Microchannel reactors with temperature control

Abstract

Microchannel devices and method of use are disclosed wherein a reaction microchamberis in thermal contact with a heat exchange channel. An equilibrium limited exothermic chemical process occurs in the reaction microchamber. Sufficient heat is transferred to the heat exchange channels to substantially lower the temperature in the reaction microchamberdown its length to substantially increase at least one performance parameter of the exothermic chemical process relative to isothermal operation. Optionally, an endothermic reaction occurs in the heat exchange channelwhich is sustained by the exothermic chemical process occurring the exothermic reaction chamber. Both the reaction chamberand the heat exchange channelcan be of micro dimension. Catalystcan be provided in the microchamberin sheet form such that reactants flow by the catalyst sheet. A microchannel reactorcan be formed by integrally bonding an alternating stack of thin recessed sheets wherein the recesses in the sheets define the flow paths.