Device for mixing disperse streams before they enter a catalyst bed

A device for mixing gas/vapor streams containing disperse liquid components in a column-type fixed bed reactor, comprising:

• a concial collecting plate covering the entire cross section of said column-type reactor and having an outlet at the apex thereof, wherein the gas/vapor streams are collected on the concave side of said plate,
• a mixing pipe adjoining the apex of said collecting plate,
• an outer pipe surrounding said mixing pipe and forming an annular space between said mixing and outer pipes, said outer pipe being closed-off below said mixing pipe, whereby the gas/vapor streams passing through said mixing pipe reverse direction and subsequently pass though said annular space,
• a disk-shaped distributor disposed in the reactor below said collecting plate and above said fixed bed and adjoining said outer pipe and the reactor wall,
• a diffusor for reducing the pressure drop within said mixing device, said diffuser adjoining said outer pipe above said distributor, said diffusor comprising an open upwardly facing conical segment, and
• an annular space bounded by the convex side of said collecting plate, said distributor, said diffusor and the reactor wall, whereby the gas/vapor streams pass through said annular space and then pass through said distributor.