Abstract: The apparatus has a column (1) of closed interior. Pipe (7b) leading into its upper part to admit liquid of higher density, and pipe (7a) leading into the lower part to admit liquid of lower density. Pipes (8, 10) emerge from the lower part to discharge liquid of higher density, and from its upper part to discharge liquid of lower density. Level control and propelling force adjusting mechanism (9) is connected with the pipe discharging liquid of higher density. Dispersing-mixing elements surrounding cells are beneath and above each other in the column (1). Pulsator (4) is connected with the lower part of column (1). The dispersing-mixing elements are formed by discs (5) having elastic tongues (13a) in the plane of discs capable for vibration and to move out of the disc's plane during vibration, and gap (14) runs along the periphery of the tongues (13a).

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for multi-phase contact utilizing louvered structured packing. The packing is provided in corrugated sheets and between the fold lines of the corrugations; a plurality of large louvered openings are disposed in generally parallel spaced relationship. An array of small louvers is disposed between the large louvers. Each of the louvers is oriented for selectively vectoring a liquid-liquid or liquid-vapor around and through the corrugated sheets when disposed within a process tower.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for multi-phase contact utilizing louvered structured packing. the packing is provided in corrugated sheets and between the fold lines of the corrugations, and a plurality of large louvered openings are disposed in generally parallel spaced relationship. An array of small louvers is disposed across the sheets, and each of the louvers is oriented for selectively vectoring the flow of liquid-vapor or liquid-liquid around and through the corrugated sheets when disposed within a chemical process tower.

Abstract: A device for precipitating polymers from a liquid by at least one precipitant fluid includes a feed line, a nozzle plate having at least one outlet orifice for a polymer containing fluid with the outlet orifice communicating with the feed line, at least one nozzle for at least one precipitant fluid, the axis of which is arranged approximately perpendicularly to the axis of the outlet orifice, a precipitation chamber positioned on the side of the nozzle plate wherein at least one nozzle for at least one precipitant fluid is located, a discharge line for discharging a mixture which contains the precipitated polymer and a degassing chamber which is connected to the discharge line.

Abstract: An apparatus for supercritical fluid extraction incorporates a removable extraction cartridge which in operation has insignificant pressure difference between its inside and outside walls. In one embodiment, the extractor includes a fraction collector for extractants, an automatic sample changer and an automatic cartridge transfer mechanism which provide completely automated extractions. To automatically perform extraction, valves for the fluids are automatically opened and closed in synchronism with the insertion and removal of the cartridges. These valves force a hard valve element into a softer valve seat with a valve stem that does not rotate significantly under the control of a rotary motor.

Abstract: An integrated reactor system for converting methanol or the like to ether and gasoline hydrocarbons. Alcohol feedstock containing water is extracted with olefinic liquid and reacted catalytically to produce tertiary ether. Unreacted alcohol and olefin vapor separated from etherification effluent is converted along with aqueous alcoholic raffinate in a zeolite catalysis step to produce gasoline and paraffinic intermediate. By dehydrogenating the C.sub.3 -C.sub.5 paraffins, an olefinic liquid rich in isoalkenes is obtained for recycle to the extractor as solvent for alcohol feedstock.

Abstract: An apparatus for supercritical fluid extraction incorporates a removable extraction cartridge which in operation has insignificant pressure difference between its inside and outside walls. Because of the low pressure difference, the extraction cartridge need not have the strength to withstand significant pressure and can be made out of molded plastic for disposable use as well as stainless steel and/or machined plastic for reusability. The extraction cartridge can be removed and opened for sample access without the use of tools. The outside of the cartridge can be purged after it is installed in a heated high pressure vessel to remove contamination from its exterior. In one embodiment, the extractor includes a fraction collector fr extractants, an automatic sample changer and an automatic cartridge transfer mechanism which provide completely automated extractions.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for effecting liquid-liquid contact in a plurality of stages between heavy and light liquid streams is provided wherein said streams are capable of undergoing mass transfer with one another or constituents in either stream are capable of reaction therebetween and where either of said streams can be intercirculated or intracirculated through each stage.

Abstract: A waste liquid treating device is provided above a waste container or in the upper portion thereof with a container, suspender or the like for holding a waste liquid treating chemical agent. The chemical agent is preferably a coagulant for the waste liquid to be treated or an agent for killing bacteria, viruses or the like present in the liquid. A waste liquid treating method is practiced using the device. The waste liquid collected in the waste container is treated with the chemical agent held above or in the upper portion of the waste container and thereafter discarded along with the waste container.

