Inlet distributor for fixed bed catalytic reactor

An inlet distributor system for a fixed bed catalyst reactor which includes an inlet deflector cone positioned to deflect liquid in cooperation with a splash plate onto a liquid distributor trough positioned therebelow. An upper tray is positioned beneath the distributor trough to receive liquid therefrom. The upper distributor tray has a series of risers in spaced position thereon and extending above and below the upper distributor tray. The risers are hollow and open above and below the upper distributor tray to permit vapor to pass through the tray and each riser has a plurality of weir slots cut into its outer surface through which liquid can pass through the tray. A lower distributor tray is positioned beneath the upper distributor tray to receive liquid passing through the weir slots of the risers. The lower distributor tray has a series of risers and downpipes thereon arranged in a predetermined pattern. Each of the risers and downpipes in said pattern extend above and below the lower distributor tray and have openings above and below the lower distributor tray to form a through passageway for liquid to pass through the tray when received from the upper distributor tray. The passageway in the downpipes is formed by an axial bore therethrough and the passageway in the risers is formed by its hollow tubular configuration open at the bottom and having a side opening therein above the upper surface of the lower distributor tray each riser includes another upper opening above the lower distributor tray to permit vapor to pass through the tray. The pattern of risers and downpipes provide an advantageous arrangement of passageways for liquid to be distributed to the catalytic bed therebelow.