Abstract: The present invention relates to a residence time plate comprising a stack of at least two substantially parallel and elongated flow chambers arranged such that the elongated side of each flow chamber lies next to the elongated side of a neighboring flow chamber and is separated by said neighboring chamber by a separation wall. Each separation wall has at least one through hole forming a communication between two neighboring flow chambers, and the through holes are arranged in the separation walls on alternating sides of an imaginary central line drawn through the stack of flow chambers such that the flow direction in a flow chamber is along the extension of the flow chamber and opposite the flow direction of a neighboring chamber. Moreover, the residence time plate comprises at least one liquid inlet and at least one liquid outlet arranged such that liquid flowing from said inlet to said outlet passes through the stack of flow chambers.

Abstract: A micro-reactor system assembly comprises a stack of at least n process modules (1-6), wherein n is an integer equal to or greater than 1, made from a rigid first material and comprising at least one reactive fluid passage (1A, 1B, 2A, 3A, 6A) for accommodating and guiding a reactive fluid, and at least n+1 heat exchange modules (7, 8) made from a ductile second material other than said first material and comprising at least one heat exchange fluid passage (7A, 8A) for accommodating and guiding a heat exchange fluid, wherein each process module (1-6) is sandwiched between two adjacent heat exchange modules (7, 8).

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a device for feeding and/or discharging fluids in microreactor arrays through one or several fluid ducts that extend into each individual microreactor and can be individually controlled and regulated, in order to control, regulate, influence, and/or verify processes. The fed or discharged amounts of fluid are introduced into or discharged from the volume of the reaction liquid during a continuous shaking process and are evenly mixed as a result of the shaking process. The continuous shaking process causes sufficient mass transfer and thorough mixing of the reaction partners or fluids while the reaction is not limited or restricted by the mass transfer conditions.

Abstract: An integrated microchannel reactor and heat exchanger comprising: (a) a waveform sandwiched between opposing shim sheets and mounted to the shim sheets to form a series of microchannels, where each microchannel includes a pair of substantially straight side walls, and a top wall formed by at least one of the opposing shim sheets, and (b) a first set of microchannels in thermal communication with the waveform, where the waveform has an aspect ratio greater than two.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for reforming a hydrocarbon using a micro-channel heater, which can utilize the combustion heat of a fuel as an energy source needed for reforming a hydrocarbon. A plurality of thin metal plates having micro-channels may be laminated in a multilayered structure so as to manufacture a small to medium compact hydrogen-producing apparatus. In particular, a reforming unit may be designed to have a multilayered structure so as to improve the capacity of a reformer up to a level desired by a user.

Abstract: A reactor formed within a honeycomb monolith is disclosed, the monolith having a plurality of parallel cells and comprising one or more process fluid paths lying within closed cells of the monolith and extending laterally from cell to cell, the monolith having porous walls that are coated with a non-porous coating in at least a first zone along the one or more process fluid paths and that remain porous in at least a second zone along the one or more process fluid paths, the porous walls in the second zone adapted to allow permeate in a respective process fluid path to pass through the porous walls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a micro-channel reactor for producing synthetic natural gas, and more particularly, to a micro-channel reactor for producing synthetic natural gas containing methane gas from synthetic gas, including a porous nickel plate catalyst part.

Abstract: A mixing unit and various applications of the mixing unit are described herein. The mixing unit includes: a stacked member in which three or more mixing elements are stacked; and a first plate and a second plate between which the stacked member is sandwiched and which are arranged opposite each other. In the mixing unit, the mixing elements have a plurality of first through holes, the second plate has an opening portion communicating with at least one of the first through holes in the mixing elements and the mixing elements are arranged such that part or all of the first through holes in one of the mixing elements communicate with other first through holes in the adjacent mixing element to allow fluid to be passed in a direction in which the mixing elements extend.

Abstract: A reactor includes respective first and second introduction passages for introducing first and second reactants, a merging passage in which the first reactant merges with the second reactant, and a reaction passage in which the two merged reactants react with each other. First and second introduction grooves respectively constituting part of the first and second introduction passages are formed in a first surface of the base of the flow path structure of the reactor, while a reaction groove constituting part of the reaction passage is formed in a second surface of the base. A merging hole constituting part of the merging passage runs from the first surface of the base to the second surface thereof. The downstream end of the first introduction groove and the downstream end of the second introduction groove merge at the merging hole from different directions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generation of hydrogen. The apparatus includes a hydrogen reactor chamber (99) and a plurality of catalysts within the chamber (99) forming distinct zones or portions (200, 202, and 204), each zone or portion comprising a distinct catalyst or combination thereof. The plurality of catalysts include at least one of a high-activity steam reformation catalyst, coke resistant steam reformation catalyst and steam reformation catalyst that promotes a water gas shift reaction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a component comprising a plurality of plates stacked on each other, at least one of said plates being made of a ceramic material and in which a channel area is formed of fluid flow guide channels by means of webs, said channels having a flow connection to inlet and outlet openings, wherein the stack of plates is connected by force fit by means of a clamping device, and wherein a flat seal is disposed between each of the individual plates of the stack, wherein the flat seal is made of an elastic and/or compressible material and covers both the channel area and the areas encompassing the inlet and outlet openings, and at least partially covers the top sides of the webs forming the channels. The components according to the invention are pressure-tight, resistant to thermal shock, and can be dismantled.

