Abstract: Methods of dehydrogenating hydrocarbons to yield unsaturated compounds are described. Reactor configurations useful for dehydrogenation are also described. Hydrocarbons can dehydrogenationed, for relatively long periods of time-on-stream, in a reaction chamber having a dimension of 2 mm or less to produce H2 and an olefin. Techniques have been developed that reduce coke and allow stable, relatively long-term operation in small reactors.

Abstract: Novel manifolds and methods of flow through manifolds are described. Apparatus and techniques are described in which flow from a relatively large volume header is equally distributed to process channels. Methods of making laminated, microchannel devices are also described.

Abstract: Methods of dehydrogenating hydrocarbons to yield unsaturated compounds are described. Reactor configurations useful for dehydrogenation are also described. Hydrocarbons can dehydrogenationed, for relatively long periods of time-on-stream, in a reaction chamber having a dimension of 2 mm or less to produce H2 and an olefin. Techniques have been developed that reduce coke and allow stable, relatively long-term operation in small reactors.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH). Conducting ODH in microchannels has unexpectedly been found to yield superior performance when compared to the same reactions at the same conditions in larger reactors. ODH methods employing a Mo—V—Mg—O catalyst is also described. Microchannel apparatus for conducting ODH is also disclosed.

Abstract: Integrated Combustion Reactors (ICRS) and methods of making ICRs are described in which combustion chambers (or channels) are in direct thermal contact to reaction chambers for an endothermic reaction. Particular reactor designs are also described. Processes of conducting reactions in integrated combustion reactors are described and results presented. Some of these processes are characterized by unexpected and superior results, and/or results that can not be achieved with any prior art devices.

Abstract: The invention is a process and device for exchanging heat energy between three or more streams in a microchannel heat exchanger which can be integrated with a microchannel reactor to form an integrated microchannel processing unit. The invention enables the combining of a plurality of integrated microchannel devices to provide the benefits of large-scale operation. In particular, the microchannel heat exchanger of the present invention enables flexible heat transfer between multiple streams and total heat transfer rates of about 1 Watt or more per core unit volume expressed as W/cc.

Abstract: Novel methods of making laminated, microchannel devices are described. Examples include: assembly from thin strips rather than sheets; and hot isostatic pressing (HIPing) to form devices with a hermetically sealed wall. Laminated microchannel articles having novel features are also described. The invention includes processes conducted using any of the articles described.

Abstract: Methods of dehydrogenating hydrocarbons to yield unsaturated compounds are described. Reactor configurations useful for dehydrogenation are also described. Hydrocarbons can dehydrogenationed, for relatively long periods of time-on-stream, in a reaction chamber having a dimension of 2 mm or less to produce H2 and an olefin. Techniques have been developed that reduce coke and allow stable, relatively long-term operation in small reactors.

Abstract: Novel methods of making laminated, microchannel devices are described. Examples include: assembly from thin strips rather than sheets; and hot isostatic pressing (HIPing) to form devices with a hermetically sealed wall. Laminated microchannel articles having novel features are also described. The invention includes processes conducted using any of the articles described.

Abstract: The invention is a process and device for exchanging heat energy between three or more streams in a microchannel heat exchanger which can be integrated with a microchannel reactor to form an integrated microchannel processing unit. The invention enables the combining of a plurality of integrated microchannel devices to provide the benefits of large-scale operation. In particular, the microchannel heat exchanger of the present invention enables flexible heat transfer between multiple streams and total heat transfer rates of about 1 Watt or more per core unit volume expressed as W/cc.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH). Conducting ODH in microchannels has unexpectedly been found to yield superior performance when compared to the same reactions at the same conditions in larger reactors. ODH methods employing a Mo—V—Mg—O catalyst is also described. Microchannel apparatus for conducting ODH is also disclosed.

Abstract: Integrated Combustion Reactors (ICRS) and methods of making ICRs are described in which combustion chambers (or channels) are in direct thermal contact to reaction chambers for an endothermic reaction. Particular reactor designs are also described. Processes of conducting reactions in integrated combustion reactors are described and results presented. Some of these processes are characterized by unexpected and superior results, and/or results that can not be achieved with any prior art devices.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for separating a fluid component from a fluid mixture comprising the fluid component, the process comprising: (A) flowing the fluid mixture into a microchannel separator; the microchannel separator comprising a plurality of process microchannels containing a sorption medium, a header and a footer, the combined internal volume of the header and the footer being up to about 40% of the internal volume of the process microchannels; the fluid mixture being maintained in the microchannel separator until at least part of the fluid component is sorbed by the sorption medium; purging the microchannel separator to displace non-sorbed parts of the fluid mixture from the microchannel separator; and (B) desorbing the fluid component from the sorption medium and flowing a flush fluid through the microchannel separator to displace the desorbed fluid component from the microchannel separator. The process is suitable for purifying oxygen as well as effecting other fluid separations.