Active microchannel fluid processing unit and method of making

US6490812B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Battelle Memorial Institute · CH

Inventors

• Wendy D. Bennett · Richland, US
• Peter M. Martin · Kennewick, US
• Dean W. Matson · Kennewick, US
• Gary Roberts · West Richland, US
• Donald C. Stewart · Richland, US
• Annalee Y. Tonkovich · Gilbert, US
• Jennifer L. Zilka · Pasco, US
• Stephen C. Schmitt · Dublin, US
• Timothy M. Werner · Traverse City, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 11, 2000
• Grant date: Dec 10, 2002
• Expiry date: Feb 2, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F28F2260/02
• WIPO field: Thermal processes and apparatus
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The present invention is an active microchannel fluid processing unit and method of making, both relying on having (a) at least one inner thin sheet; (b) at least one outer thin sheet; (c) defining at least one first sub-assembly for performing at least one first unit operation by stacking a first of the at least one inner thin sheet in alternating contact with a first of the at least one outer thin sheet into a first stack and placing an end block on the at least one inner thin sheet, the at least one first sub-assembly having at least a first inlet and a first outlet; and (d) defining at least one second sub-assembly for performing at least one second unit operation either as a second flow path within the first stack or by stacking a second of the at least one inner thin sheet in alternating contact with second of the at least one outer thin sheet as a second stack, the at least one second sub-assembly having at least a second inlet and a second outlet.