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 under identical experimental conditions. The total tray pressure drop (ΔP), column efficiency (η), volumetric mass transfer coefficient (K_Ga) and pressure drop per theoretical tray (Δp/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.