The Cross-Flow-Grid is a modern support plate consisting of criss-crossed guide elements. The criss-crossed elements create a turbulence of the gas flow and thus ensure an even distribution of the gas phase over the column cross-section without causing a significant pressure drop. Owing to the arrangement of the elements, the liquid flows through the plate on the side facing away from the gas current, thus preventing backing-up effects to a large extent, even with large gas loads. In addition the support plate is insensitive against fouling.