Gas-liquid contactor with liquid redistribution device

Abstract

A gas-liquid contactor for removing gases and particulate matter from flue gases produced by processing operations of the type carried out in utility and industrial plants. The contactor is generally an open spray absorber having a spray tower ( ) whose walls ( ) form a passage within the tower ( ). Flue gases are introduced into the tower ( ) so as to flow vertically upward or downward through the passage. Disposed within the passage are heads ( ) for introducing a liquid ( ) into the passage such that the liquid ( ) contacts the flue gases. A portion of the liquid ( ) contacts the wall ( ) of the tower ( ), such that the portion of the liquid ( ) flows downwardly along the wall ( ). The tower ( ) is equipped with a deflecting device ( ) disposed on the wall ( ) for deflecting the portion of the liquid ( ) away from the wall ( ), and thereafter reintroducing the portion of the liquid ( ) into the passage so as to contact the gases flowing through the passage. The deflecting device ( ) is also preferably configured to obstruct the flow of gases along the wall ( ) in order to reduce gas penetration at the wall ( ) and divert the gases toward the center of the passage where more efficient contact with the liquid ( ) is made.