Plate Fin Fluid Processing Device

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.

1 . A device for processing fluids comprising:
 a) a plurality of fin layers;   b) a plurality of plates separating the plurality of fin layers so that a fluid flow passage is defined through each fin layer;   c) a first fluid inlet in communication with a first end portion of the fluid flow passages and adapted to receive a first fluid stream;   d) a first fluid outlet in communication with a second end portion of the fluid flow passages;   e) a second fluid inlet in communication with the second end portion of the fluid flow passages and adapted to receive a second fluid stream;   f) a second fluid outlet in communication with the first end portion of the fluid flow passages; and   g) said plurality of fin layers providing a shearing action on the second fluid stream as it flows through the fluid flow passages to provide mass transfer to the first fluid stream as it flows through the fluid flow passages.   
     
     
         2 - 28 . (canceled) 
     
     
         29 . A fluid processing device comprising:
 a) a first plate;   b) a second plate;   c) a fin layer positioned between the first and second plates so that a fluid flow passage is defined through the fin layer;   d) a first fluid inlet in communication with a first end portion of the fluid flow passage and adapted to receive a first fluid stream;   e) a first fluid outlet in communication with a second end portion of the fluid flow passage;   f) a second fluid inlet in communication with the second end portion of the fluid flow passage and adapted to receive a second fluid stream;   g) a second fluid outlet in communication with the first end portion of the fluid flow passage; and   h) said fin layer providing a shearing action on the second fluid stream as it flows through the fluid flow passage to provide mass transfer to the first fluid stream as it flows through the fluid flow passage.   
     
     
         30 - 55 . (canceled) 
     
     
         56 . A method of performing a fluid process comprising the steps of:
 a) providing a device including a fluid flow passage including a plurality of fins;   b) providing a first fluid inlet stream into a first end portion of the fluid flow passage;   c) providing a second fluid inlet stream into a second end portion of the fluid flow passage;   d) performing a shearing action on the second fluid inlet stream using the plurality of fins so that a mass transfer to the first fluid inlet stream occurs;   e) directing a first fluid outlet stream out of the second end portion of the fluid flow passage; and   f) directing a second fluid outlet stream out of the first inlet portion of the fluid flow passage.   
     
     
         57 . The method of  claim 56  wherein the plurality of fins of the fluid flow passage are arranged in a serrated configuration including alternating rows of offset fins. 
     
     
         58 . The method of  claim 56  wherein the process is extraction and the first fluid inlet stream is a solvent, the second fluid inlet stream is a solution, the first fluid outlet stream is the solvent containing a component extracted from the solution and the second fluid outlet stream is the solution without the extracted component, 
     
     
         59 . The method of  claim 56  wherein the first fluid inlet stream features liquid. 
     
     
         60 . The method of  claim 59  wherein the second fluid inlet stream includes liquid. 
     
     
         61 . The method of  claim 59  wherein the second fluid inlet stream includes gas. 
     
     
         62 . The method of  claim 56  wherein the process includes a reaction. 
     
     
         63 . The method of  claim 56  wherein the process includes mixing.