Liquid mixing collector and a method for its use

A liquid mixing collector for capturing and mixing liquid descending from an overlying zone in a mass transfer or heat exchange column, the collector comprising:

• at least a first and a second sump zone,
• at least one discharge outlet positioned in each of said first and second sump zones through which liquid can drain when present in said first and second sump zones;
• at least a first and optionally a second liquid collection region, each at least partially bounded by one of said first and second sump zones;
• at least a first and a second set of spaced apart liquid collection channels positioned in at least a first liquid collection region;
• said first set of liquid collection channels embodied such that said liquid collection channels are substantially parallel to and interspersed with said second set of liquid collection channels in the first liquid collection region;
• drain openings positioned in said liquid collection channels to allow liquid to drain from said liquid collection channels, when present therein, into said first and second sump zones;
• said first set of liquid collection channels in the first liquid collection region being associated with said first sump zone so that liquid when present in said first set of liquid collection channels flows into said first sump zone;
• said second set of liquid collection channels in the first liquid collection region being associated with said second sump zone so that liquid when present in said second set of liquid collection channels flows into said second sump zone;
• ascending vapor flow channels located in a spacing between the liquid collection channels in the liquid collection regions;
• wherein adjacent liquid collection channels of the first and second sets of liquid collection channels are vertically displaced from each other in one of at least two to four parallel horizontal planes.