A new type of catalytic distillation column has been developed for catalytic distillation processes. The catalysts are loaded loosely in the downcomer of the new column, so that they can be replaced easily. A new type of column plate structure has also been proposed to accommodate the new distillation column. Experimental results show that the new column and plate structure have much improved performance, with high plate efficiency, low pressure drops across the plate and very good operation flexibility. The novel catalytic distillation columns could be employed to many catalytic distillation processes.