes and nozzles for a fluid. The outlet apertures of the nozzles are preferably all arranged at the same height. At least a portion of the nozzles are manufactured of similar glass tube pieces. Each outlet aperture has a border which is formed by an edge produced by a milling cut and is otherwise untreated or by an untreated, broken glass edge.

Abstract: A water distribution system for use with an evaporative cooling pad having a top and first and second sides includes a water distribution pipe which has at least one water discharge outlet in its periphery. The pipe is mounted above the top of the pad and a water distribution unit extends along the top of the pad intermediate its first and second sides. The water discharge opening in the pipe is located to direct water against a deflector plate integrally formed in the deflector unit and having a predetermined configuration to direct water from the pipe onto the top of the pad. In addition, the pipe is mounted to rotate relative to the deflector plate in order to selectively expose the openings in a position facing away from the plate for cleaning.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for the water distribution tray of a humidifier has at least one arm which cooperates with a feature such as a slot on a tray wall, to hold the nozzle assembly in a desired position above a water distribution area of the tray. In a preferred embodiment, the nozzle assembly has two pairs of arms for mounting the nozzle assembly to the tray. Each pair of arms together form a wishbone shape. The arm ends of each pair can be deflected toward each other to permit the ends to enter a slot on the tray wall. When the arm ends are released within the slot, they latch with the slot to hold the nozzle assembly in the desired position.

Abstract: A liquid-vapor distribution device for use in two-phase concurrent downflow vessels including a level, horizontal tray fabricated and installed so as to be essentially leak free at the junctions of the tray and the vessel wall, the horizontal tray being perforated with holes of equal size, the holes being distributed in an optimized pattern over the surface of the horizontal tray, each perforation through the horizontal tray being fitted with a vapor lift tube.

Abstract: A liquid distributor tray for a distillation column for distributing a descending liquid phase to be contacted with an ascending vapor phase within the distillation column. A tray is provided for collecting the descending liquid phase and has rows of apertures for downward passage of the descending liquid phase. Rows of vapor risers are located between the rows of apertures for a passage of the ascending vapor phase, and an upward direction through the tray. Rows of elongated liquid collectors are located above the rows of vapor risers and between the rows of apertures for collecting all or part of the descending liquid phase before the descending liquid phase reaches the tray. Rows of elongated liquid collectors provided with slots or openings are provided for collecting and then redistributing the descending liquid phase caught in the liquid collectors over a central region of the tray. Such redistribution prevents replication of maldistribution throughout the column.

Abstract: A humidifier (10) includes a water distribution tray (18) that functions to substantially uniformly distribute water to an evaporator pad (16) even when the distribution tray (18) is tilted and regardless of the rate of water flow. The distribution tray (18) includes a plurality of channels (100) that each lead from a liquid reception area (104) to an opening (106) in the bottom wall (82) of the tray (18). A wick (110) fabricated from a water absorbent material is carried by the tray (18) at the reception area (104). The wick (110) may extend at least partially into each channel (100), and absorbs water and pushes it into each of the channels (100) through capillary action. Thus, each channel (100) receives water even if the tray (18) is tilted. The humidifier (10) also has a damming rib (72) that prevents water from draining from the pad (16) out of the humidifier (10).

Abstract: A fluid distribution system for a packed absorption tower. The system includes one or more troughs mounted in the tower above the packing. Fluid enters each trough through an inlet in a side wall of the trough for flow to one or more orifices through which the fluid passes to fill the trough. Fluid is directed to the orifices by a conduit defined by the bottom and side walls of the trough and by a partition extending between the side walls above the inlet. Downtubes on each trough extend from inside the trough down through the bottom wall of the trough to a location below the trough. Each downtube has an inlet disposed inside the trough. Fluid passes through the orifices to fill the trough to a level sufficient for fluid to enter the inlets of the downtubes and to flow down the downtubes for distribution on the packing.

Abstract: A reaction with distillation column is provided with a plurality of discrete catalytic reaction containers. The containers contain a plurality of solid catalyst particles which form a catalytic reaction zone. The containers also include a liquid collection tray cover which defines a liquid accumulation zone immediately overlying the catalytic reaction zone. Overflow weirs are provided on the tray cover to allow for overflow of liquid on the tray cover. A member may be provided within the containers to create an open area within the catalytic reaction zone to facilitate entry of the liquid into the catalytic reaction zone. The containers can be individually positioned within the reactor to suit particular process requirements.

