MANIFOLD DESIGNS, AND FLOW CONTROL IN MULTICHANNEL MICROCHANNEL DEVICES

摘要

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.

主权项

1. Microchannel apparatus, comprising:
a first channel extending in a first direction; a second channel extending in a second direction; and a third channel extending in the second direction; a fourth channel extending in the second direction; and a fifth channel extending in the second direction; wherein the first and second directions are substantially coplanar; wherein the second and third channels are adjacent and parallel; wherein the first channel is not parallel to either the second or third channels; wherein the first channel is connected to the second channel and the third channels via a first gate; wherein the third channel is positioned farther in the first direction than the second channel; wherein the third channel comprises a microchannel; wherein the second channel comprises a microchannel; wherein the second channel has an opening with a first cross-sectional area and the third channel has an opening with a second cross-sectional area; wherein the first gate has a cross-sectional area that is smaller than the sum of first and second cross-sectional areas and the wall cross-sectional area between them; wherein the fourth and fifth channels are adjacent and parallel; wherein the first channel is connected to the fourth channel and the fifth channels via a second gate; wherein the fourth and fifth channels are positioned farther in the first direction than the third channel; wherein the fourth channel comprises a microchannel; wherein the fifth channel comprises a microchannel; wherein the fourth channel has an opening with a third cross-sectional area and the fifth channel has an opening with a fourth cross-sectional area; wherein the second gate has a cross-sectional area that is smaller than the sum of third and fourth cross-sectional areas and the wall cross-sectional area between them; and wherein the cross-sectional area of the first gate differs from that of the cross-sectional area of the second gate.