A fluid handling device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fluid handling device adapted to modify a fluidic starting material. The device comprising at least a first plate, a second plate and a third plate stacked to form a plate package. The plate package comprising a first sealing encircling a first fluid channel and a second sealing encircling a second fluid. Each plate being provided with corrugations. Each fluid channel comprising an inlet volume, an outlet volume and a fluid distribution volume extending between the inlet volume and the outlet volume. The fluid distribution volume comprising at least one substance. The substance being a substance contributing to a chemical modification of the starting material such as separating the starting material into at least two components.

Description

[0001] A FLUID HANDLING DEVICE

[0002] The present invention relates to a fluid handling device, a method of modifying a fluidic starting material and a use, for providing the fluid handling device, of a plate.

[0003] Introduction

[0004] Fluid handling devices play a critical role in various industries, including chemical-, pharma- automotive- and manufacturing industries. In a fluid handling device, the movement, control, and transfer of liquids and gases is facilitated. Efficient fluid handling is essential for the optimal performance of various processes. The fluid handling device can ensure that the fluid is handled in a way that is optimised in relation to the process that is intended to be applied to the fluid.

[0005] A particular variant of fluid handling devices serves the purpose of modifying a fluid chemically and / or physically. This may involve exposing the fluid to a substance adapted to contribute to a chemical modification of the starting material or adapted to separate the starting material into at least two components. By exposing the fluid to the substance in an optimal way, the modification of the fluid will be more efficient. In a chemical modification process the chemical constitution or structure of molecules is at least partly changed. The modification may include chemical reactions, f.ex. separation of specific molecules by capturing them to a coated surface or addition of specific molecules continuously to the fluid. In the modification process catalytic coatings may be used to increase the rate of chemical reactions by catalytic coatings etc.

[0006] Fluid handling devices of different types are previously known, and some of the prior art documents are listed below.

[0007] EP 0 231 558 discloses an apparatus for the separation of individual constituents of flowing fluid mixtures by means of selectively permeable laminar material by pervaporation, gas permeation, reverse osmosis or ultra-filtration, consisting substantially of a stack of substantially rectangular laminar components of matching outer contours which is built up using commercially available blanks of plate heat exchangers, which components are pressed together between end plates by means of tie rods so as to be sealed at the edges and which have internal flat flow spaces and inlet and outlet channels located in the four corner regions. The stack has a plurality of double modules, each double module having a commercially available blank, a commercially available sealing means, a sieve plate, a membrane, a flat gasket, a planar solid distributor blank, a second flat gasket, another membrane, another sieve plate and a third flat gasket arranged one behind the other.

[0008] FR 2 645 965 discloses a device which comprises a stack of chromatographic modules, between which are interposed distribution elements intended to ensure, on the one hand, uniform distribution of the liquid to be chromatographed over the entry plate of each module, and, on the other hand, the removal of the chromatographed liquid.

[0009] JP 6310306 discloses a heat exchanger configured by alternately disposed resin parts (lower cover member, frame member, cylindrical members) and metallic parts (partitioning members).

[0010] JP 6324118 discloses a plate heat exchanger having a main body section made of polyphenylene sulphide resin and a case member made of metal.

[0011] JP 2004293895 discloses a plate heat exchanger having a metallic plate and a polymer resin frame member surrounding the metallic plate.

[0012] JP2008051390 discloses a heat exchanger consisting of synthetic resin plates and heat transfer plates made of metal.

[0013] US 4936954 discloses an apparatus for separating liquid mixtures by pervaporation. The apparatus is formed by a unitary stack of upright rectangular plates, diaphragms, and seals held together by tie rods. Each of the plates is formed with two upper and two lower corners formed with respective holes and each plate is formed inward of the respective holes with a corrugated central portion and the holes of the plates are aligned horizontally. Each diaphragm is sandwiched between two plates to form a cell having a pair of compartments separated by the respective diaphragm.

[0014] US 20090321338 discloses a chromatographic apparatus comprising a housing, a fluid inlet to the housing, a fluid outlet from the housing, an optional vent and a chromatographic packed bed in the housing. The chromatographic apparatus which is formed from one or a plurality of identical modules which can be joined together to effect fluid flow into the modules, fluid flow through the chromatographic packed bed of particles within the modules and fluid flow out from the modules. Each fluid inlet and fluid outlet surrounded by a gasket which extends above a flat outside surface of each module.

[0015] US 20020168308 discloses a modular, stackable, flow-through plate or channel reactor unit for continuous, low temperature, catalytic reactions of two separate process reaction streams. Typically, the first is an exothermic combustion process and the second, an endothermic reforming process. Each reactor unit comprises two separate sets of flow channels or slot-type reaction zones formed in flow plates located between spaced, thin metal, highly heat-conductive metal foil or platelet separator walls. Adjacent reactors in a stack including a common, medially located, biocatalytic separator plate, i.e. , a separator plate having on opposed surfaces the same or different catalysts selected for the particular reaction taking place in the adjacent reactor zone. Each flow plate has a relieved medial area defining the reaction zone, the side walls of which are the catalyst coated separator platelets. A separator platelet thus separates two adjacent reaction zones, one on each side and functions to transfer heat from the combustion occurring at the catalyst surface in the combustion zone directly to the reforming catalyst coated on the opposed surface. The reaction zones may include structures such as grooved plates or packed spheres to direct the feedstock gases to the catalyst coated on the platelet surfaces.