Abstract: Significant savings of space inside a mass transfer tower can be obtained by use of a liquid distributor system with efficient uniform distribution from conduits such as troughs, pipes or deck distributors using flow spreader devices located predominantly below the conduit enabling closer spacing of liquid distribution points within the tower.

Abstract: To compensate the bypassing, at the edges, of the liquid flowing downward in a distillation column, in order to achieve optimum mass transfer with the ascending vapor, a specific nonuniform distribution of the liquid trickling density over the column cross-section is established including the steps of establishing a nonuniform distribution of the liquid trickling density over the column cross-section in the distillation column and adjusting the liquid trickling density in the wall regions, said nonuniform distribution being achieved bya) arranging a number of outlet orifices or the diameter of the outlet orifices of a liquid distributor orb) arranging baffles in the stripping sections at height intervals from 0.1 to 2 m, in the case of dumped packings with baffles which project into the column space from the wall by about from 0.

Abstract: The invention is a device for distributing a multiphase mixture having at least one gas phase and at least one liquid phase in which the mixture flows downwardly through at least one bed of granular solids. The device includes at least one distributor plate located above one of the at least one bed of granular solids at a distance "d" defining a space with "d" ranging from 0 to 5 cm.

Abstract: The distributor (2) includes a pattern of irrigation points with advantageously substantially constant surface pitch (6, 6') over most of the irrigation area, the pattern being, typically, regular in a main region of the distributor and irregular, with associated surface regions which are also irregular (6', 6") in a junction region, the irrigation points delivering predetermined flow rates defined by calibrated orifices (4, 4', 4") which have cross-sections chosen from a predetermined group of n cross-sections, n not being greater than four and advantageously not greater than two.

Abstract: A humidifier (10) includes a water distribution tray (18) that functions to substantially uniformly distribute water to an evaporator pad (16) even when the distribution tray (18) is tilted and regardless of the rate of water flow. The distribution tray (18) includes a plurality of channels (100) that each lead from a liquid reception area (104) to an opening (106) in the bottom wall (82) of the tray (18). A wick (110) fabricated from a water absorbent material is carried by the tray (18) at the reception area (104). The wick (110) may extend at least partially into each channel (100), and absorbs water and pushes it into each of the channels (100) through capillary action. Thus, each channel (100) receives water even if the tray (18) is tilted. The humidifier (10) also has a damming rib (72) that prevents water from draining from the pad (16) out of the humidifier (10).

Abstract: Support plates for packing materials in mass transfer towers made using parallel beams with generally inverted U-shaped cross-sections which contact one another along a line running the length of the beams, are provided with a trough member supported directly under the contact line between adjacent beams.

Abstract: A fluid distributor for heat and material exchange columns, more particularly of the packed type, comprising profiled elements (2) of inverted U shape with substantially vertical walls (4), and a base (1) in which are formed a plurality of parallel slots (9). Each slot is covered by one of the profiled elements, secured to the base by the walls (4) in a permanent and sealed manner. The base (1) is a flat plate. Each profiled element (2) is fixed to the two opposite edges of its slot (9) by welding. Each of the walls (4) terminates in at least one foot (7) turned inwardly of the element (2) and parallel to the surface of the base (1), the feet (7) serving to attach the elements to the base.

Abstract: The liquid distributor for columns has liquid outlet openings and fine distribution elements with a guide wall associated with them. A preselectable amount of liquid can be supplied into the associated fine distribution element via each outlet opening. A plate-like element communicating with the guide wall is arranged in each fine distribution element, with a communicating chain of capillary openings forming a distribution zone and drain-off zone between the edge of the element and the guide wall. This chain extends along a horizontal, closed curve.

Abstract: A liquid redistribution system for redistributing liquid descending in a packed distillation column in which liquid is distributed from one side of the column to the other side of the column and vice-versa. To this end, a plurality of parallel, spaced apart liquid distributor elements provide inlet openings for receiving the liquid as it descends and outlet openings located on the underside of the distributor elements for discharging the liquid from the inlet openings. Channels provide flow communication between the inlet and outlet openings.

Abstract: A reaction column comprising a reactor, at least one catalyst bed comprising a solid catalyst with which a mixture of a gas with a liquid is brought into contact; and a cooling bed provided below the catalyst bed. The cooling bed includes a cooling fluid feed section and a mixing mechanism for mixing a cooling fluid with the mixture of a gas with a liquid falling down through the reactor. The mixing mechanism is provided below the cooling fluid feed section of the cooling bed, and includes a collector tray provided along a horizontal cross-sectional region of the reactor, a swirl baffle vertically provided substantially at the center portion of the upper surface of the collector tray, and a weir extending upward from the collector tray. The swirl baffle is formed with a cylindrical member having a central axis substantially coincident with the central axis of the collector tray.