Abstract: An improved system for performing an alkylation process and a method for handling liquid catalyst in an alkylation process. This improvement involves a method and apparatus by which liquid alkylation catalyst contained in alkylation process equipment can be safely stored and isolated from the external environment. Additionally, the apparatus improvement will allow for an improved method for controlling the circulation of liquid alkylation catalyst by providing means for quickly stopping the circulation of alkylation catalyst. The apparatus improvement comprises a baffle contained within a vessel which is attached to the bottom of the vessel and extends upwardly into the vessel. The baffle is designed to allow for the liquid flow between the inside of the vessel and the inside of the baffle and it allows for the venting into a vapor space from the top of the baffle. Within the baffle is standpipe which provides for fluid flow from within the baffle to a region outside the vessel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for extracting sample components from complex matrices using supercritical carbon dioxide as the principal extracting solvent are disclosed. The present invention takes advantage of the fact that the solvent power of a supercritical fluid is stepwise settable by the parameters of density, modifier concentration, and temperature. Accordingly, methods and apparatus for extracting a component from a sample using flow system having a variable and controllable flow restriction are disclosed. The methods of the present invention comprise the steps of inserting the sample into the sample container section, inputting temperature, pressure, flow rate and extraction time setpoints. The flow rate is controlled and the system pressure regulated by the variable flow restriction.

Abstract: A liquid-liquid contacting apparatus is provided having the capacity to control and contain a fire occurring within a separator vessel. Mixing of two liquid phases such as an organic and an aqueous solution may be advantageously conducted when the two phases are supplied at steady flow rates. Variations in the rates of supply of the phases are compensated for by pumping each liquid at a constant flow rate higher than the maximum flow rate provided by the supply, and permitting recirculation of a disengaged phase in the amount necessary to meet the demand of the system. The organic solution having a lower density than the aqueous solution rises within a separator vessel and may be ignited upon its upper surface. By flooding the vessel with a third nonflammable liquid such as water, the liquid level within the vessel is raised until the organic solution is removed by flowing over a channel weir within the vessel and is drained away through a fluid trap.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for washing a solvent in the recessing of irradiated nuclear fuel. The solvent is washed with an aqueous solution in a mixer-settler having at least one stage which includes a mixing chamber and a settling chamber. The pH is measured by a sensor adjacent stirring means in the mixing chamber and is coupled to a controller controlling metering of the washing solution. The pH of the dispersion in the mixing chamber is measured and an amount of washing solution is added which influences the pH toward the desired operational value. Various recycling means and weir overflow means also influence pH control and the washing operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for quantitative determination of trihalomethanes comprises a separation unit containing two channels in contact with each other via a microporous membrane that will not react with trihalomethanes, a reaction unit for heating a carrier solution that has passed through the separation unit, a cooling unit for cooling the carrier solution that has undergone complete reaction; and a detection unit for determining the quantity of a fluorescent substance in the carrier solution. A method for quantitative determination of trihalomethanes comprises flowing a sample solution or a mixture thereof with a reducing agent through one of the two channels in the separation unit, flowing the carrier solution through the other channel, heating the carrier solution that has passed through the separation unit and to which an alkaline nicotinamide or a derivative thereof has been added, cooling the carrier solution, and subjecting the cooled solution to fluorimetry.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for the safe handling of alkylation catalyst. The method and apparatus comprises a process vessel which serves a dual function of storing alkylation catalyst and of recontacting alkylation hydrocarbon product with alkylation catalyst. Alkylate product is passed through an eductor-mixer device which intimately mixes alkylate with catalyst. This mixture flows into the dual function recontacting vessel where a phase separation of the catalyst and alkylation hydrocarbon product takes place. Conduits are provided to connect the process reactor, cooling heat exchanger, settler, and interconnecting piping so as to allow the quick release of pressure from the combination storage-recontacting vessel and subsequent draining of catalyst into the vessel by use of gravitational force.

