New types of vibrating-valve trays with textile valves were investigated to determine their optimal construction. Hydrodynamic and mass transfer measurements were carried out in a pilot plant with different vibrating-valve and conventional valve trays ew types of vibrating-valve trays with textile valves were investigated to determine under identical experimental conditions. The total tray pressure drop (Delta(p)), column efficiency (eta), volumetric mass transfer coefficient (K(G)a) and pressure drop per theoretical tray (Delta p/N-th) were measured and compared. The high mass transfer rate, the low investment and operating costs, the corrosion and heat resistance make the vibrating-valve trays attractive for gas absorption and air cleaning in environmental protection.