Abstract: A membrane humidifying device is disclosed that can operate with normal potable quality water without a demineralizer and which prevents the transport of microbes, particulates, dissolved salts and liquid water to the airstream. It is positioned in the flow path of air to be humidified and comprises at least one membrane cell and a means for introducing water into each cell. The membrane cell is comprised of at least one sheet of a hydrophilic membrane and at least one screen. Ambient or low pressure water is introduced into the membrane cell(s); at least a portion of which contacts or passes through the screen(s); contacts the hydrophilic membrane(s); and is osmotically transported across the membrane(s) where it evaporates into the airstream.

Abstract: The separation process and apparatus is based on conducting the explosive gas or vapour through a mass transfer column which is charged with an absorbent and filled with an electrically conductive packing. The packing (2) of the mass transfer column (1) must be earthed and have such a dense lattice spacing that no electric charge sufficient for ignition can accumulate at any point in the packing. Under these conditions, a non-conductive electrostatically chargeable liquid may be used as absorption liquid.

Abstract: An elongate mercaptan injection apparatus is disclosed. From the remote end, there is an external fitting for connection with a supply line of liquid mercaptan. It communicates serially with an internal check valve captured in a chamber. The check valve includes a spring and ball cooperative with a valve seat. Through the check valve, the liquid mercaptan flows into an elongate hollow tubular member which is sealed externally with a number of fittings to prevent leakage. It extends to the interior of the pipeline through a fitting which seals to the wall of the pipeline. On the interior, it connects with an elongate hollow member packed with particulate material. A number of transverse openings provide cross ventilation so that flowing natural gas is able to pass through the particulate material.

Abstract: Contaminants in an aqueous stream are oxidized with minimal use of an added oxidant by diffusing the oxidant through a fixed porous element followed by cyclical photolytic treatment of the stream with at least two different wavelengths of light. The porous element is preferably formed in one piece of a durable sintered ceramic material. The photolytic treatment preferably involves the sequential use of ultraviolet light having two different wavelengths, by which complementary oxidizing reactions occur within the stream being decontaminated.

Abstract: The supporting grate for material exchange columns has a corrugated profile (3) and gas openings (5) which are all arranged in the flanks (6) of the profile above a minimum height H1. A projecting edge (13) of the gas openings increases the strength of the profile and forces the fluid to run off into the corrugation trough of the profile and from there into a collecting trough (12) lying below it. In this way the supporting grate also acts as a fluid collector.

Abstract: A liquid distributor tray in heat exchange equipment, mass exchange equipment or reactors having roughly horizontal liquid distributor channels disposed in the tray, which channels, via openings, deliver the liquid downwards to fingers from which the liquid flows off and/or drips off. Below the channel base one pot or a plurality of pots are located which receive the liquid leaving the channel. The fingers, which are bent outwards, are attached or formed on at the lower edge of the pot wall. Openings are located above the fingers in the pot wall through which the liquid passes outwardly and flows down the outer wall of the pot to the fingers.

Abstract: The invention improves the performance of 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 are provided to spread liquid from the tray above onto the packing material.

Abstract: A liquid distributor apparatus and method for the distribution of a high viscosity liquid into a process vessel generally free of entrapped gas bubbles. The distributor apparatus includes a distributor for the high viscosity liquid with openings on the top of the distributor to vent gas entrapped in the high viscosity liquid. The distributor apparatus includes a feed pipe to deliver smoothly and without gas entrapment a high viscosity liquid from the distributor directly onto a cup-like or conical surface of a distributor tube to form a downwardly flowing film on the exterior surface of the distributor tube and to deliver the high viscosity liquid to the top section of the process vessel without gas entrapment. The method comprises venting gas from a high viscosity liquid and slowing the downward velocity of the vented, high viscosity liquid into the process vessel to avoid further gas entrapment.

Abstract: The efficiency of multiple downcomer type fractionation trays is increased by increasing the length of the liquid flow path and providing Lewis Case II point to plate efficiency enhancement. Baffles (7) extending axially along the vertical axis of a fractionation column divide the intertray volumes of the column into defined vapor passageways. A pair of inclined liquid deflecting baffles (3) over each downcomer (10) connects the outlets and inlets of vertically adjacent downcomers and provides a crisscrossing liquid flow path. Beds (14) of vapor-liquid contacting material increase tray efficiency.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing liquid over the cross section of a liquid-vapor contacting column comprising a distributor plate having orifices for downward liquid flow and risers for upward vapor flow. Above the distributor plate is a trough for receiving liquid to be distributed. The vapor risers directly below the trough extend through the trough. The trough floor has annular openings around the penetrating vapor risers to discharge liquid onto the distributor plate below.