Abstract: An apparatus for supercritical fluid extraction incorporates a removable extraction cartridge which in operation has insignificant pressure difference between its inside and outside walls. Because of the low pressure difference, the extraction cartridge need not have the strength to withstand significant pressure and can be made out of molded plastic for disposable use as well as stainless steel and machined plastic for reusability. The extraction cartridge can be removed and opened for sample access without the use of tools. The outside of the cartridge can be purged after it is installed in a heated high pressure vessel to remove contamination from its exterior.

Abstract: An aqueous two-phase protein partitioning system is disclosed which employs polyvinylpyrrolidone as the upper phase and maltodextrin as the lower phase and provides a low-cost system for protein partitioning. The system can also be employed with the amion derivatives of chlorotriazine dyes, which bind in a noncovalent manner with the PVP and serve as a ligand for the proteins to be separated.

Abstract: Apparatus for the manufacture and recovery of alkali-metal tetraorganylborates. A mixed solvent and liquid/liquid contactor configuration is used in the system which aids in the recovery of the product.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for effecting liquid-liquid contact in a plurality of stages between heavy and light liquid streams is provided wherein said streams are capable of undergoing mass transfer with one another or constituents in either stream are capable of reaction therebetween and where either of said streams can be intercirculated or intracirculated through each stage.

Abstract: An improved reactor system reacts crude aqueous methanol feedstock with iso-olefinic hydrocarbons to produce C.sub.5.sup.+ methyl t-alkyl ethers. The system includes an extractor for contacting the aqueous methanol feedstock with a liquid hydrocarbon extraction solvent rich in C.sub.4.sup.+ isoalkene. Both an organic extract phase and an aqueous methanol raffinate phase recovered from the extractor and fed to a primary reactor. This primary reactors reacts the methanol and C.sub.4.sup.+ isoalkene from the organic extract phase under catalytic conditions to produce an ether product. The ether product is fed to an etherification effluent fractionator to separate the ether product from unreacted methanol and C.sub.4.sup.+ isoalkene. A secondary reactor then converts methanol from the aqueous methanol raffinate phase with the unreacted methanol and C.sub.4.sup.+ isolakene to produce hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus to condense and rectify alcohol, and more particularly to a method and an apparatus suitable for the energy-saving condensation and rectification of high-purity alcohol from the synthesized alcohol, the used alcohol aqueous solution in food industry and the fermented alcohol.The invention provides a method, which makes it possible to extract and recover alcohol of 99 wt % or higher with small quantity of propane solvent, using the propane in supercritical or pseudocritical conditions in the process of condensation and recovery of alcohol from aqueous solution of alcohol. Further, the method makes it possible to condense alcohol to the concentration of 95 wt % or higher by increasing the selectivity of alcohol through the cooling of the propane to liquid state.

Abstract: Fat or oil is hydrolyzed with water and lipase effectively by supplying the fat or oil and water continuously each at a constant rate or semicontinuously in portions and simultaneously withdrawing a solution containing fatty acid(s) and an aqueous solution containing glycerol formed by the enzymatic reaction from the reaction system continuously at the same rates as those of the supplied fat or oil and water respectively or semicontinuously in portions to thereby maintain the glycerol concentration in the aqueous phase of the reaction system constant within a range of 10 to 40% by weight.

Abstract: Improved operating techniques and apparatus for converting methanol or the like to intermediate olefins and etherification products, such as methyl t-butyl ether, by extracting crude methanol feedstock with an olefinic liquid hydrocarbon stream containing C.sub.4.sup.+ iso-olefins. The methanol extract phase is reacted under etherification conditions. The aqueous methanol raffinate stream is converted catalytically to olefins for recovery of C.sub.4.sup.+ olefinic liquid hydrocarbons useful as extraction solvent.

Abstract: A solvent extraction column in which a disperse phase in the form of electrostatically charged droplets contacts a fluid continuous phase. The disperse phase is received in a number of trays having radial nozzles, so that the disperse phase is discharged from the nozzles as charged droplets transverse to the general direction of flow in the column when an electric potential is applied between the trays and the column.

Abstract: A process for separation of components of a mixture of more than one organic substance or of a mixture of at least one organic substance and water by extraction using a supercritical fluid as an extractant. During the extraction an extraction aid having a higher affinity with an unextractable component of the mixture than with an extractable component of the mixture is present. Also disclosed is an apparatus for carrying out this process.

