Patent ID: 8608833

Claim:
A method for selectively absorbing a first gas component from a feed gas comprising both first and second gas components, the method comprising: contacting the feed gas with a fresh absorbent in a co-current gas-liquid contacting apparatus operating in a spray regime comprising a plurality of stages, wherein the stages have at least one contacting module comprising: at least one liquid downcomer, at least one demister, and at least one co-current flow channel between the at least one liquid downcomer and the at least one demister, wherein the at least one liquid downcomer includes an outlet proximate the at least one co-current flow channel, wherein, with respect to the first gas component, a liquid phase resistance to mass transfer is less than a gas phase resistance to mass transfer and with respect to the second gas component, a liquid phase resistance to mass transfer is greater than a gas phase resistance to mass transfer, wherein the contacting module further comprises a liquid distribution device proximate said outlet of said liquid downcomer, and wherein said liquid distribution device comprises a plate having a plurality of openings.