[0016] US 2004237303A1 discloses a catalytic reactor consists of a plurality of thin tray-like metal sheets each with a peripheral rim and arranged as a stack to define first gas flow channels between adjacent sheets, alternating with second gas flow channels between adjacent sheets, so as to ensure good thermal contact between gases in the first and the second gas flow channels. Each sheet and also defines at least four apertures for flow of gases, and tubes and seal apertures in one sheet to corresponding apertures in the adjacent sheet. The gas flows through the channels may be guided by corrugations and are preferably in counter-current in adjacent channels. Appropriate catalysts are coated onto the sheets and in the two gas flow channels. The reactor may be used in compact plant for steam / methane reforming.

[0017] FR 2823995 discloses a device for exchange and / or reaction between at least two fluids comprising at least a first spacer of selected thickness and including side walls defining a first chamber provided with a central part at least partly recessed for a first fluid flow, and at least a second chamber for a second fluid flow. The first and second chambers being separated by a first exchanging wall adapted to ensure exchange and / or reaction between fluids, of thermal and / or mass transfer type.

[0018] FR 2793875 discloses a plate heat exchanger having an elongate bundle of plates within a closed elongate drum with free space around the bundle. The tube bundle has pairs of parallel plates within an enclosure that is open at one end so a first fluid can circulate around the plates and a second fluid can circulate between each pair of plates. Both fluids enter and leave from opposite ends of the bundle. The enclosure may have a quadrilateral cross section that corresponding to that of the bundle. The plates are thin and ribbed. The plates of each pair are joined in a fluid tight manner along their periphery. The first fluid enters at one end of the drum and leaves from the closed end of the bundle that is adjacent the opposite end of the drum.

[0019] US 2008202735 discloses a heat exchanger with flow channels, which can be flowed through from a common first inlet to a common first outlet by a first fluid. The heat exchanger comprising a housing, which accommodates the flow channels, and which can be flowed through by a second fluid from a second inlet area to a second outlet area. The flow channels have a flat cross-section as well as longitudinal sides and are flow-connected to one another. The longitudinal sides of the flow channels are integrally connected to the housing, particularly by soldering.

[0020] CA 2522339 discloses a microreactor composed of plates or stacks for carrying out heterogenically catalysed reactions for commercial use. Said reactor being provided with chambers between the plates for the chemical reaction and the dissipation of heat. Catalytic material is applied to the internal walls or lies in recesses of the reaction chambers and spacer elements are provided in all chambers. The invention is characterised in that the slot-type reaction chambers of the microreactor comprise channels with a hydraulic diameter of less than 1500 micrometers and a ratio of free slot width to free slot height ranging between 10 and 450.

[0021] US 7087147 discloses the application of an electric current to catalysts useful for the vapor phase oxidation of hydrocarbons allows for processes for obtaining enhanced catalytic processing of a given feed material with a given catalyst, processes allowing the ready change-over from one product of a given feed stream to another product of that feed stream without the need to change catalyst, and processes allowing the ready change over from one feed stream to another feed stream with the concomitant change over from one product to another product without the need to change catalyst.

[0022] EP 3722724 discloses a fluid-tight joint for a heat exchanger comprising a first plate through which a slot is formed, a second plate having an end inserted in a fluid-tight manner into the slot and brazed to the first plate, and a third plate comprising a folded flap. The third plate is overlapping with, and is brazed to the second plate, and the flap is overlapping with, and is brazed to the first plate. An area of the third plate at a corner between the folded flap and the third plate, hereinafter third plate corner, is deformed to form a recess into the thickness of the third plate. An outer side of the third plate corner is deformed to match a corner between the second plate and the first plate.

[0023] Despite known solutions in the field, there is still room for improvements.

[0024] Summary of the invention

[0025] Typically, it is desired that the contact surface area between the fluid and the substance is as large as possible as it will increase the amount of fluid which is exposed to the substance. At the same time, it is desired to make the device as compact as possible. The fluid handling device should be designed to support the optimisation of the modification process of the media flowing through the device. The object of the present invention is therefore to provide technologies which allow the contact surface area between the fluid and the substance to be as large as possible relative to the size of the device.

[0026] The above object is realized according to a first aspect of the present invention by a fluid handling device adapted to modify a fluidic starting material, the device comprising at least a first plate, a second plate and a third plate stacked to form a plate package, the plate package comprising a first sealing encircling a first fluid channel between the opposing first and second plates, and, a second sealing encircling a second fluid channel between the opposing second and third plates, at least the first fluid channel comprising: o an inlet volume defining an inlet porthole in at least one of the opposing plates and an outlet volume defining an outlet porthole in at least one of the opposing plates, and o a fluid distribution volume extending between the inlet volume and the outlet volume, the fluid distribution comprising a substance contributing to a chemical modification of the starting material, such as a catalytic substance, and / or, a substance adapted to separate the starting material into at least two components.

