Abstract: Parallel flow chemical processing systems, such as parallel flow chemical reaction systems are disclosed. These systems are adapted to simultaneously and independently vary temperature between separate flow channels, preferably by employing separate, individual heating elements in thermal communication with each of four or more parallel flow reactors. The flow reactors are preferably isolated from each other using a thermal isolation system comprising fluid-based heat exchange. In preferred embodiments, the axial heat flux can be fixedly or controllably varied.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for obtaining kinetic information for commercial-form catalysts using minimal catalyst material while approximating large-scale reactor hydrodynamics and heat and mass transfer.

Abstract: A microfluidic fluid distribution manifold includes a common port and a plurality of fluidic channels spirally wound around the common port. Each fluidic channel connects the common port to an independent port and provides essentially the same flow resistance to a fluid flowing therethrough. A fixture for the flow restrictor allows fluid flows to be communicated between the flow restrictor and a larger system such as a parallel reactor system.

Abstract: A library of material samples is provided in a condition suitable for imaging using infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The samples are provided to one or more detection cells, each of the cells including or containing a reflective surface. Preferably, for imaging, an energy source (e.g. a source of infrared radiation) provides energy to the detection cells to interact with the samples. Thereafter, images (e.g., spectra) related to the samples are created based upon the interaction.

Abstract: A chemical processing microsystem useful for identifying and optimizing materials (e.g., catalysts) that enhance chemical processes or for characterizing and/or optimizing chemical processes is disclosed. The chemical processing microsystem comprises a plurality of microreactors 600 and, in a preferred embodiment, a plurality of microseparators 900 integral with the chemical processing microsystem 10. The microreactors 600 are preferably diffusion-mixed microreactors formed in a plurality of laminae that include a modular, interchangeable candidate-material array 100. The material array 100 comprises a plurality of different candidate materials (e.g., catalysts), preferably arranged at separate, individually addressable portions of a substrate (e.g., wafer). The microseparators 900 are similarly formed in a plurality of laminae that include a modular, interchangeable adsorbent array 700.