Abstract: A geothermal steam condenser for reducing residual ammonia gas from a geothermal steam. The present condenser includes a column attached to the condenser for forming a curtain of temperature conditioned condensate, such that residual ammonia gas is passed through the conditioned water curtain to be furthered absorbed prior to exiting the geothermal steam condenser.

Abstract: A baffle which extends over the cross section of a liquid-vapor contacting column and is suspended above a distributor floor. The baffle, having an open space, converges and mixes liquid flow falling from a liquid-vapor contacting zone above, before dispersing it to the distributor below. The open space of the baffle, may also be fitted with a mixing device for further enhancement of liquid mixing.

Abstract: Packed columns generate fluid flows which must be evenly divided, preferably over a broad range of fluid flow volumes. Runoff tongues are used to divide and distribute such flows. According to the present invention, each runoff tongue (2) is bifurcated in its lower portion to define two dripoff points (5). Mounted parallel to each bifurcated portion is a guide element (6), preferably of woven or perforated material. Each guide element is associated with a particular fluid outlet opening (3) in an end wall (1). An upper portion (6a) of the guide element extends through the opening (3) in end wall (1) into a fluid-containing zone whose bottom is defined by a seal (4). Preferably, at low-fluid-height states (H1), the guide element feeds fluid through the opening (3) by capillary action, while at high-fluid-height states (H2), direct overflow occurs.

Abstract: Drain apparatus drains an evaporative cooler housing by siphon action. The siphoning action is started when a pump which pumps water for cooler pads is turned off, and the water in a conduit flows downwardly and a valve is switched, directing the downwardly flowing water into a chamber disposed over the overflow standpipe in the housing. The water level in the chamber is the water level in the housing, and the down flowing water fills the chamber, causing the water to flow down the pipe and lowering the atmospheric pressure in the chamber to begin siphoning action. At the same time, a check valve at the bottom of the chamber opens to allow water from the housing to flow into the chamber to drain the housing. Several embodiments are disclosed, including embodiments in which siphoning action may be commenced by raising and lowering a drain hose connected to the standpipe.

Abstract: A distributor for supplying a mixed phase flow of gas-liquid feed uniformly on the surface of a trickle-bed of solid particles, including a tray horizontally arranged above the surface of the trickle-bed. The tray is equipped with a plurality of open-ended tubular distributor downcomers of a predetermined tube diameter and extend vertically for a certain height above and below the tray. The downcomers are adapted to provide passage for liquid flow through horizontal aperture in the tube wall of the downcomers and to provide passage for gas flow through the open ends of the downcomers. The apertures are disposed in the tube walls at various elevations above the tray with a predetermined minimum elevation for maintaining a liquid level on the tray.

Abstract: A tower packing unit for a liquid/gas/miss contact apparatus including a plurality of filaments that form a central body and a perimeter ring surrounding and connected to the central body; wherein the perimeter ring is formed in a continuous wave configuration surrounding the central body.

Abstract: Apparatus for creating gas-liquid interfacial contact conditions for highly efficient mass transfer between gas and liquid comprises a gas-liquid contactor assembly including a hollow porous tube surrounded by an outer jacket defining a gas plenum between the jacket and the porous tube; a liquid feed assembly including a nozzle for injecting liquid into the porous tube in a spiraling flow pattern around and along the porous tube; a gas-liquid separator assembly at the first end of the porous tube including a nonporous degassing tube coaxially aligned with and connected to the porous tube, a gas outlet port coaxially aligned with the degassing tube to receive a first portion of gas flowing from the degassing tube, a first gas duct coaxially aligned with and connected to the gas outlet duct to convey the first portion of gas therefrom; and a liquid collection assembly. A second gas discharge assembly to collect and convey gas from the first end of the porous tube is also disclosed.

Abstract: An integral collector-distributor device including chimney hats and adapted for use in a gas-liquid exchange column to promote radial mixing of a liquid on a distributor tray surface. The collector-distributor device includes a tray having a tray surface adapted to extend generally horizontally across the cross-sectional area of the column to collect downwardly flowing liquid. A plurality of gas risers on the tray permit the upward movement of an upwardly flowing gas through the tray, and a plurality of liquid distributors permit the generally uniform distribution of the collected downwardly flowing liquid to a lower section of the column.

