Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for carrying out a mass transfer process in a column (1) which comprises at least two separation trays (5), each separation tray (5) having an upper plate (7) and a lower plate (9), with a sluice (13) being formed between the plates (7, 9), and valves (11) that are designed such as to allow gas to flow through the separation tray (5), liquid from the upper plate (7) flowing into the sluice (13) when the gas flow is disrupted, and the liquid running off from the sluice (13) once the gas supply is re-established. The method comprises the following steps: (a) allowing gas issued through the valves (11) in the separation tray (5) to flow through a liquid that is present on the upper plate (7), the amount of gas being sufficiently large to prevent liquid from flowing back through the valve (11); (b) disrupting the gas supply such that the liquid flows into the sluice (13) through the valves (11); (c) continuing the gas supply, the valves (11) in the lower plate (9) being opened such that the liquid runs off from the sluice (13). The sluice (13) is dimensioned such that once the liquid has run off from the top plate (7) into the sluice (13) not more than 70% of the sluice (13) is filled with liquid. The invention also relates to a valve for carrying out said method.