[0027] The fluidic starting material can be any liquid or gaseous media which is flowable. The plates are typically pressed plates, such as heat exchanger plates. The starting material can be one fluid or a mixture of fluids. Fluids is understood to mean liquids, gases or mixtures thereof. The first fluid channel is used for contributing to a chemical modification of the starting material. The second fluid channel is either used for contributing to a chemical modification of the starting material or used for heat exchange with the starting material in the first fluid channel using a heating fluid or cooling fluid.

[0028] It is understood that the device may be formed by more than three plates and that fluid channels then are formed between opposing plates in the plate package. The fluid flows between the inlet volume and the outlet volume of each fluid channel. The inlet porthole is used for introducing the fluid into the fluid channel while the outlet porthole is used for removing the fluid from the fluid channel. The fluid distribution volume is located between the inlet volume and the outlet volume such that the fluid must flow through the fluid distribution volume when flowing between the inlet porthole and the outlet porthole. Typically, each plate in the fluid handling device has an inlet porthole and an outlet porthole, however, it is not necessarily the case.

[0029] The plates should be fluidly sealed together at the sealing of opposing plates such that the fluid cannot enter the fluid channel except though the inlet port in the inlet volume and cannot escape the fluid channel except though the outlet port in the outlet volume. The substance being in contact with the opposing plates in the fluid distribution volume is preferably in contact with at least 50% of the plate surface in the fluid distribution volume, preferably 70%, more preferably 90%. The substance may be contributing to a chemical modification of the starting material can be a chemical having a certain defined chemical composition which can be used in a reaction involving changes in atoms or molecules. It can be e.g. a catalytic substance, which speeds up a chemical reaction, or lowers the temperature or pressure of a chemical reaction but is not consumed during the reaction. Alternatively, or additionally, the coated substance can be adapted to separate the starting material into at least two components. It can be e.g. a polyelectrolyte substance, which are polymers whose repeating units bear an electrolyte group. The device provides a large surface area for the fluidic starting material to come into contact with the coated substance.

[0030] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, each plate is provided with corrugations, the corrugations in opposing plates in at least the first fluid channel are parallel and falling into each other in the fluid distribution volume and define a distance between each other.

[0031] The plates are provided with corrugations for increasing the surface area of the plate, and / or, increasing turbulence of the fluid flowing through the device, and / or, providing contact with an opposing plate at the sealing. The corrugations can be formed in the fluid distribution volume. The corrugations can extend in the longitudinal direction, i.e. concurrent with the direction of flow of the fluid. Alternatively, the corrugations can extend in the transversal direction, i.e. transversal to the direction of flow of the fluid. Yet alternatively, the corrugations can form a chevron pattern. Further, the corrugations can form part of the sealing between the plates. Yet further, the corrugations can form a constriction at the outlet volume and / or inlet volume. During production this allows the substance to be introduced through the inlet port hole of a plate package without falling out through the outlet port hole.

[0032] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the corrugations in opposing plates in the second fluid channel are non-parallel and form a cross corrugated shape.

[0033] In this way a heating fluid or a cooling fluid may flow in the second fluid channel for heat exchange with the starting material in the first fluid channel.

[0034] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the corrugations in opposing plates in the second fluid channel are contacting each other.

[0035] In this way the plate package may be more rigid. According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the flow area is larger in the second fluid channel than in the first fluid channel.

[0036] The second fluid channel can have a large flow area to increase the heating or cooling of the starting material. The first fluid channel can have a small flow area to increase the contact of the starting material with the substance.

[0037] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the distance between opposite plates in at least the first fluid channel is constant in the fluid distribution volume.

[0038] Holding the distance between opposite plates in at least the first fluid channel constant in the fluid distribution volume allows a substantially constant flow area and substantially constant thickness of the substance.

[0039] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the substance the substance is coated on the opposing plates in the in the fluid distribution volume, and / or, comprised as or coated on a porous structure in contact with the opposing plates in the in the fluid distribution volume, the porous structure preferably comprising or consisting of foam, pellets, woven material, non-woven material and / or particels.

[0040] The fluid distribution volume of the plate being coated with a substance should be understood as the substance contacting or being connected to essentially the complete surface of the plate in the fluid distribution volume. It is further understood that the plates are typically coated on both sides of the plate such that opposing plate surfaces in the fluid channel have a coating, however plates provided at the end of the plate package can be coated on only one side. There should not exist any substantial gaps between the surface of the plate and the coated substance. In this way the fluid is directed to flow in the fluid channel between the coatings.

[0041] Alternatively, on in addition to the above, the substance can be consisting as or coated on a porous structure in contact with the opposing plates The porous structure can consist of or comprise a metal or ceramic. The porous structure may enhance turbulence and provide a similar effect as a corrugation in the plate. The fluid distribution volume can be flat when using a porous structure. Foam, pellets, woven material, non-woven material or particels can be used to provide a porous structure.

[0042] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the plate comprises or consists of metal, carbon fiber, ceramics, polymer or combinations thereof. Typically, the plates are pressed metal plates as used in plate heat exchangers. This will allow a large surface area in relation to the material used for the plates. The thickness of the plate can be below 1mm. As no heat exchange is required between the fluid channels, it is also possible to use other materials such as mentioned above. Such plates can e.g. be molded instead of being pressed.