Abstract: The invention concerns a steam/water mixer with steam and water inlets, a vessel for mixing the steam and water, an outlet for passing heated water from the mixing vessel, sintered material located inside the mixing vessel between the steam inlet(s) so that the steam entering the mixing vessel can only pass through the sintered material to the water inlet or the mixing-vessel outlet, wherein packing material is disposed in the space between the sintered material and the interior wall of the mixing vessel.

Abstract: A distributor assembly comprising a distributor plate adapted for horizontal positioning and securement to a process column liquid distributor for the symmetrical discharge of liquid therefrom. The distributor plate comprises a member having side walls formed therearound and a plurality of apertures formed therein. The distributor plate is constructed for collecting liquid discharged from the liquid distributor, spreading the liquid thereacross and affording low velocity equal discharge of liquid therefrom into a packing bed therebeneath.

Abstract: Improvements to an evaporative cooler having a direct drive fan include mutual adjustment of motor speed and fan blade pitch, a simplified, clog resistant water distribution system, a fan shroud creating minimal air flow noise, and a fouling sensor in the water supply. An adjustable variable frequency controller determines motor speed, which complements selected fan blade pitch to operate the fan at a desired speed consistent with avoiding resonance and vibration. The fan shroud has a canted top surface and rounded corners to minimize air flow disturbance. A sensor monitors the water supply for excessive mineral fouling, and activates a drain valve if a present threshold is encountered. A refill valve enables resupply with fresh, unfouled water.

Abstract: An arrangement of troughs is disposed above a liquid/distribution tray in a counter-current column for collecting and mixing liquid from an upper exchange portion prior to distribution onto the tray. The arrangement includes duct-like troughs each of which has a base with a closed first part and a second part with at least one outlet for liquid. As a result, the liquid trickled into each trough is mixed transversely prior to being expelled onto the distributor tray thus levelling out any differences in concentration along the length of the trough.

Abstract: A vapor-liquid distribution method and apparatus utilize a cap assembly for attachment over an opening in a deck tray of a gas-liquid contact apparatus (e.g., catalytic reactor). The cap assembly comprises a riser located over the opening in the deck tray, and providing fluid communication from an upper surface to a lower surface of the deck tray. A cap encompasses an upwardly extending end of the riser. A key feature of the assembly is the provision of a dispersion plate in a lower end of the riser which provides a flow restriction for two phase fluids flowing through the riser to produce a mist flow of the two phases. Preferably, the dispersion plate has a plurality of openings therethrough, at least the outer openings being provided with tabs to disperse the mist flow radially outward.

Abstract: The efficiency of mixing vapor in a countercurrent column (1) is improved by use of one or more vapor risers (6) each incorporating a mixing device (7). The method is suitable for use in countercurrent columns operating at high pressures or under vacuum. For high pressure operation a single riser is preferred positioned in the center of the distributor tray (5).

Abstract: A gas-liquid column and method having improved mist elimination particularly for the treatment of corrosive fluids which comprises directly introducing a liquid from a liquid distributor resting on a top structured packing layer into the upright flow passage of the structured packing to provide the initial gas-liquid contact within the top structured packing layer, thereby reducing mist and spray and particularly useful where corrosive fluids are used.

Abstract: This distributor comprises: a peripheral crown; a series of vertical partitions fixedly mounted on the crown at both ends thereof and extending parallel to one another; sealingly closing means bounding, between the vertical partitions, alternate spaces for collecting gas and liquid; means enabling the upward evacuation of the gas contained in the spaces for collecting gas; and a perforated bottom disposed at the base of each liquid collecting space and sealingly connected to the or each adjacent vertical partition and to the crown. Application to 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: A valve apparatus in which moisture sensitive material controls the opening size of a water valve. The moisture sensitive material is placed in an evaporative pad of an evaporative cooler. As the material dries, the moisture sensitive material constricts to open a valve draining a timing reservoir so as to hasten the refreshing of moisture to the evaporative pad. In an alternative embodiment, this moisture sensitive material located in the evaporative pad is balanced against an identical moisture sensitive material located in a constantly moisturized pad. This balancing of the materials permits fine control of the moisture content in the evaporative pad.

