Small objects that are randomly arranged in distillation and absorption columns to provide a high surface area thereby allowing intimate contact between a rising vapour or gas with a descending liquid to allow effective mass transfer to take place. Many types are commonly used such as Berl saddles, Raschid rings, Intalox saddles, and Pall rings amongst others, and are made from a variety of materials such as (p. 394) plastic, metal, and ceramic, which are inert to the substances in which they are in contact. Compare structured packing.