Column for inter-phase contact - with trays provided with collecting zones

摘要

A column producing a large specific phase interface between a light and heavy stream in a heterogeneous (esp. gas-liq.) system comprises >=2 trays separated by a mixing zone in which new heavy and light streams are formed. An enrichment zone for the new heavy stream is located above the lower tray and an enrichment zone for the new light stream is located below the upper tray. At least one of these enrichment zones is connected to the other side of the corresp. tray by a passage for the corresp. enriched stream. The improvement comprises providing the trays with a collecting zone for the ascending (light) or descending (heavy) stream. For the ascending stream, this zone is open at the bottom and is located beneath the corresp. tray. For the descending stream, the zone is open at the top and located above the corresp. tray. The trays need not be hermetically sealed to the column wall, since the collecting zones prevent the passage of the corresp. stream through any gaps between the trays and the column wall.