Apparatus for use in production of nitric acid

摘要

A heat exchange apparatus (13) is disclosed for use in the production of nitric acid and which provides for feed-effluent heat exchange and integrated nitrogen dioxide absorption. The apparatus comprises a core structure including first and second groups of diffusion bonded corrosion resistant metal plates (17 and 20) having fluid flow channel systems (16, 18 and 19,21) formed therein. A feed-effluent heat exchange system is provided by first channel systems (16 and 18) of the first and second groups of plates being juxtaposed in heat exchange relationship and an absorption system is provided by second channel systems (19 and 21 of the first and second groups of plates being juxtaposed in heat exchange relationship.