Grid-like symmetrical distributor or collector element

A distributor element for uniformly distributing a first fluid on a cross-sectional plane or collecting the first fluid distributed on the cross-sectional plane, wherein a second fluid flows in at least one of co-current flow and counter-current flow with regard to the first fluid through the distributor element, the distributor element comprising:

• at least three plates arranged substantially parallel to each other, one of a plurality of levels being defined between each of two adjacent plates of the at least three plates,
• each of the at least three plates comprising a number of openings,
• each of the levels having walls arranged therein, each of the walls extending from one side of one of the at least three plates onto an adjacent side of an adjacent plate of the at least three-plates such that each of the walls defines, one of a plurality of channels through which the second fluid flows,
• the channels fluid-tightly connecting all of the openings between adjacent plates of the at least three plates, in each of the levels between the walls defining the channels, one or more hollow spaces being formed, through which the first fluid is configured to flow,
• each of the at least three plates comprising at least one aperture not being fluid-tightly connected with one or more of the openings of an adjacent plate of the at least three plates by one of the channels, the at least one aperture being arranged adjacent to the one or more hollow spaces of adjacent levels such that in each level between the at least one aperture of the adjacent plate, at least two fluid paths extend in the one or more hollow spaces of the level,
• all of the at least two fluid paths of each level having a substantially same length,
• a number of fluid paths increasing, as seen in a direction from one outermost plate to an opposite outermost plate of the at least three plates of the distributor element, at least for 75% of the at least three plates from level to level, and
• the channels through which the second fluid flows are fluid-tightly separated by the walls from all of the one or more hollow spaces defining the fluid paths through which the first fluid is configured to flow.