[0043] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the distance between opposing plates in at least the first fluid channel being 0,05-3 mm or more preferably 0,1 -1mm.

[0044] By allowing the corrugations to fall into each other, the surface area of the plate can be increased and / or the turbulence of the fluid flowing through the device can be increased. The distance between the opposing plates in the plate interspace can also be held constant. A small distance between the plates increases the contact of the fluid with the surface of the plate and thus with the substance on the plate surface.

[0045] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, wherein the first sealing and / or the second sealing comprises a gasket positioned between the opposing plates, the gasket preferably comprises or consists of rubber, polymer, graphite, klingersil, ceramic, plyllosilicate, phlogopite mica paper, fiber , metal, such as copper or gold, and / or and combinations thereof, the gasket preferably being positioned in a corrugation, the plates in the fluid distribution volume optionally being flat.

[0046] The corrugations on the plate can be provided in the sealing area for accommodating a gasket. In this way the plates can be made separable for easier cleaning and maintenance. The gaskets of the fluid handling device are configured for use at temperatures above or below 200°C. The plates in the fluid distribution volume are typically corrugated but can optionally being flat.

[0047] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the gasket is made of electrically insulating material and at least two of the plates comprise means for applying a voltage to the plate, preferably, one of the two plates being configured as anode and the other of the two plates being configured as cathode, or vice versa, for establishing an electric field between the two plates, alternatively, all plates being either anode or cathode..

[0048] Electrically insulating materials can preferably comprise or consist of rubber, polymer or similar nonconductive polymeric materials. It will allow an electrical filed between the plates, which will allow electrolytic reactions to occur with suitable electrolytic coatings. Alternatively, all plates being either anode or cathode for charged particles to stick to the plates. According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the sealing is formed as a permanent sealing, such as brazing, welding, adhesive bonding, and / or fusion bonding the two opposing plates together, preferably at the corrugations, the plates in the fluid distribution volume optionally being flat.

[0049] The plates can also be permanently fixated to each other by any of the above-mentioned methods to achieve a sturdier device capable of withstanding higher temperature. Preferably the plates are permanently sealed at corrugations of opposite plates facing each other for creating fluid channels. The substance can be applied before or after fixating the plates to each other. The plates in the fluid distribution volume are typically corrugated but can optionally being flat.

[0050] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the plates contact each other at contact points in the fluid distribution volume.

[0051] As the plates are contacting each other at the contact points, the distance between the plates in the distribution volume but outside the contact points can be ensured. Typically, a specific and constant distance between the plates in the distribution volume but outside the contact points is desired. This allows the flow area to be constant through the device. Typically, the contact points of opposing plates are not permanently fixated to each other as it is not needed for just maintaining the flow area, however, optionally the contact points opposing plates are permanently fixated to each other, e.g. by brazing, welding, adhesive bonding, and / or fusion bonding to allow the device to be sturdier to allow higher pressure to be applied.

[0052] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the inlet portholes and the outlet portholes are fluidly connected to both the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel within the plate package for allowing the fluidic starting material flowing on both sides of at least one of the plates.

[0053] The first fluid interspace and the second fluid interspace can be interconnected inside the plate package by appropriate channels and sealings in the fluid channels. The plate package needs to have only one inlet port and one outlet port accessible from the outside.

[0054] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the inlet porthole and the outlet porthole of the first plate are fluidly connected to only the first fluid channel within the plate package and the first porthole and the second porthole of the second plate are fluidly connected to only the second fluid channel within the plate package. The first fluid interspace and the second fluid interspace can be separate. In this way heat exchange between the first fluid interspace and the second fluid interspace can be achieved. The plate package thus needs at least to have four ports accessible from the outside.

[0055] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel being connected in series or in parallel.

[0056] Typically, the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel are connected in parallel, allowing the incoming fluid to distribute along the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel. However, it is also possible that the first and the second fluid channels are connected in series. In such case, an internal port of the second plate can be used for interconnecting the first fluid channel and the second interspace such that the fluid first flows through the first fluid channel and subsequently through the second fluid channel.

[0057] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, a thermal insulation or a thermal cooling jacket is provided around the device.

[0058] Some chemical processes, such as catalytic processes, require specific temperatures of the fluid. By using thermal insulation or a thermal cooling jacket any thermal interaction with the surroundings can be reduced or eliminated, thus the temperature within the device can be better controlled. In particular, the temperature of the fluid can be held constant while flowing through the device.

[0059] According to a further embodiment of the first aspect, the substance thickness is about 100 pm.

[0060] 100 pm thickness is typically appropriate for ensuring sufficient covering of the plates in the fluid distribution volume.

[0061] The above object is realized according to a second aspect of the present invention by a method of modifying a fluidic starting material, the method comprising: providing a fluid handling device according to the first aspect of the present invention, introducing the fluidic starting material to the device via the first porthole, modifying the fluidic starting material to a product within the fluid handling device, and recovering the product at the second porthole,

[0062] The above method according to the second aspect is preferably used in combination with any of the fluid handling devices according to the first aspect of the present invention. The above object is realized according to a third aspect of the present invention by a use, for providing a fluid handling device according to the first aspect of the present invention, of a corrugated plate, the plate comprises: o an inlet porthole and an outlet porthole, o a fluid distribution area extending between the inlet porthole and the outlet porthole, the fluid distribution area being in contact with at least one substance, the substance being adapted to contribute to a chemical modification of the starting material, such as a catalytic substance and / or a substance adapted to separate the starting material into at least two components, and o a sealing area surrounding the inlet porthole, the outlet porthole and the fluid distribution area for interconnecting the plate with opposing plates via sealings at opposing sealing areas.

