Abstract: A spiral fixed-bed module used to provide contact and interaction between a fluid stream and solid particles, comprises a fluid distribution element formed by a pair of laterally coextensive envelope-like fluid communication channels being spirally wound into a cylindrical structure with adjacent layers spaced apart forming spiral loops of spaces of uniform width. The element is then disposed in a cylindrical casing, and immobilized therein by packing solid particles into the spaces between the layers of the spiral channels, and the spaces between external surfaces of the element and inner surfaces of the casing. A fluid stream introduced into a first of the channels will be directed to flow through the solid particle layers via the porous side walls of the distribution channels, and exit from the second channel. The module packed with adsorbent particles provides a thin-bed adsorber, and can use very small adsorbent particles for efficient adsorption without giving rise to high pressure drop.