A fluid contact tray (10) for a
fractionation column (1), in particular a vapor-liquid contact tray suitable for the use in an offshore
fractionation column, comprises: a tray
deck (12) comprising an active
mass transfer surface (20) suitable for contacting two fluids (l, g) of different densities, wherein the active
mass transfer surface (20) comprises one or more orifices (18) for the passage of a fluid / gas (g), and wherein at least two at least partially radially extending separation walls (22-1, 22-2, 22-3, 22-4) and / or at least one separation weir (42) are arranged on the active
mass transfer surface (20), which divides the active
mass transfer surface (20) into at least two sections (24-1, 24-2, 24-3, 24-4), an annular channel (26) suitable for collecting fluids / liquids (l), which is arranged at the
peripheral area of the active
mass transfer surface (20) and at least partially embraces the
mass transfer surface (20), a central downcomer (34) for collecting and discharging a fluid / liquid (l) from the annular channel (26), wherein the central downcomer (34) has the form of a hollow body with an opening (36) in the bottom section thereof being suitable for the distribution of liquid vertically downwardly, and wherein the central downcomer (34) is non-rotatably fixed at the fluid contact tray (10), and at least one conducting means (40) for transferring fluid collected in the annular channel (26) from the annular channel (26) to the central downcomer (34). This fluid contact tray (10) is in particular useable for offshore applications, such as for a
fractionation column located on a FLNG or FPSO vessel.