Abstract: The gas/liquid distributor for a counter-current column has tubes for the liquid with outlets extending almost to the column portion underneath. At least ten flues per square meter of area of the distributor base are provided for guiding and distributing the upward-flowing gas. The total flow cross-section of the flues is not more than 10% of the area of the base which fills the entire column cross-section. The flow cross-sections of the flues are constricted in addition to their relatively narrow inlet cross-sections.

Abstract: A valve operating on hydraulic pressure for the control of water being deposited onto evaporative pads located on a cool tower. The valve utilizes water flow to fill a basin or tank which is slowly being drained. When the tank is empty, a valve is opened that releases water to the evaporative cooling pads and also to the tank; when the tank is filled, the valve closes permitting the tank to slowly drain and repeat the cycle.

Abstract: A method of preparing a column for a reaction with distillation process utilizing a solid particulate catalyst includes the steps of providing a plurality of vertically spaced apart distillation devices, coupling these devices with a plurality of vertically extending horizontally spaced catalyst enclosing containers, extending at least some of the containers through at least two successive distillation devices, then loading a particulate catalyst into the containers to form a catalyst bed whereby distillation and catalytic reaction may occur simultaneously in the column. The method also encompasses a process for concurrent catalytic reaction with distillation which includes the foregoing steps as well as the steps of feeding a liquid stream to the column reactor and onto the distillation devices while a vapor stream moves vertically up through the distillation devices while products of reaction and distillation are withdrawn from the reactor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling the discharge or continuous bleed-off of cooling water of evaporative coolers and cooling towers includes a container for receiving water from the cooling water system via an adjustable float valve. An orifice at the bottom of the container, which may be adjustable in height, allows water to flow to a device for eliminating suction effects or depression caused by the hydrostatic head of water below the container and a cleaning device, which may oscilate, operated by movement of the float valve keeps the orifice clean.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling the discharge or continuous bleed-off of cooling water of evaporative coolers and cooling towers includes a container for receiving water from the cooling water system via a float valve operated float valve. An orifice at the bottom of the container allows water to flow to a device for eliminating suction effects or depression caused by the hydrostatic head of water below the container and a cleaning device, operated by movement of the float valve keeps the orifice clean.

Abstract: Method and means for redistributing fluid flow through a catalyst bed in a reactor by applying uniform flow resistance. A mat to which a series of uniformly spaced disks are adhered is placed within the catalyst bed. The disks are formed of a material capable of withstanding the temperatures within the reactor, while the mat is formed of a material which is not. The mat is destroyed by the heat of the reactor, leaving the disks in place. Localized high flow rates are smoothed out by the flow resistance provided by the disks, with flow taking place between the disks. Since the disks are small relative to the opening used to dump the spent catalyst, special consideration for disk recovery and handling are not necessary as the disks flow out the opening with the spent catalyst.

Abstract: A flow target plate arrangement for the fluidizing medium of a horizontal fluidized-bed reactor, consisting essentially of the fluidized medium supply lines, the collectors, and the flow admission tubes, the flow target plate is mounted exclusively at the passage of the central fluidizing medium supply line (1) in the pipe socket (7) of the pressure tank (6). Two collectors (2), to which flow admission tubes (3) are connected on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the pressure tank (6), extend from the fluidizing medium supply lines (1) according to the present invention, in the circumferential direction of the pressure tank (6). The other ends of the flow admission tubes (3) rest on at least one crossbeam (5). The crossbeams (5) are held by longitudinal beams (4), which are connected to the supply line (1).

