A new type of structured packing made of corrugated metal gauze was tested in a liquid - liquid countercurrent contactor at the extraction of some mercaptans (Ethanethiol, 1-Propanethiol and 1-Butanethiol) from gasoline with NaOH solutions (5%, 10% and 15% wt). The study was made in a laboratory installation, comparatively with the contactor without packing, acting as a dispersion column. The new packing has a great void fraction but a small specific area. However, it has sensibly better efficiency in the extraction process, proved by increasing up to 56% the mass transfer coefficients.