Abstract: A method of heterogeneous reaction is described, comprising reacting a water-soluble component and an oil-soluble component dispersed in the water-soluble component or an aqueous medium containing the same. This dispersion is attained by passing the oil-soluble component through the micropores of a hydrophilic material as it is introduced into the aqueous medium. This hydrophilic material can be shaped into a desired form such as a membrane and a fabric. The flow rate, reaction rate and conversion are easy to control in the present method since the particle size of the oil-soluble component can be appropriately controlled. Furthermore, the present method does not need any stirring power nor an emulsification operation, and thus is advantageous from an economic standpoint.

Abstract: A binary fluid system, and components thereof for producing an impregnated metered fluid stream. Broadly, a container is included in the system and contains upper and lower, first and second fluid phases, i.e., liquids, gases or a combination of the same, which fluid phases meet at a common, unobstructed horizontal boundary or junction, extending the cross sectional width of the container. The fluid phases are of differing density, molecular weight, or specific gravity with the lighter phase being on top. Plural means are coupled to the container for replenishing both of the phases and also for drawing off, at a metered flow rate, the first or upper phase as impregnated by said second phase through diffusion processes across the common phase boundary, the withdrawal being from the container at the volumetric position of the first phase and proximate and above such phase boundary. The invention has special application to recirculating systems as may accommodate swimming pools, by way of example.

Abstract: Mixer-settler apparatus of the reverse liquid flow type having at least one assembly which includes one or more mixers in series, each being fitted with stirrers and pumps, at least one settling tank in which liquids separate, and at least one submerged chute extending into the settling tank from a pump to convey the mixture of liquids from the pumps to the settling tank. The chute is constructed of enlarged dimensions which extend over a major portion of the width of the tank to facilitate a pre-settling action within the chute, and the chute extends a substantial distance into the settling tank to allow extended pre-settling time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing water from a liquid mixture of water and ethanol contacts it with liquid carbon dioxide so that the ethanol is preferentially transferred into solution, dries the solution using an adsorbent, and then recovers dry ethanol by distilling off the carbon dioxide. This process is particularly energy efficient especially when it includes a fermentation process to generate the ethanol and uses the carbon dioxide generated during the fermentation as the source of liquid carbon dioxide. In this case the method and apparatus provide an additional product of dry carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A liquid-liquid extraction column for use for example, in the solvent extraction of uranium and/or plutonium from an aqueous phase, comprises a perforated plate packing in which each plate (10) has flanges (18) associated with its perforations, which flanges (18) project upstream with respect to the disperse phase flow direction (arrows 14) so as to define a collecting zone (20) for disperse phase droplets (16) which thereby form a film or layer of the disperse phase component on the upstream face of each plate (10). In this way, droplet formation at the perforations of each plate (10) is not significantly influenced by variations of the wetting characteristics of the plate with time.

Abstract: The tubular arm distributor is provided with at least one tubular arm having metering orifices through which a dispersed phase can be metered and a horizontal box-like element which extends over the metering orifices to define a chamber for receiving the dispersed phase. The box-like element has exit orifices in the form of slots along the side walls to distribute the dispersed phase into the continuous phase.

Abstract: The invention is a process and apparatus useful for preparing an aqueous ammonia solution at a temperature below the boiling point thereof by single stage dilution of anhydrous ammonia with water. In the invention, an anhydrous ammonia fluid comprising ammonia vapor is mixed with water to provide an aqueous ammonia fluid at a first temperature above the boiling point of said aqueous ammonia fluid, the aqueous ammonia fluid is cooled to a second temperature above the boiling point of said aqueous ammonia fluid, and the cooled aqueous ammonia fluid is then indirectly contacted with liquid anhydrous ammonia to further cool said aqueous ammonia fluid to a temperature below its boiling point and thereby heat the liquid anhydrous ammonia to vaporize at least a portion thereof. The heated anhydrous ammonia fluid is utilized in the process of this invention to provide the aqueous ammonia fluid.

Abstract: The present invention is predicated on the discovery that emulsion prone zones generally occur in extractors at the end or region where feed is introduced and spent solvent is withdrawn. The build-up of feed droplets in this zone occurs because of slow coalescence rate, higher liquid loadings, lower interfacial tension, smaller density difference, and the like, in this zone. Accordingly, the present invention, in its simplest sense comprises a vertical extractor column having a settling zone located at one end of a mixing zone and having coalescence media located in the settling zone. Importantly, the coalescence media is positioned so as to promote the drainage of coalesced droplets to the side of the extractor where they drain back into the mixing zone. Preferably weir means are located in the settling zone between the coalescence media and the mixing zone for collecting coalesced droplets.

