| abstract |
Vapor-liquid contacting apparatuses comprising both a primary absorption zone and a secondary absorption zone comprising a plurality of vortex contacting stages are described. The apparatuses provide improved heat and mass transfer between vapor and liquid phases in processes such as absorption, to selectively solubilize contaminants (e.g., acid gases) from an impure vapor (e.g., sour natural gas). Vortex contacting stage(s) in a zone of vapor-liquid contacting, such as a secondary or finishing absorption zone, are used following bulk absorption in a primary or main absorption zone. |