A generally open support ring is mounted onto the internal surface of a distillation tower. The support ring includes a seat rim and a plurality of mechanical elements which secure the seat rim to the internal surface of the tower. The plurality of mechanical elements are attached to both the inner surface and the seat rim. Each mechanical element protrudes from the inner surface and is spaced apart from the other mechanical elements. The plurality of mechanical elements enable the seat rim to be mounted along a substantially horizontal plane around the internal surface of the tower. The support ring is adapted to support an open container of liquid thereon in such a manner that vapor below the support ring is in fluid communication with vapor above the support ring through a series of vent openings in the support ring.