A liquid mixing collector includes first and second sump zones, a first and optionally a second liquid collection region, first and second interspersed sets of spaced apart liquid collection channels positioned in the first liquid collection region, the first and second sets of collection channels being associated with the first and second respective sump zones, wherein adjacent liquid collection channel sets are vertically displaced in parallel horizontal planes. The invention also relates to the process of using the collector within a heat or mass transfer column.

A tray assembly for improved gas/liquid contact in a chemical process tower includes a tray deck and a downcomer. A mixer is provided in the top of the downcomer and a distributor is attached to a floor of the downcomer. The mixer includes at least one mixing baffle parallel to an outlet weir on the tray. The distributor includes a plurality of spaced apart flow directing plates extending downwardly toward and spaced apart from the floor of the downcomer. In combination, the mixer and distributor effect even liquid flow across the surface of a subjacent tray deck.

A gas and a liquid are contacted in an apparatus, comprising a housing provided with: a liquid supply; at least two inclined plates that have been arranged in series and that are on a liquid side in fluid communication with the liquid supply; and a gas supply that is in fluid communication with a space at the other, gas side of the plates; wherein at least some of the plates, preferably all plates are provided with gas passage openings, which openings have been arranged downstream of the gas supply and have been provided with projecting channels with downstream directed flow openings on the liquid side that is in contact with the liquid; and wherein the plates are configured such that liquid flows from one plate directly onto a downstream plate via a slit-formed passage in a substantially vertical downwards direction.

A gas and a liquid are contacted in an apparatus, comprising a housing provided with: a liquid supply; at least two inclined plates that have been arranged in series and that are on a liquid side in fluid communication with the liquid supply; and a gas supply that is in fluid communication with a space at the other, gas side of the plates; wherein at least some of the plates, preferably all plates are provided with gas passage openings, which openings have been arranged downstream of the gas supply and have been provided with projecting channels with downstream directed flow openings on the liquid side that is in contact with the liquid; and wherein the plates are configured such that liquid flows from one plate directly onto a downstream plate via a slit-formed passage in a substantially vertical downwards direction.