[0063] The plate according to the third aspect of the present invention is preferably used together with any of the fluid handling devices according to the first aspect of the present invention or method according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0064] Brief description of the drawings

[0065] Fig. 1 is a flow-chart of the carbon cycle by hydrogenation of CO2 to CH3OH.

[0066] Fig. 2 is a flow-chart of NH3cracking into H2.

[0067] Fig. 3A is a schematic view of a fluid handling device for separating a fluid into components.

[0068] Fig. 3B is a cross-section view of a fluid handling device for separating a fluid into components.

[0069] Fig. 4A is a front view of a corrugated plate for a fluid handling device.

[0070] Fig. 4B is a side view of a gasketed fluid handling device.

[0071] Fig. 4C is a cut out view of a gasketed fluid handling device.

[0072] Fig. 5A is a front perspective view of a gasketed fluid handling device.

[0073] Fig. 5B is a side perspective view of a gasketed fluid handling device.

[0074] Fig. 5C is a perspective view of a gasketed fluid handling device with end plates.

[0075] Fig. 6A is a front perspective view of a permanently sealed fluid handling device.

[0076] Fig. 6B is a rear perspective view of a permanently sealed fluid handling device.

[0077] Fig. 7A is a further embodiment of a permanently sealed fluid handling device.

[0078] Fig. 7B is a front perspective view of a corrugated plate for a permanently sealed fluid handling device.

[0079] Fig. 8 is a further embodiment of a corrugated plate for a permanently sealed fluid handling device. Fig. 9A is a front perspective view of a permanently sealed fluid handling device.

[0080] Fig. 9B is a rear perspective view of a permanently sealed fluid handling device.

[0081] Fig. 10A is a is a cut out view of permanently sealed fluid handling device. Fig. 10B is a cut out view of a permanently sealed fluid handling device.

[0082] Fig. 11 A is a perspective view of a welded fluid handling device

[0083] Fig. 11 B is a side view of a welded fluid handling device

[0084] Fig. 11C is a perspective view of a welded fluid handling device

[0085] Fig. 11 D is a side view of a welded fluid handling device

[0086] Fig. 12A is a first flow configuration in a fluid handling device

[0087] Fig. 12B is a second flow configuration in a fluid handling device

[0088] Fig. 12C is third flow configuration in a fluid handling device

[0089] Fig. 12D is fourth flow configuration in a fluid handling device

[0090] Fig. 13A is a front perspective view of a yet further embodiment of a fluid handling device

[0091] Fig. 13B is a front perspective view of a yet further embodiment of a fluid handling device

[0092] Fig. 14A is a is a perspective view of a fluid handling device

[0093] Fig. 14B is a set of plates, gaskets and foam or mesh in various configurations

[0094] Fig. 14C is a is a perspective view of a fluid handling device

[0095] Fig. 14D is a set of plates, gaskets and foam or mesh in various configurations

[0096] Fig. 15A is a is a perspective view of a fluid handling device

[0097] Fig. 15B is side view of a set of plates

[0098] Fig. 15C is a combination of a gasket and a piece of foam or mesh

[0099] Fig. 15D is a perspective view of a part of a set of plates

[0100] Detailed of the

[0101] Fig. 1 is a flow-chart of the carbon cycle 10 by hydrogenation of CO2 to CH3OH. CO2 is being produced by industry and transportation 12. CO2being captured in the atmosphere 14. A fluid handling device 16 with catalyst is used for converting CO2 + H2 to CH3OH. CH3OH (methanol) fuel 18 can be used by industry and transportation 12.

[0102] Fig. 2 is a flow-chart of the process 20 of NH3 cracking into H2. Cold NH3 22 being provided and supplied to a heat exchanger 24. The thereby heated NH3 being provided to a fluid handling device 26 with a catalyst. NH3 being cracked into 1 / 2 N2 and 3 / 2 H2. Hot 1 / 2 N2 and 3 / 2 H2 being provided to the heat exchanger 24 transferring heat to the cold NH3.

[0103] Fig. 3A is a schematic view of a fluid handling device 30 for separating a fluidic starting material into components or modifying a fluidic starting material. The fluid handling device 30 comprises a plate package comprising two end plates 32ab and four corrugated plates 34abcd stacked between the two end plates 32ab. The four corrugated plates 34abcd being coated with a substance. The substance being adapted to separate the starting material into at least two components or modifying the starting material. The plate package of the fluid handling device 30 being provided with inlet porthole 36a for introducing fluid into the fluid handling device 30 and an outlet porthole 36b for removing fluid from the fluid handling device 30. The inlet porthole 36a and the outlet porthole 36b each extend though the end plate 32a and all of the corrugated plates 34abc except for the last corrugated plate 34d.

