Patent ID: 8052126

Claim:
An apparatus for performing co-current vapor-liquid contacting, comprising: a) a liquid distribution system comprising at least one extended trough having a plurality of outlet spouts; and b) a contacting stage having at least two contacting modules, each contacting module comprising: i) at least one downcomer having an outlet proximate at least one co-current flow channel; ii) a demister having an inlet surface proximate said co-current flow channel and an outlet surface superior to a receiving pan; and iii) at least one duct having an upper end in fluid communication with said receiving pan, and a lower end, wherein said lower end of each duct is in fluid communication with a separate downcomer of an inferior stage; wherein said outlet spouts are aligned for liquid distribution to said downcomers of said contacting modules and wherein the number of troughs of said distribution system is less than the number of downcomers of said contacting stage and wherein said liquid distribution system is positioned below a superior contacting stage in said apparatus.