Abstract: A micro-reactor system assembly comprises a stack of at least n process modules (1-6), wherein n is an integer equal to or greater than 1, made from a rigid first material and comprising at least one reactive fluid passage (1A, 1B, 2A, 3A, 6A) for accommodating and guiding a reactive fluid, and at least n+1 heat exchange modules (7, 8) made from a ductile second material other than said first material and comprising at least one heat exchange fluid passage (7A, 8A) for accommodating and guiding a heat exchange fluid, wherein each process module (1-6) is sandwiched between two adjacent heat exchange modules (7, 8).

Abstract: A micro reforming reactor includes a first substrate with a micro channel having a width of less than 1,000 ?m bonded to a second substrate to form a micro tunnel. An adhesive layer is formed on the internal walls of the micro tunnel using a flow coating method. A catalyst may then be optionally formed on the adhesive coated internal walls of the micro tunnel, also using a flow coating method.

Abstract: This present invention provides devices for the parallelization of the formation of droplets in a multiple droplet generator integrating two or more parallel flow-focusing devices (FFDs) with either identical, or different, geometries. In the parallel identical FFDs, emulsification generates droplets with a narrow (below 4%) polydispersity despite weak coupling between the identical flow-focusing devices. Formation of droplets in the integrated droplet generator comprising FFDs with different dimensions of the microchannels occurs with strong coupling between the FFDs and produces droplets with varying sizes and size distributions. For such devices the regime in which emulsification produces droplets with varying dimensions and a narrow size distribution have been identified. The results of this work can be used in scaling up the production of droplets and in the simultaneous production of droplets and particles with different dimensions.

Abstract: A reactor module for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis having a generally rectangular reactor block with a stack of plates defining flow channels for coolant and flow channels for the synthesis reaction arranged alternately in the block. The synthesis flow channels extend in a generally vertical direction between upper and lower faces of the reactor block and are defined by plates in combination with either bars or sheets such that each channel is of width no more than 200 mm. The coolant flow channels are oriented in the same direction, and communicate through distributor chambers with inlet and outlet ports at side faces of the reactor block. A plant may contain a multiplicity of such reactor modules operating in parallel, the modules being interchangeable and replaceable. The temperature control is enhanced by allowing the coolant flow to be parallel to the synthesis gas flow.

Abstract: A compact catalytic reactor defines a multiplicity of first and second flow channels arranged alternately, for an endothermic reaction and for an exothermic reaction respectively, and each containing a removable fluid-permeable catalytic insert to catalyze the reaction. The flow channels have a straight portion extending from one end face of the reactor and a linking portion that communicates between the end of the straight portion and at least one side face of the reactor, wherein the straight portion and the linking portion are defined at least in part by fin structures. The fm structures of the linking portion may be perforated, so that there are perforations aligned with each straight portion, but at the end of the reactor each line of perforations is obstructed. Removal of the obstructions enables the catalytic inserts to be pushed out of the flow channels when they are spent.

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: Upper space on the front surface side of a reaction plate, provided with at least a reaction container causing reaction in a sample and a reagent container containing a reagent used for reaction with the sample, is covered with an airtight cover. A dispensation tip (20) for transporting liquid on the reaction plate is arranged in such a way that the distal end side is located on the inside of the covered space and the proximal portion is located on the outside.

Abstract: A micro-reactor system assembly comprises a stack of at least n process modules (1-6), wherein n is an integer equal to or greater than 1, made from a rigid first material and comprising at least one reactive fluid passage (1A, 1B, 2A, 3A, 6A) for accommodating and guiding a reactive fluid, and at least n+1 heat exchange modules (7, 8) made from a ductile second material other than said first material and comprising at least one heat exchange fluid passage (7A, 8A) for accommodating and guiding a heat exchange fluid, wherein each process module (1-6) is sandwiched between two adjacent heat exchange modules (7, 8).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the production of hydrogen using a reformer including a housing, a first plate having a first plurality of fin structures and a second plate having a second plurality of fin structures assembled such that the first plurality of fin structures is interleaved with the second plurality of fin structures. At least one inlet port is formed in at least one of the first plate and the second plate, and at least one outlet port is formed in at least one of the first plate and the second plate. The fin structures may be coated with a catalytic material to enhance or stimulate reactions taking place within the apparatus. A heat exchange device may also be integrated into one or both plates of the reformer.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, apparatus and systems in which there is partial boiling of a liquid in a mini-channel or microchannel. The partial boiling removes heat from an exothermic process.