[0104] Fig. 3B is a cross-section view of a fluid handling device for separating a fluid into components or modifying a fluid. The end plate 32a and the corrugated plates 34abcd are sealed together by insulating gaskets 38 made of a material such as rubber or polymer. It is also possible that the last corrugated plate 34d is sealed to the end plate 32a if the corrugated plate 34d would be provided with a porthole. The gaskets 38 enclose fluid channels 40a 40b 40c between the corrugated plates 34abcd. The fluid channels 40a 40b 40c are connected to the inlet porthole 36a and the outlet porthole such that the fluid flowing through the inlet porthole 36a is divided between the fluid channels 40a 40b 40c and flows out via the outlet porthole 36b as shown by the arrows.

[0105] Every other corrugated plate 34ac being alternately connected to the cathode of a DC voltage source 40 and the anode of the DC voltage source 41. An electrical field can selectively be applied over the fluid channel 40a 40b 40c by operating a switch 42 to activate and deactivate the substance.

[0106] Fig. 4A is a front view of a corrugated plate 34 for a fluid handling device. The plate 34 comprises an inlet port 36a and an outlet port 36b. The plate 34 further comprises a sealing 38 and chevron shaped corrugations 44.

[0107] Fig. 4B is a side view of the fluid handling device 30.

[0108] Fig. 4C is a cut out view along A-A of the fluid handling device 30. The plates 34abcdef are separated by gaskets 38 to define fluid channels 40 between themselves.

[0109] Fig. 5A is a front perspective view of a fluid handling device 30. The plates 34abcdef are stacked such that the corrugations 44 fall into each other.

[0110] Fig. 5B is a side perspective view of the fluid handling device 30. The gaskets 38 of the corrugated plates 34abcdef are positioned in gasket groove corrugations surrounding the plate 34a and seal between the opposing plates 34abcdef in the plate package. Fig. 5C is a perspective view of the fluid handling device 30 with end plates 32a 32b. The end plates 32a 32b keep the plate package together by the use of tie bolts 32c. The plate package can be opened and the plates replaced by removing the tie bolts 32c

[0111] Fig. 6A is a front perspective view of a further embodiment of a fluid handling device 301. The plates 34abcdef are permanently sealed together by e.g. brazing and permanently sealed at the flanges 381. It uses triangular shaped port holes 36a136b1for better distribution of the flow. The corrugations 441extend transversal to the flow direction.

[0112] Fig. 6B is a rear perspective view of the further embodiment of the fluid handling device 301. The plates 34abcdef are stacked such that the corrugations 441fall into each other.

[0113] Fig. 7A is a yet further of a fluid handling device 30". The corrugations 44" of the plates 34abcdef" extend transversally to the flow and are provided with contact points 46, each an opposite contact point of an opposite plate. Thereby a specific distance between the plates 34abcdef" can be defined. They can optionally be permanently sealed, e.g. by brazing, to an opposite contact point of an opposite plate. This may allow the fluid handling device 30" to withstand higher pressures

[0114] Fig. 7B is a front perspective view of a corrugated plate for the fluid handling device 30". The corrugations 44" are provided with contact points 46 which keep the plates spaced apart at the corrugations 44" outside the contact points 46.

[0115] Fig. 8 is a yet further embodiment of a corrugated plate 341" for a fluid handling device. The corrugations extend longitudinally to the flow and define an opening at the port hole 36a1" and a constriction at the port hole 36b1". This allows the substance for coating the plates to be introduced after permanently sealing the plates of the plate package and remain in the fluid channel without falling through.

[0116] Fig. 9A is a front perspective view of a yet further embodiment of a fluid handling device 301". The corrugations 441" extend longitudinally to the flow. The plates used are the ones described in connection with Fig. 8.

[0117] Fig. 9B is a rear perspective view of the yet further embodiment of the fluid handling device 301".

[0118] The corrugations 441" of opposing plates fall into each other. The plates permanently sealed at the flanges 381". Fig. 10A is a is a cut out view of the fluid handling device 30IH. The corrugations extend longitudinally to the flow and define an opening at one port hole. This allows the substance for coating the plates to be easily introduced after permanently sealing the plates of the plate package

[0119] Fig. 10B is a cut out view of a plate package for a fluid handling device 30IH. The corrugations extend longitudinally to the flow and define constriction at the other port hole. This allows the substance for coating the plates to remain after being introduced at the other port hole.

[0120] Fig. 11 A is a perspective view of a welded fluid handling device 30lv

[0121] Fig. 11 B is a side view of a welded fluid handling device 30lv

[0122] Fig. 11C is a perspective view of a welded fluid handling device 30lv

[0123] Fig. 11 D is a side view of a welded fluid handling device 30lv. The plate 34abcdlvare welded together at the flanges 38IV.

[0124] Fig. 12A is a first flow configuration in a fluid handling device 30. The fluid material is flowing in at the inlet port 36a, then flows in parallel in all flow channels 40abcdefgh and flows out at the outlet port 36b.

