Shielding in a separation column

A liquid distributor having at least two adjacent channels for distribution of a liquid to a packing spaced apart from and located below the liquid distributor in a mass transfer column, comprising:

• at least one riser comprising at least one riser wall, wherein the at least one riser wall extends from a first surface of the liquid distributor in a first direction of the mass transfer column;
• at least one shield, wherein the at least one shield extends from a second surface of the liquid distributor opposite the first surface and extending in a second direction of the mass transfer column opposite the first direction;
• and
• at least two spaced apart rows of liquid distribution apertures in each of the two adjacent channels, each of said rows extending substantially across a channel length and each of said liquid distribution apertures extending from the first surface of the liquid distributor through the second surface of the liquid distributor,
• wherein the at least one shield has a length extending in the second direction such that a gap is created between the at least one shield and the packing, and wherein the height of the gap between the shield and the packing is about 10 mm to 75 mm;
• and
• wherein the liquid distributor comprises a trough style or plate style distributor.