Abstract: A gas absorber for removing at least one gaseous component from a flowing gas stream by contacting the gas stream with a lean liquid stream to absorb at least a portion of the gaseous component to produce a rich liquid stream comprising the gaseous component and a flowing gas stream having a reduced concentration of the gaseous component which absorber comprises: (a) a double wall forming an annulus having a means for restricting fluid flow into the bottom of the gas absorber from the bottom of the annulus and a means for passing fluid out of an upper section of the annulus into the gas absorber; (b) an inlet for the lean liquid stream having a locus in the upper end of the gas absorber; (c) an inlet for the flowing gas stream; (d) an outlet for the rich liquid stream having a locus in the lower end of the gas absorber; (e) an outlet for the flowing gas stream having a reduced concentration of the gaseous component; and (f) at least one inlet communicating with the lower end of the annulus which inlet is used

Abstract: A prebox receptacle is mounted in a pan of a distributor which distributes liquid onto a bed of packing media in a gas-liquid contact column. The pan has a substantially horizontal deck surrounded by sidewalls, and outlet openings are formed in the deck to discharge liquid from the deck onto packing media therebelow. The prebox receptacle is mounted on and supported by the pan. The prebox has a bottom wall with a liquid-receiving upper surface, and openings which feed liquid into a deceleration space located between the bottom wall of the prebox and the deck of the pan. The openings in the prebox bottom wall are horizontally displaced from the outlet openings of the deck.

Abstract: An improved liquid flow distributor assembly for a process column of the type wherein the distributor is positioned above a packing section for the distribution of liquid downwardly therethrough. The improvement comprises a plurality of distributor troughs constructed with a series of internal distributor channels having stilling plates depending therefrom. Each channel is constructed of a generally U-shaped cross section, aligned with and affixed to the distributor trough for providing primary liquid flow to intermediate regions thereof. In this manner, liquid gradients between opposite ends of the troughs are eliminated and a uniform quiescent liquid level is maintained.

Abstract: A universally mountable humidifier which can be mounted such that the outlet extends upwardly, downwardly or from a selected sidewall. The humidifier can be mounted in many different orientations and locations. The versatility of the manner of installing it allows it to be adaptable to nearly all environments.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and apparatus for manufacturing methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) by reacting methanol with an isobutene-containing hydrocarbon mixture.This process is characterized by the steps of:introducing the reactants into a reaction-distillation zone containing at least two superposed and non-contiguous fixed beds (2a, 2b) of catalyst of the sulfonated resin type, wherein passageways are provided for a vapor phase, at least one distillation tray (4a), at least one liquid redistribution tray (5),maintaining distillation conditions in the zone so as to have a descending liquid phase and an ascending vapor phase,maintaining a continuous liquid phase in the lower part of the beds,discharging a vapor phase containing a high proportion of unconverted hydrocarbons from the top (8) of the zone, andwithdrawing a liquid phase of high MTBE content from the bottom (10) of the zone.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a radial flow distributor comprising a cylindrical body portion having a vertical side wall, a top and a bottom. The cylindrical body portion has a horizontal baffle plate disposed within it, thereby dividing the body portion into a first compartment and a second compartment. The horizontally disposed baffle plate preferably is circular in shape and sufficiently large that it meets the side walls of the cylindrical body portion. The baffle also has a central opening in it. Conduit means, operably connected to the first compartment, are provided for introducing fluid to that compartment. A plurality of apertures are evenly spaced around the periphery of the side wall of the second compartment for distributing fluid from the distributor radially outwardly.

Abstract: In a gas-liquid contact apparatus, liquid is distributed onto packing media by vertical flow tubes mounted on a horizontal deck. Each flow tube has a beveled upper end, an upper portion above the deck provided with one or more vertical slots for admitting liquid into the tube, and a lower portion extending below the deck for releasing liquid onto the packing media. The lower portion of the tube may have internal vertical louvers and a nontubular depending tail portion. The tube is precisely immovably secured in both orientation and elevation to the deck by an external circumferential rib bearing against the upper surface of the deck, and one or more staking protrusions that bear against the lower surface of the deck. The tube is made from a flat blank of sheet material which has a first pair of opposed edges provided with locking tabs, a second pair of opposed edges that eventually form the top and bottom ends of the tube, and a rib that is generally perpendicular to the first pair of opposed edges.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for manufacturing methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) by reacting methanol with isobutene-containing hydrocarbons in a reaction zone having alternate beds of sulfonated resin catalyst and catalyst-free distillation zones wherein the zones also contain liquid redistribution plates.