Abstract: Multi-bed downflow reactor for the catalytic conversion of a liquid and/or a gas including a chamber arranged in between adjacent catalyst beds, which chamber includes a) at least one device for injecting an additional liquid and/or gas for controlling the temperature in the reactor, b) a collecting tray for receiving liquid, c) a compartment for receiving gas, d) a mixing zone for mixing liquid and gas, and e) a distribution tray comprising passages allowing liquid and gas to pass downwardly over an adjacent catalyst bed, whereby the collecting tray is arranged downstream of the device(s) for injecting the additional liquid and/or gas and comprises guiding channels directing liquid downwardly into a central part of the mixing zone, the compartment is arranged upon the collecting tray and comprises at least one passage allowing gas to pass downwardly, and the mixing zone is arranged in between the collecting tray and the distribution tray.

Abstract: A process vessel (2) is for achieving contact between at least one fluid passing through the vessel (2) and a packing material contained therein. The process vessel (2) has a peripheral wall (8) disposed around a longitudinal axis, an inlet for permitting entry of fluid into the vessel and an outlet for permitting the exit of fluid from the vessel. A redistributor (4) is located within the vessel (2) and the redistributor (4) follows a locus (3) which extends around the inside surface (10) of the peripheral wall (8). The locus (3) is neither perpendicular or parallel to the longitudinal axis and is preferably spiral or helical.

Abstract: A liquid distribution system with improved resistance to leaking is provided by bolting trough members to sump members using an internal flange formed on the trough members by folding inwards end portions of the sides and bottom of the trough and welding the folded-in end portions.

Abstract: A column having a region for reaction with distillation of fluid streams is provided with structures which include distillation trays that allow for the accumulation of liquid from a liquid stream and the passage of a vapor stream through the liquid for interaction therewith. The structures include catalyst beds which extend downwardly from the trays and are housed within at least partially perforate containers. A portion of the liquid on the tray is catalytically reacted as it is driven through the catalyst bed by the liquid head created by the accumulated liquid. Another portion of the liquid may be directed through a bypass which also extends downwardly from the tray and allows the liquid to bypass the catalyst bed so that higher volumetric flow rates can be achieved. A still further portion of the liquid can be directed to a zone between adjacent catalyst beds or within a catalyst bed for developing a liquid head to force the liquid laterally through the catalyst bed.

Abstract: A column for performing thermal separations includes a vertical cylindrical outer column wall defining an inner volume which is subdivided by a separating wall into two halves filled with mass exchange packs, each of the mass packs has horizontal strip-like two rim guards, a lower guard is interrupted in the area of opposite corners of the respective mass exchange pack and an upper rim guard is a continuous flexible fabric strip.

Abstract: Internal components for a vertical downflow reactor include a closed-ended conduit having an internal baffle and longitudinal exit slots proximate its closed end for the symmetrical introduction of quench fluid into a quench zone. An interzone mixing configuration is in vertical communication with the bottom of the quench zone. An inwardly sloping collector tray has an opening concentric with the vertical axis of the reactor vessel. A mixing device is provided for mixing the liquid and vapor components entering from above the collector tray and conveying the mixed vapor and liquid downwardly through the opening. Flow deflectors are positioned immediately below the collector tray opening for directing liquid flow towards the axial centerline of the reactor. The flow deflectors take the form of four pie-shaped plates which are configured to collectively occupy between 25 to 75 percent of the concentric circular opening the collector tray and may slope downwardly at an angle of from about 30.degree. to about 60.

Abstract: Internal components for a vertical downflow reactor include a quench nozzle for the symmetrical introduction of a quench fluid into a quench zone. An interzone mixing configuration is in vertical communication with the bottom of the quench zone. An inwardly sloping collector tray has an opening concentric with the vertical axis of the reactor vessel. A mixing device is provided for mixing the liquid and vapor components entering from above the collector tray and conveying the mixed vapor and liquid downwardly through the opening. Flow deflectors are positioned immediately below the collector tray opening for directing liquid flow towards the axial centerline of the reactor. A collection pan is positioned below and in axial alignment with the collector tray to capture and retain the liquid. A radially outwardly flared downwardly extending skirt is provided to disperse the liquid flowing form the collector pan toward the reactor walls.

