Liquid distributor

A distributor for absorbing kinetic energy from a downwardly directed liquid stream and guiding the liquid stream therefrom in a distributed plurality of divergent paths to a subjacent receiver. The distributor is defined by a central transverse wall against which the liquid stream is impinged to absorb kinetic energy therefrom. An annular portion extends laterally outwardly from the periphery of the transverse wall and is provided with a plurality of upwardly opening grooves for guiding the liquid in a plurality of divergent streams from the transverse wall to the subjacent receiver. The annular portion may be a frustoconical wall and may include lands between the respective grooves. The distributor includes a mounting portion adapted to be connected in fluid conducting relationship to the end of a liquid supply conduit and includes structure for spacing the transverse wall a preselected distance from the outlet of the conduit.