Abstract: A micro-reactor system assembly comprises a stack of at least n process modules (1-6), wherein n is an integer equal to or greater than 1, made from a rigid first material and comprising at least one reactive fluid passage (1A, 1B, 2A, 3A, 6A) for accommodating and guiding a reactive fluid, and at least n+1 heat exchange modules (7, 8) made from a ductile second material other than said first material and comprising at least one heat exchange fluid passage (7A, 8A) for accommodating and guiding a heat exchange fluid, wherein each process module (1-6) is sandwiched between two adjacent heat exchange modules (7, 8).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of conducting chemical reactions in a reaction channel that has an varying cross-sectional area such that a chemical reactant or reactants experience varying local contact time as the reactant(s) flow through the channel. The invention also provides reactors having reaction channels with varying cross-sectional areas. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the reaction channel section has a trapezoidal shape that becomes broader from the inlet toward the outlet.

Abstract: Fluidic connectors, methods, and devices for performing analyses (e.g., immunoassays) in microfluidic systems are provided. In some embodiments, a fluidic connector having a fluid path is used to connect two independent channels formed in a substrate so as to allow fluid communication between the two independent channels. One or both of the independent channels may be pre-filled with reagents (e.g., antibody solutions, washing buffers and amplification reagents), which can be used to perform the analysis. These reagents may be stored in the channels of the substrate for long periods amounts of time (e.g., 1 year) prior to use. Prior to connection of the fluid connector and the substrate, the fluid path may be filled with a sample (e.g., blood). The sample may be obtained, for example, by pricking a finger of a user until blood is drawn from the finger into the fluid path (e.g., by capillary forces).

Abstract: The invention describes combustors and steam reformers and methods of combustion and steam reforming. For example, integrated combustion reactors are described in which heat from combustion is transferred to an endothermic reaction. Thermally efficient reactors and methods of alcohol steam reforming are also described. Also described is an integrated combustor/reformer containing a methanation catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plate (10a) intended to be integrated in a stack of plates in a heat exchanger system, the plate comprising a plurality of channels (38) distributed in rows (40), each row comprising side walls (42) arranged opposite one another and spaced apart from one another in a first direction (44), so that two directly consecutive side walls delimit one of the channels (38), the rows being arranged opposite one another and spaced apart from one another in a second direction (46) which is perpendicular to the first. Furthermore, in the fluid circulation zone (20) of the plate incorporating the channels (38), only the latter are coated with a catalyst allowing a chemical reaction.

Abstract: There are provided a fuel reformer housing container and a fuel reforming apparatus, which are capable of maintaining a level of vacuum inside the fuel reformer housing container favorably and which have less power generation loss. A fuel reformer housing container includes a base having a concave portion for housing a fuel reformer in which reformed gas containing hydrogen gas is generated from fuel, a discharge pipe for communicating inside of the concave portion with outside thereof to discharge the reformed gas from the fuel reformer, a supply pipe for communicating inside of the concave portion with outside thereof to supply the fuel to the fuel reformer, and a gas adsorbent housed in the concave portion, for adsorbing gas in the concave portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multipurpose flow module comprising flow plates and/or heat exchanger plates stacked together, which flow plate having a flow channel and one or more connection ports. To each flow plate or heat exchanger plate one or more barrier plates may be attached. The present invention further relates to a method for extraction, for reaction, for mixing, or combinations thereof in the multipurpose flow module, and to uses of the multipurpose flow module.

Abstract: A microstructure for chemical processing and manufacture is disclosed. The microstructure includes a plurality of microchannel walls constructed of glass, ceramic, glass-ceramic or combinations of these materials, which define at least one microchannel for accommodating chemicals to be processed. At least one coating layer including a catalyst support and a catalyst is adhered to the plurality of microchannel walls. A method of manufacturing a microstructure for chemical processing and manufacture is also disclosed.

Abstract: The thermal reformer system (1) is provided that compromises a planar assembly including a reformer zone (5), a combustion zone (6), and various inlet and outlet manifolds with associated fluid flow passages (11, 20). The reformer system further compromises an inlet combustion fluid flow passage (31) connecting an inlet combustion fluid manifold (30) and the combustion zone (6), and an outlet combustion fluid flow passage (41) connecting the combustion zone (6) and the outlet combustion fluid manifold (40). In the thermal reformer system the heat transfer and recuperation from outlet fluid flows is efficiently transferred to inlet fluid flows, in order to minimize heat loss and insulation requirements.