Abstract: An autoclave extraction apparatus where a supercritical fluid is used for supercritical fluid extraction of one or several compounds. The supercritical fluid containing the compoound(s) may then be processed in a pressurized, fluidized, bed reactor under supercritical conditions. The fluidized bed reactor is used to carry out a catalytic reaction of the compound(s). The method is particularly applicable to recover valuable lignin and other extractable components from kraft black liquor.

Abstract: Processes for continuously dispensing liquid microbicides at extremely low rates into metalworking fluids over predetermined periods for control of microbial activity therein comprising dropping a dispensing device filled with the microbicide into a sump containing a fluid. The filled dispenser sinks to the bottom of the sump and rises to the surface of the fluid as the microbicide in the dispenser approaches depletion whereupon a filled dispenser may again be charged into the sump.

Abstract: Apparatus for maintaining the level of an interface between separate phases in a solvent extraction column by regulating the flow from the base of the column. A steady controllable flow is achieved by passing the flow into a pressure vessel and the level in the vessel is controlled by having a plurality of vertically spaced apart apertures in the flow path within the vessel.

Abstract: A liquid-liquid contacting apparatus of the type having at least two vertically spaced apart sieve tray assemblies includes vertical weirs between groups of sieve holes (preferably rows) in the sieve tray and, for each sieve tray located with the apparatus, a sloped collector-coalescer plate which provides a coalescence surface for dispersed phase droplets and directs the dispersed phase to the rows of sieve holes on the sieve trays. Additionally, the collector-coalescer plate prevents the dispersed phase droplets from impacting directly on the sieve holes where new drops of dispersed phase are being formed. This arrangement of sieve holes, weirs and collector-coalescer plate provides for steady controlled flow of dispersed phase throughout the apparatus over an exceptionally wide flow range and within a narrow, efficient fluid flow velocity through the sieve holes, e.g., a velocity of from about 0.6 to about 1.0 ft/sec.

Abstract: An improved sealed-sieve tray extraction tower has pipe means located in at least a portion of the downcomer or upcomer zones, as the case may be, for delivering at least a portion of a first continuous phase through the downcomer or upcomer zone such that it is not broken into fine droplets thereby minimizing the potential for dispersion of the continuous phase.

Abstract: An improved cascade weir type extraction zone is described in which at least one of the weir means is disposed above the associated tray. This improved extraction zone is of particular utility in lube oil processing operations.

Abstract: A liquid-liquid contacting apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is useful in extracting mercaptans from a hydrocarbon stream such as cracked gasoline by nonturbulent countercurrent contacting of the hydrocarbon stream with an aqueous caustic solution. The denser liquid phase flows downward from an upper phase separation zone through a connecting cylindrical contacting zone into a lower phase separation zone. Liquid withdrawal and addition means communicate with each separation zone. A mass of fibrous contacting strands is suspended in the contacting zone. The contacting strands are preferentially wetted by either of the two liquid phases to provide a large surface area which enhances extraction capacity.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a continuous method and an apparatus for the hydrolysis of .alpha.-chlorinated toluene compounds, preferably benzyl chloride. The hydrolysis, which takes place in a hydrolysis zone, is characterized by being conducted in countercurrent between the aqueous phase containing the hydrolyzing agent and the organic phase containing the .alpha.-chlorinated toluene compound and an inert organic solvent, such as toluene. After the hydrolysis, the organic phase is washed with water in a washing zone, while the aqueous phase is extracted with inert solvent in an extraction zone. The resulting product of hydrolysis, preferably benzyl alcohol, is thereafter separated from the organic phase by distillation, suitably in two stages, by means of two distillation columns connected in series.

Abstract: An improved tray means and an extraction zone utilizing the tray means are disclosed. The tray means comprises a tray deck, a channel means, and a weir means. The tray deck and channel means cooperate to form a fluid conduit through which fluid flows from beneath the tray deck to the weir means. The tray means is useful in cross flow liquid-liquid extraction zones, with particular applicability to extractive purification of lube oils.

