Battelle Memorial Institute

Victoria S Stenkamp

Ward E TeGrotenhuis

Robert S Wegeng

Scot D Rassat

Greg A Whyatt

Dean W Matson

M Kevin Drost

Vilayanur Venkataraman Viswanathan

David L King

Kriston P Brooks

Phillip A Gauglitz

Advanced wicking structures and methods utilizing these structures are described. The use of advanced wicking structures can promote rapid mass transfer while maintaining high capillary pressure through the use of small pores. Particularly improved results in fluid contacting processes can be achieved by enhanced mixing within a wicking layer within a microchannel.

Mixing in wicking structures and the use of enhanced mixing within wicks in microchannel devices

A microchannel device includes several mass transfer microchannels to receive a fluid media for processing at least one heat transfer microchannel in fluid communication with a heat transfer fluid defined by a thermally conductive wall, and at several thermally conductive fins each connected to the wall and extending therefrom to separate the mass transfer microchannels from one another. In one form, the device may optionally include another heat transfer microchannel and corresponding wall that is positioned opposite the first wall and has the fins and the mass transfer microchannels extending therebetween.

Devices with extended area structures for mass transfer processing of fluids

Methods of separating fluids using capillary forces and/or improved conditions for are disclosed. The improved methods may include control of the ratio of gas and liquid Reynolds numbers relative to the Suratman number. Also disclosed are wick-containing, laminated devices that are capable of separating fluids.

Conditions for fluid separations in microchannels, capillary-driven fluid separations, and laminated devices capable of separating fluids

Wick-Containing apparatus capable of separating fluids and methods of separating fluids using wicks are disclosed.

Methods for fluid separations, and devices capable of separating fluids

The present invention provides compact adsorption systems that are capable of rapid temperature swings and rapid cycling. Novel methods of thermal swing adsorption and thermally-enhanced pressure swing adsorption are also described. In some aspects of the invention, a gas is passed through the adsorbent thus allowing heat exchangers to be very close to all portions of the adsorbent and utilize less space. In another aspect, the adsorption media is selectively heated, thus reducing energy costs. Methods and systems for gas adsorption/desorption having improved energy efficiency with capability of short cycle times are also described. Advantages of the invention include the ability to use (typically) 30-100 times less adsorbent compared to conventional systems.

Apparatus for thermal swing adsorption and thermally-enhanced pressure swing adsorption

A microchannel contactor and methods of contacting substances in microchannel apparatus are described. Some preferred embodiments are combined with microchannel heat exchange.

Methods of contacting substances and microsystem contactors

Laminated, multiphase separators and contactors having wicking structures and gas flow channels are described. Some preferred embodiments are combined with microchannel heat exchange. Integrated systems containing these components are also part of the present invention.

Growing community of inventors

Richland, WA, United States of America

Victoria S Stenkamp