[0125] Fig. 12B is a second flow configuration in a fluid handling device 30. The fluid material is flowing in at the inlet port 36a, then flows in series in at least some, and possibly all, of the flow channels 40abcdefgh and flows out at the outlet port 36b. For example, flowing in at the inlet port 36a, then through flow channel 40a, then through flow channel 40b and flows out at the outlet port 36b. The flow channels 40a and 40b can be interconnected in series at the top. Similar, flow channels 40c and 40d, 40e and 40f, 40g and 40h may be interconnected at the top to realize four parallel flow channels.

[0126] Fig. 12C is third flow configuration in a fluid handling device 30. The fluid material is flowing in at the inlet port 36a, then flows in parallel in the flow channels 40abc, then in parallel in the flow channels 40def, and flows out at the outlet port 36b.

[0127] Fig. 12D is fourth flow configuration in a fluid handling device 30. The fluid material is flowing in at the inlet port 36a, then flows in series in the flow channels 40abc, then in parallel in the flow channels 40def, and flows out at the outlet port 36b. Fig. 13A is a front perspective view of a yet further embodiment of a fluid handling device 30vcomprising a plurality of corrugated plates 34abcdefgv. The corrugations 44vextend in a chevron shape. Every second pair of the plates 34abcdvhave been rotated 180 degrees so that the corrugations 44vof the plates 34abcdvform a cross-corrugated shape in every second plate interspace whereas the corrugations 44vof the plates 34abcdefvfall into each other in every other plate interspace. The plates 34abcdefgvare sealed together at flanges 38v. The plates comprise inlet ports 36acvand outlet ports 36bdv.

[0128] Fig. 13B is a front perspective view of the embodiment of a fluid handling device 30vcomprising a plurality of corrugated plates 34abcdefgv. The plate interspaces in which the corrugations 44vof the plates 34abcdefgvform a cross-corrugated shape can be used for heat exchange using a heating or cooling fluid, whereas the plate interspace whereas the corrugations 44vof the plates 34abcdefgvfall into each other can be filled with a substance being adapted to separate the starting material into at least two components or modifying the starting material.

[0129] Fig. 14A is a perspective view of a fluid handling device 30vlwith end plates 32avl32bvl. The end plates 32avl32bvlkeep the plate package together by the use of tie bolts 32cvl. The plates 34abcdevlare stacked to form a plate package. The plate package can be opened and the plates 34abcdefvlreplaced by removing the tie bolts 32cvl. The gaskets 38VIof the plates 34abcdefvlseal between the opposing plates 34abcdefvlin the plate package. The end plate 32avlis provided with an inlet opening 36avland an outlet opening 36bvl.

[0130] Fig. 14B is a set of plates 34VI, gaskets 38VIand foam or mesh 48VIin various configurations for the fluid handling device 30vl. First from left is a plate 34v". Second from left is a combination of a plate 34VIand a gasket 38VI. Third from left is a piece of foam or mesh 48VIfor use in a plate interspace. Fourth from left is a gasket 38VIfor use in a plate interspace. Fifth from left is a combination of a gasket 38VIand a piece of foam or mesh 48VIfor use in a plate interspace. The foam or mesh can be made of or coated with a catalytic material. The gasket can be made of rubber for low temperature duties and fibre material, graphite or metal for high temperature duties.

[0131] Fig. 14C is a perspective view of a fluid handling device 30v" with end plates 32av" 32bv". The end plates 32av" 32bv" keep the plate package together by the use of tie bolts 32cv". The plates 34abcdefvl1are stacked to form a plate package. The plate package can be opened and the plates replaced by removing the tie bolts 32cVH. The gaskets 38VHof the plates 34abcdefvl1seal between the opposing plates 34abcdefVHin the plate package. The end plate 32aVHis provided with inlet openings 36av" 36dVHand outlet openings 36bVH36cVH. The openings 36av" 36bVHmay communicate with first plate interspaces and the openings 36cVH36dv" communicate with second plate interspace being separated from the first plate interspaces. The first and second plate interspaces are alternate in the plate package.

[0132] Fig. 14D is a set of plates 34VH, gaskets 38VHand foam or mesh 48VHin various configurations for the fluid handling device 30VH. First from left is a plate 34VH. Second from left is a combination of a plate 34VHand a gasket 38v". Third from left is a piece of foam or mesh 48v" for use in a plate interspace. Fourth from left is a gasket 38v" for use in a plate interspace allowing fluid communication through all of the openings. Fifth from left is a combination of a gasket 38v" and a piece of foam or mesh 48VI" for use in a plate interspace. Sixth from left is a gasket 38v" for use in a plate interspace and allowing fluid communication through only two of the openings in the plate and preventing fluid communication through the other two of the openings in the plate.

[0133] Fig. 15A is a perspective view of a fluid handling device 30vl" with end plates 32avl" 32bvl". The end plates 32avl" 32bvl" keep the plate package together by the use of tie bolts 32cvl". The plates 34abcdeVIHare stacked to form a plate package. The plate package can be opened and the plates 34abcdeVIHreplaced by removing the tie bolts 32cVIH. The gaskets 38VIHof the plates 34abcdeVIHseal between the opposing plates 34abcdeVIHin the plate package. The end plate 32aVIHis provided with inlet openings 36aVIH36dVIHand outlet openings 36bVIH36cVIH. The openings 36aVIH36bVIHmay communicate with first plate interspaces and the openings 36cVIH36dVIHcommunicate with second plate interspace being separated from the first plate interspaces. The first and second plate interspaces are alternate in the plate package.