Abstract: A method for removing the excess sodium and byproducts of reaction which occur during the destruction of PCBs from oil. A predetermined quantity of water is mixed with the decontaminated oil and the byproducts, which include sodium chloride and polyphenyl polymer, to form sodium chloride and sodium hydroxide. Centrifuging removes most of the oil from the remaining aqueous mixture which then is agitated and treated with carbon dioxide gas to form less hazardous sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. Any excess carbon dioxide gas is vented to the atmosphere and the sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate is collected into containers for disposal. Small amounts of oil remaining in the aqueous waste mixture that is discharged from the centrifuge is decanted from the remaining material in a waste separator due to its lighter specific gravity. A pump intermittently injects waste from the waste separator into a converter where it reacts with the carbon dioxide gas.

Abstract: Apparatus, and method, for diluting polymer solutions of a known concentration to a preselected lower concentration without any concomitant degradation or thinning of the polymer comprising the solution. The apparatus comprises an elongated chamber desirably in the form of a cylinder or tube having polymer solution dispersing stations arranged in spaced relation therealong. The dispersing stations comprise at least one perforated plate or screen. The perforations in the plates or screens diminish in size as the polymer solution and a diluent for the solution advance in the direction of the outlet or discharge end of the chamber. Flow control means desirably are positioned between one, or more, of the dispersing stations.

Abstract: Contactor-separator units of a sub-assembly in which an isotopic exchange between two immiscible phases takes place are associated in m lines and n columns. One of the phases leaving a contactor-separator unit is directly directed to the adjacent contactor-separator unit in the same line, whereas the other phase leaving the same contactor-separator unit, is directed directly to the adjacent contactor-separator unit in the same column. Each of the m lines and n columns is provided with a single pump. The instantaneous flow rates of each phase are substantially equal at the input and the output of each of the contactor-separator units.

Abstract: Mixing of two liquid phases can be advantageously conducted when the two phases are supplied at steady flow rates. Variations in the rates of supply of the phases are compensated for by pumping each liquid at a constant flow rate higher than the maximum flow rate provided by the supply, and permitting recirculation of disengaged phase in the amount necessary to meet the demand of the system.

Abstract: A multiple stage extractor column for the countercurrent contact of an upwardly moving hydrocarbon phase and a downwardly moving solvent phase is disclosed. The column is particularly useful for the solvent extraction of aromatics from a hydrocarbon feedstock containing C.sub.9 aromatics. The contactor column embodies an upper extraction section comprising a first plurality of perforated extraction trays and a backwash section comprising a second plurality of perforated extraction trays, said second plurality of trays being vertically spaced apart a greater distance than the trays of said first plurality whereby the solvent/hydrocarbon interface at the bottom of the column is more readily controlled.

Abstract: An apparatus for granulation of precipitation products, comprising a liquid-filled reaction chamber including a granulation chamber which receives aqueous streams of compounds which precipitate to form granules. The granulation chamber has an open upper edge connected to the narrow edge of a conical surface. The upper open edge of the conical surface merges with an apron which is spaced inwardly from the inner periphery of the reaction chamber. Conduit means conduct granules downwardly from the granulation chamber. Liquid and fine granules rise upwardly within the conical surface. Granules descend back into the granulating chamber. Clean liquid passes downwardly through the annular space between the apron and the reaction chamber for removal from the space between the conical surface and the apron.

Abstract: A multiple stage extractor column for the countercurrent contact of an upwardly moving hydrocarbon phase and a downwardly moving solvent phase is disclosed. The column is particularly useful for the solvent extraction of aromatics from a hydrocarbon feedstock containing C.sub.9 aromatics. The contactor column embodies an upper extraction section comprising a first plurality of perforated extraction trays and a backwash section comprising a second plurality of perforated extraction trays, the upcomer means of said second plurality being of larger cross-sectional area whereby the solvent/hydrocarbon interface at the bottom of the column is more readily controlled.

Abstract: An apparatus for contacting two immiscible fluids is disclosed. A liquid stream enters the top of the apparatus and travels downward within an annular bed of packing. A vapor stream or a less dense liquid stream enters the bottom of the apparatus and travels upward making many radial flow passes succeedingly higher parts of the annular bed. The sigmoid flow of the rising stream is channeled by horizontal disks within the open central volume of the annular bed and by horizontal open-centered rings which surround the annular bed at staggered elevations.