Abstract: A channel forming body of a reactor has a base plate, a first sealing member bonded to one surface of the base plate and a second sealing member bonded to the other surface of the base plate. A plurality of first inlet grooves forming first inlet paths and a plurality of reaction grooves forming reaction grooves are formed in parallel and side by side in one surface of the base plate. A plurality of second inlet grooves forming second inlet paths are formed in parallel and side by side in the other surface of the base plate. A plurality of junction holes forming junction channels penetrate the base plate from the one surface to the other surface between corresponding ones of the respective first and second inlet grooves and the reaction grooves corresponding to the inlet grooves to connect downstream ends of the inlet grooves and upstream ends of the reaction grooves.

Abstract: The present invention is a structured monolith reactor and method that provides for controlled Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis. The invention controls mass transport limitations leading to higher CO conversion and lower methane selectivity. Over 95 wt % of the total product liquid hydrocarbons obtained from the monolithic catalyst are in the carbon range of C5-C18. The reactor controls readsorption of olefins leading to desired products with a preselected chain length distribution and enhanced overall reaction rate. And, liquid product analysis shows readsorption of olefins is reduced, achieving a narrower FT product distribution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat-exchanger reactor comprising a vessel, at least one dividing member selected from plates, walls, or spiral sheets, which dividing member separates heat exchanging fluids into at least one heat exchanging zone from fluids into at least one mixing zone, and at least one flow-directing device having one or more ports or one or more injection ports, which flow-directing device is inserted into the mixing zone. The present invention relates also to uses of the heat-exchanger reactor.

Abstract: Means for overcoming the problems which the conventional glass microchannel chips have are disclosed. That is, a microchannel chip in which microchannels can be formed at a low cost, and which has a high chemical resistance is disclosed. The microchannel chip is constituted by a substrate made of carbon, which has a channel in its surface; and a cover composed of a glass plate bonded to the substrate. The cover is bonded to the substrate by heating at least a part of the contact surface at which the substrate is in contact with the cover.

Abstract: The present invention discloses to a channel reactor system having a first channel plate assembly in which an exothermic reaction is performed and a second channel plate assembly provided for heat-exchanging and constituted integrally with the first channel plate assembly so as to remove effectively heat, the channel reactor system comprising at least two channel units into which reaction gas and cooling fluid are separately introduced, each channel unit comprising a reaction channel plate assembly into which reaction gas is introduced and a heat-exchanging channel plate assembly into which cooling fluid is introduced; and at least one intermediate plate disposed between the upper and lower channel units, the intermediate plate supplying reaction gas and cooling fluid inflowed from the upper channel unit with new reactant and cooling fluid and supplying reaction gas and cooling fluid to the reaction channel plate assembly and the heat-exchanging channel plate assembly of the lower channel unit, respectively.

Abstract: A device for processing fluids includes a number of fin layers with a number of plates separating the fin layers so that a fluid flow passage is defined through each fin layer. A first fluid inlet is in communication with a first end portion of the fluid flow passage, a first fluid outlet is in communication with a second end portion of the fluid flow passage, a second fluid inlet is in communication with the second end portion of the fluid flow passage and a second fluid outlet in communication with the first end portion of the fluid flow passage. The fluid flowing through the second inlet is subjected to a shearing action by the fin layers so that mass transfer to the fluid flowing through the first inlet occurs. The device may be used for both liquid-liquid processes, such as extraction, or gas-liquid processes, such as adsorption, absorption or desorption and reactions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses to a chemical reactor with high heat efficiency and small volume, the chemical reaction of the present invention comprises a first unit for performing heat exchange of exothermic reaction products with exothermic reaction raw material fed for exothermic reaction; a second unit including a plate assembly for exothermic reactions and a plate assembly for endothermic reactions; and a third unit for performing heat exchange of endothermic reaction products with endothermic reaction raw material fed for endothermic reactions.

Abstract: A milled plate is presented that is provided for use in a radial flow reactor. The milled plate has narrow slots milled in the plate on the solid particle side and slots of slightly greater width milled on the fluid side of the plate. The plates provide strength to support the pressure from solid particles that currently is not present in wire screen meshes.

Abstract: A reactor module for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis having a generally rectangular reactor block with a stack of plates defining flow channels for coolant and flow channels for the synthesis reaction arranged alternately in the block. The synthesis flow channels extend in a generally vertical direction between upper and lower faces of the reactor block and are defined by plates in combination with either bars or sheets such that each channel is of width no more than 200 mm. The coolant flow channels are oriented in the same direction, and communicate through distributor chambers with inlet and outlet ports at side faces of the reactor block. A plant may contain a multiplicity of such reactor modules operating in parallel, the modules being interchangeable and replaceable. The temperature control is enhanced by allowing the coolant flow to be parallel to the synthesis gas flow.