Chordal wall support system for cross flow trays in a mass transfer column and method involving same

A support system is provided to support cross flow trays in vertically spaced-apart relationship within a mass transfer column. The support system includes a chordal wall that has vertically-extending opposite ends that are secured to an external shell of the mass transfer column. Each cross flow tray has a tray deck with fluid flow apertures and at least one chordal downcomer. The chordal downcomers are positioned in vertical alignment on each of the cross flow trays and include downcomer passageways formed by spaced-apart downcomer walls. The chordal wall extends vertically through the downcomer passageways on the cross flow trays and the downcomer walls are coupled with the chordal wall to transfer a load from the tray decks and the downcomer walls to the chordal wall.