Abstract: A counter-current operating, gas-liquid or vapor-liquid contact tower having a plurality of randomly dumped mass and heat transfer media. The improvement comprises first means for collecting and redistributing the flow to a lower positioned mass and heat transfer media and second means for introducing gas into an upwardly positioned mass and heat transfer media. More specifically, it comprises first construction elements in the form of horizontal, elongated troughs separated by substantial widths from each other having upturned sides extending angularly outwardly, the ends of said troughs abutting a circumferential flow channel, and second construction elements directly supported by said upturned sides, said second construction elements extending upwardly of said first construction elements.

Abstract: A vaporizing nozzle comprises a wall of porous material, for example sintered bronze, through which the liquid to be evaporated percolates. The liquid may be, for example, petrol. At the other side of the wall the liquid atomizes or vaporizes into a gas stream, for example an air stream. The nozzle therefore provides a simple and convenient way of vaporizing or atomizing a liquid within a gas stream in, for example, the vaporization of petrol into an air stream for use with internal combustion engines. The nozzle includes selectively closed machined portions for altering the flow characteristics of the material.

Abstract: Water control apparatus for evaporative cooling system includes a medium which is saturated with water from a water supply and water draining from the medium is directed to a pan or trough in which there is a float system and which includes orifices through which water flowing into the pan flows out of the pan. The float system includes a microswitch which controls a solenoid connected to the water supply system either directly or indirectly through a time delay relay. The relay may be variable so that the delay time may be adjusted in accordance with appropriate parameters.

Abstract: A multiple level distributor and method for the distribution of a downwardly flowing liquid in a gas-liquid contact column and the upward flow of a gas within the gas-liquid column and which distributor comprises a trough type distributor having a plurality of holes therein, the holes arranged in at least two different levels of height from the bottom of the trough type distributor, the number and size of the holes and the height of the holes so arranged to provide for control of the liquid turndown and the liquid flow of the downwardly flowing liquid in the gas-liquid column.

Abstract: The liquid distributor has several horizontal channels (2), the sidewalls (6, 7) of which are penetrated by vertical or inclined drain slots (10) spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the channel. At each drain slot, a plate-shaped baffle element (12) projects from the channel sidewalls (6, 7). The baffle element (12) has a baffle surface (11) directly adjoining the drain slot (10) and projecting outwardly from the channel sidewall (6, 7), and accommodates the entire amount of liquid exiting from the drain slot (10) and conducts this liquid to a (single) drainage and/or drip-off point (16). The drainage and/or drip-off point (16) is located at the lower end of the bottom edge (14) of the baffle element (12), this edge extending obliquely downwardly away from the channel (2). The liquid distributor provides locally exactly defined drainage or drip-off points, uniform liquid distribution being achieved independently of the load.

Abstract: A continuous reactor system useful for treating petroleum oil in a multi-phase fixed bed catalytic reactor comprising a system for:feeding the oil and a reactant gas at production flow rates above a first bed of porous solid catalyst particles under conversion conditions for cocurrent downward flow therethrough, collecting and withdrawing the treated oil from the first bed and redistributing at least a portion of the treated oil to at least one succeeding catalyst bed while permitting the gaseous phase to flow directly to the succeeding lower catalyst bed, recycling a quantity of treated oil collected below a catalyst bed and reapplying the treated oil at a preceding redistribution zone above the bed from which treated oil is collected, whereby the total of oil production flow rate and recycled treated oil flow rate is maintained at a predetermined minimum sufficient to effect uniform catalyst wetting. This technique is useful for hydrodewaxing of oils over zeolite catalysts.

Abstract: An improved liquid flow distributor assembly for a process column of the type wherein the distributor is positioned above a packing section for the distribution of liquid downwardly therethrough. The improvement comprises a plurality of troughs constructed with a series of removable distributor tube assemblies on opposite sides thereof. Each tube is constructed with a first generally U-shaped securing, or mounting channel affixed to the side of a distributor trough with a hole formed therethrough in flow communication with the lower region of the trough. An angulated distributor channel is constructed for slidable engagement with the U-shaped securing channel element. The sidewalls of the U-shaped channel are constructed for securing the sliding channel therein and forming a triangular flow conduit for receiving the discharge of fluid from the trough.

