The aim of this work is a fluid dynamics study of the structured packing Sulzer BX gauze. A new model is proposed which, on the basis of a knowledge of the dynamic component of the liquid holdup, permits calculation of the fraction of the geometric area of the packing that effectively participates in the mass transfer. Both the metal and plastic versions of the packing are studied. Experimental data are supplied on the absorption of pollutants such as HC1 and SO2 by aqueous solutions of NaOH in columns in cocurrent operation. The results obtained by the proposed model are in good agreement with experimental data obtained by the present authors as well as with experimental data published in the literature.