Abstract: An apparatus for gas-liquid contact in which tubular structure fillers having a cross section of any of various shapes and having straight tubular portions are arranged in a substantially vertical direction in the form of plural steps so that the gas-liquid contact surfaces of the fillers may be parallel with the flow of the gas,the apparatus for gas-liquid contact being characterized in that the gas-liquid contact surfaces comprise rough surface portions, porous surface portions, meshes or plates to which meshes adhere, or there is interposed, between the plural steps of the fillers, a dispersing plate for receiving the liquid downward coming from the site above the fillers, dispersing the liquid, and allowing the liquid to downward flow.

Abstract: A device for controlling a liquid flow in a vertically extending pipe is disclosed which includes a plate member horizontally disposed in the pipe for receiving the liquid flow thereon and having an opening to permit the liquid received on the plate member to pass therethrough, a tubular guide downwardly inwardly extending from the periphery of the opening and terminating to form a liquid outlet, and a plurality of partition plates disposed on the tubular guide. Each partition plate has an upper end upwardly protruding from the periphery of the opening and a lower end obliquely downwardly extending from the periphery of the opening along the wall of the tubular guide member, so that a plurality of discrete passages are defined on the tubular guide. A cover plate is provided to cover the passages so that the liquid received on the plate member flows through the passages and is discharged from the liquid outlet of the tubular guide to form a vortex flow.

Abstract: The distributor includes a pattern of irrigation points with advantageously substantially constant surface pitch over most of the irrigation area, the pattern being, typically, regular in a main region of the distributor and irregular, with associated surface regions which are also irregular in a junction region, the irrigation points delivering predetermined flow rates defined by calibrated orifices which have cross-sections chosen from a predetermined group of n cross-sections, n not being greater than four and advantageously not greater than two. This distributor is particularly applicable to packed air distillation columns.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packing (2) for a material and heat exchange column (1), in which a gas phase and a liquid phase are brought into contact with one another, said packing comprising a multiplicity of identical packing elements (4) which are substantially in the form of a circular hollow cylinder whose annularly extending wall (6) is outwardly concave and inwardly convex and forms two outer edges (11) extending therearound, said hollow cylinder having a high ratio of outside diameter (D) to height (H). In order to reduce the pressure drop and to increase capacity and effectiveness, provision is made for the packing (2) to consist of a multiplicity of superimposed layers (3) of packing elements (4) which lie flat, are distributed randomly in each layer (3), and internally have a free passage cross-section, and in which the ratio of outside diameter (D) to height (H) is from about 6:1 to about 10:1.

Abstract: Channel beams of a particularly advantageous design are provided. These can be assembled to form a non-welded support plate in a confined environment having any desired configuration and later disassembled and reused elsewhere. The support plates are designed to support tower packing materials whether of the structured or dumped kind.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for cryogenic separation of air are described which utilize a pipe distributor or a channel distributor for liquid distribution. The air separation apparatus contains a rectifying column having at least one section equipped with packing materials, wherein a liquid distributor is positioned thereabove. The main channel and/or the distributing channels of the liquid distributor are closed over at least a portion of their top. Also described is a liquid distributor for use in a mass transfer column.

Abstract: A distributor system for uniformly directing vapor and liquid across the surface of a fixed bed of solids in a downflow reactor comprising a distributor tray, and a plurality of open-ended downpipes extending through the tray. A first array of the downpipes has a plurality of vertically spaced elevations of holes above the level of the tray. A second array of the downpipes has at least one elevation of holes at substantially the same height above the level of the tray as one of the upper elevations of holes in the first array of the downpipes. But, the second array has no elevation of holes corresponding to the lowermost elevation of holes, and possibly other lower elevations of holes, in the first array of downpipes. The absence of the lowermost holes in the second array of downpipes causes the liquid flow rate through the distributor tray at a given liquid height to be reduced when that liquid height falls below the elevation of the holes second from the bottom in the first array.

Abstract: An apparatus for vaporizing volatile liquids comprises a packed column, a gas inlet port (for introducing a hot entrainer gas), a feed tube (for introducing a volatile liquid), a feed distributor comprising a base plate equipped with orifices (through which the liquid flows downward into the packed column) and risers (through which the formed gaseous mixture of entrainer gas and vaporized liquid flows upward), and a gas outlet port. This apparatus can be used to vaporize volatile liquids, preferably volatile tin compounds, optionally in admixture with volatile silicon compounds, wherein steam is used as the entrainer gas.

