A packing structure obtained by assembling packing elements having a spiral helix shape, and the use of a structured packing composed of packing structure for an operation for bringing a gas into contact with a catalyst, and a process for manufacturing such a structured packing.

The present invention also relates to a packing structure obtained by assembling packing elements having a spiral helix shape.

The present invention also relates to the use of a structured packing composed of packing structure for an operation for bringing a gas into contact with a catalyst, and a process for manufacturing such a structured packing.

A spacer array including a plurality of spacers. Each spacer defines a longitudinal axis and includes a main body, a leading pin, and a trailing pin. The main body has a main body cross-sectional dimension. The leading pin extends from the main body and is upstream of the main body. The leading pin has a leading pin cross-sectional dimension. The trailing pin extends from the main body and is downstream of the main body. The trailing pin has a trailing pin cross-sectional dimension. The main body cross-sectional dimension is greater than the leading pin cross-sectional dimension and the trailing pin cross-sectional dimension.