FLUID CONTACT APPARATUS

摘要

The invention is concerned with a method of providing a fluid contact apparatus at a site, the apparatus comprising a tower (10) in which packing elements (18) are located in random distribution. Provided in the tower above the mass of packing elements is a ceiling plate (20) capable of at least limited movement in a direction longitudinally of the tower. In accordance with the invention, the tower (10) is filled with packing elements whilst the axis of the tower is other than vertical, conveniently being horizontal, or substantially horizontal, and on completion of filling the ceiling plate is moved a short distance to apply a compressive loading on the packing elements, to prevent or restrict movement of the packing elements within the tower. This allows the tower then to be moved to a vertical position, without significant disruption to the packing elements therein.