Abstract: A compact heat or mass transfer exchange column containing a plurality of vertically spaced-apart sections to define a column space therebetween and at least one integral collector-distributor device in the open space for the collection and distribution in the column of a downwardly flowing liquid. The device comprises a plurality of lateral collection and distribution troughs extending from the central channel or sump to distribute downwardly flowing liquid to a lower section. The lateral trough contains a plurality of removably secured, angled vane elements connected to the upper edges of the lateral troughs, the vanes extending over the open space between the lateral troughs to receive downwardly flowing liquid on the upper surfaces thereof and to direct the downwardly flowing liquid into the lateral troughs, and optionally a wall wiper ring to direct liquid from the internal walls of the column into the collector-distributor device.

Abstract: A liquid distributor for use in substance and/or heat exchanging tower for effecting uniform liquid distribution. The liquid distributor distributes and supplies a liquid to be treated from an upper part of the inside of the tower to the whole area of the tower through distributing tubes. The distributing tubes are provided along the lateral axis of the tower, and the tubes have at least one nozzle hole provided on the upper side thereof. A sheet-like material is fixed on the surface of the distributing tube at a position lower than the nozzle hole in such a manner that the sheet-like material contacts the surface of the distributing tube, extends in the axial direction of the distributing tube and is spaced apart from the distributing tube at the lower end of the sheet-like material. The sheet-like material has zigzag notches formed on the lower end thereof.

Abstract: High capacity, low cost fractionation trays comprise a flat perforated decking surface sectioned into parallel contacting areas by triangular downcomers. The bottom edges of two inclined sidewalls join together to form V-shaped downcomers having a limited number of perforations in their sidewalls to allow downward liquid passage. An imperforate zone is present in the central region of each sidewall. A layer of packing material may be provided close to or adjacent the bottom surface of the tray. The packing is located in the disengagement zone under the tray but does not extend downward to the next tray below.

Abstract: Internal components for a vertical downflow reactor include a closed-ended conduit having an internal baffle and longitudinal exit slots proximate its closed end for the symmetrical introduction of quench fluid into a quench zone. An interzone mixing configuration is in vertical communication with the bottom of the quench zone. An inwardly sloping collector tray has an opening concentric with the vertical axis of the reactor vessel. A mixing device is provided for mixing the liquid and vapor components entering from above the collector tray and conveying the mixed vapor and liquid downwardly through the opening. Flow deflectors are positioned immediately below the collector tray opening for directing liquid flow towards the axial centerline of the reactor. A collection pan is positioned below and in axial alignment with the collector tray to capture and retain the liquid.

Abstract: A horizontal pass, multiple packed-bed gas scrubber features relatively low pressure drop flow paths for both the gas flow and the scrubbing liquid flow, allowing large scale mass transfer of solute from the gas to the liquid. The scrubber is volumetrically compact, yet possesses extremely high scrubbing efficiency of large gas flow rates. Each packed bed comprises packing that is wetted by liquid emitted from low pressure drop orifices in piping near the top of the packing. The piping is supported by baffles that extend into the packing so as to force back into the packing any gas that seeks to avoid the packing by flowing through any void, or inadequately wetted, zone at the top of a bed.

Abstract: A precooling system for an evaporative cooler for a closed loop cooling fluid system includes a supplemental heat exchanging coil connected in the cooling fluid loop upstream of the main evaporative cooler coils and positioned in the outlet air flow through the evaporative cooler, but above or outside the path of the spray water. The supplemental heat exchanging coil provides enough additional cooling capacity to allow the spray water system to be completely shut off and the spray water sump drained during low outside ambient temperature operation. Freeze up of the sump and other parts of the spray water system are completely eliminated and a substantial saving in spray water consumption and energy for freeze prevention systems is realized.

Abstract: An active liquid distributor containing, packed column wherein a casing contains perforated, active liquid frothing plates directly supporting packed beds filling the whole of the gas flow path in the casing. The total perforated, cross-sectional area, and the cross-sectional area of each perforation, for each plate is chosen to match the permeability of the packed beds so that the plates and packed beds contribute significantly to the gas/liquid contact thus greatly increasing the mass transfer efficiency of the packed column.

Abstract: The invention improves the performance of Multiple Downcomer fractionation trays and comprises placing a bed-like layer of packing material closely adjacent the bottom surface of the tray. The packing is located in the so-called "disengagement" zone under the tray and does not extend down to the tray below. Means comprising perforations in the downcomer sidewalls are provided to spread liquid from the tray above onto the packing material.