Abstract: Apparatus for the treatment of fluids comprising a vessel containing a fixed bed of particulate material in which a plurality of fluid distribution baskets are suspended from the interior of the upper portion of the vessel and are partially submerged beneath the upper surface of the fixed bed of particulate material. Apparatus is disclosed for mutually securing the lower end portions of the fluid distribution baskets as well as preventing the flotation of the fluid distribution baskets on the surface of the particulate materials during charging of the vessel.

Abstract: The distributor has a plurality of distribution channels with outlet openings in the lower region for expelling streams of liquid against opposed impact walls in order to form descending liquid films on the impact walls. The impact walls are spaced from the side walls of the channels by a distance greater than the thickness of the liquid film formed on the impact walls. The kinetic energy of the liquid streams is relied upon to form the liquid film in parabolic-like shapes. Screening walls may also be disposed in opposition to the impact walls to preclude the entrainment of liquid in the rising vapor phase.

Abstract: Process tower vapor/liquid flow distributor and packing bed comprising a plurality of relatively thin corrugated layers stacked one atop the other. The corrugated sheets are disposed in face to face contact with respective corrugations inclined to the horizontal and facing one another for the countercurrent passage of vapor and liquid therethrough. At least two layers are utilized and rotationally offset for diverting the vapor liquid in two separate directions to effect maximum vapor liquid distribution for countercurrent fluid flow passing therethrough. An improved homogenous mixture of vapor/liquid within the process tower packing sections may thus be provided. The assembly affords optimal pressure drop characteristic while maximizing even vapor/liquid distribution into the packing regions.

Abstract: A liquid distribution device for more uniformly distributing a liquid to packed beds is composed of a box-pipe distributor, for the delivery of liquid to a pan distributor having a deck and risers postioned on the deck, with ells contained in the risers. The ells direct liquid axially through the risers so that gas/liquid interaction is minimized. The pan distributor also includes a plurality of holes positioned about the risers and a set of wall-ells about the periphery of the pan for more completely and uniformly distributing a liquid to packed beds positioned beneath the liquid distribution device.

Abstract: A distributor system for use in multiple bed, downflow reactors which provides improved distribution across the reactor and improved vapor/liquid contact and distribution. The system comprises a collection tray arranged below the first catalyst bed in the reactor, a first, rough distributor tray which is arranged below the collection tray and which is fed from the collection tray by means of spillways in the tray and a mixing chamber beneath the spillways. The first distributor tray provides for separate vapor and liquid flow by means of apertures in the tray or downward flow of liquid and vapor chimneys for downward flow of vapor. After the first distributor tray, a second, final distributor tray is provided with downcomers for flow of liquid and vapor onto the lower catalyst bed. Each downcomer comprises an open-topped tube with a side aperture for entry of liquid into the tube, vapor entering through the open top of the tube.

Abstract: Redistribution devices in a packed column are provided for mixing and redistribution of both downflowing liquid and upflowing vapor to reduce liquid to vapor concentration gradients. In one form, the vapor is redistributed by first risers directing vapor streams outwardly toward the column and second risers located adjacent the column solely directing vapor streams toward the column center.

Abstract: A liquid distributor for a gas-liquid contact column, which liquid distributor comprises a plurality of elongated distributors extending across the general cross section of a gas-liquid contact column, and secondary distributing troughs located on each side of the distributor, the secondary distributor troughs containing a deflection plate having an upper section and a lower section and a support plate which connects the deflection plate and spaces the deflection plate apart from the liquid distributor, the support plate having large openings for the upward passage of a gas and smaller openings located near the intersection of the support plate with the deflection plate to permit the liquid splashing from the orifices of the liquid distributor against the deflection plate to flow downwardly against the wall surface of the lower portion of the deflection plate and to be distributed through multiple drip points on the lower edge of the deflection plate in the lower portion of the gas-liquid column.

Abstract: An improvement in an apparatus for distributing a downflowing liquid uniformly across the packed bed of a vapor-liquid contact column is disclosed. The improvement comprises a predistributor which comprises a plate and an upstanding wall member along one edge. This wall member defines the periphery of the plate such that an open-top compartment is formed. A plurality of drip tubes is installed in the compartment and are defined by upstanding tubular members which extend above and below the plate and which are fastened to the plate, each drip tube having a lengthwise slot extending from the top of the drip tube. The apparatus also comprises a lower distributor unit, which can be of a conventional design or substantially similar to the upper distributor unit, except with additional wall members define separate, open-top compartments.