[0134] Fig. 15B is a side view of a set of plates 34abcdefvl11forming a plate package having wide first plate interspaces and narrow second plate interspaces. The first and second plate interspaces are alternate in the plate package. The first plate interspaces are provided with foam or mesh 48VI" whereas the second plate interspace can be used for heat exchange using a heating or cooling fluid. Corrugations fall into each other in the first plate interspaces whereas corrugations abut and form a cross corrugated pattern in the second plate interspaces.

[0135] Fig. 15C is a combination of a gasket 38™ and a piece of foam or mesh 48™ for use in a plate interspace. It is allowing fluid communication through only two of the openings in the plate and preventing fluid communication through the other two of the openings in the plate.

[0136] Fig. 15D is a perspective view of a part of a set of plates 34abcdel™ defining narrow first plate interspaces and a wider second plate interspaces. The second plate interspaces have chevron shaped corrugations 44™ where opposing plates have been rotates by 180 degrees such that opposing corrugations 44™ form a cross-corrugated shape that can be used for heat exchange using a heating or cooling fluid. The set of plates 34abcdel™ define openings 36a™ 36c™ which communicate with the first plate interspaces and the second plate interspaces, respectively. The second plate interspace being separated from the first plate interspaces.

[0137] 5

Claims

Claims1. A fluid handling device adapted to modify a fluidic starting material, the device comprising at least a first plate, a second plate and a third plate stacked to form a plate package, the plate package comprising a first sealing encircling a first fluid channel between the opposing first and second plates, and, a second sealing encircling a second fluid channel between the opposing second and third plates, at least the first fluid channel comprising: o an inlet volume defining an inlet porthole in at least one of the opposing plates and an outlet volume defining an outlet porthole in at least one of the opposing plates, and o a fluid distribution volume extending between the inlet volume and the outlet volume, the fluid distribution volume comprising a substance contributing to a chemical modification of the starting material, such as a catalytic substance and / or a substance adapted to separate the starting material into at least two components.

2. The fluid handling device according to claim 1 , wherein each plate is provided with corrugations, the corrugations in opposing plates in at least the first fluid channel are parallel and falling into each other in the fluid distribution volume and define a distance between each other.

3. The fluid handling device according to claim 2, wherein the corrugations in opposing plates in the second fluid channel are non-parallel and form a cross corrugated shape.

4. The fluid handling device according to claim 3, wherein the corrugations in opposing plates in the second fluid channel are contacting each other.

5. The fluid handling device according to any of the claim 2-3, wherein the flow area is larger in the second fluid channel than in the first fluid channel.

6. The fluid handling device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the distance between opposite plates in at least the first fluid channel is constant in the fluid distribution volume.

7. The fluid handling device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the substance is coated on the opposing plates in the in the fluid distribution volume, and / or, comprised as or coated on a porous structure in contact with the opposing plates in the in the fluid distribution volume, the porous structure preferably comprising or consisting of foam, pellets, woven material, non-woven material and / or particels.

8. The fluid handling device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plate comprises or consists of metal, carbon fiber, ceramics, polymer or combinations thereof.

9. The fluid handling device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the distance between opposing plates in at least the first fluid channel preferably being 0,05-3 mm or more preferably 0,1-1 mm.

10. The fluid handling device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first sealing and / or the second sealing comprises a gasket positioned between the opposing plates, the gasket preferably comprises or consists of rubber, polymer, graphite, klingersil, ceramic, plyllosilicate, phlogopite mica paper, fiber, and / or metal such as copper or gold, the gasket preferably being positioned in a corrugation, the plates in the fluid distribution volume optionally being flat.

11. The fluid handling device according to claim 10, wherein the gasket is made of electrically insulating material and at least two of the plates comprise means for applying a voltage to the plate, preferably, one of the two plates being configured as anode and the other of the two plates being configured as cathode, or vice versa, for establishing an electric field between the two plates, alternatively, all plates being either anode or cathode.

12. The fluid handling device according to any of the claims 1-9, wherein the sealing is formed as a permanent sealing, such as brazing, welding, adhesive bonding, and / or fusion bonding the two opposing plates together preferably at the corrugations, the plates in the fluid distribution volume optionally being flat.

13. The fluid handling device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plates contact each other at contact points in the fluid distribution volume.

14. The fluid handling device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet portholes and the outlet portholes are fluidly connected to both the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel within the plate package for allowing the fluidic starting material flowing on both sides of at least one of the plates.

15. The fluid handling device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet porthole and the outlet porthole of the first plate are fluidly connected to only the first fluid channel within the plate package and the inlet porthole and the outlet porthole of the second plate are fluidly connected to only the second fluid channel within the plate package.

16. The fluid handling device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel being connected in series or in parallel.

17. The fluid handling device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein thermal insulation or a thermal cooling / heating jacket is provided around the device.

18. The fluid handling device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the substance thickness is up to about 100 pm.

19. A method of modifying a fluidic starting material, the method comprising: providing a fluid handling device according to any of the preceding claims, introducing the fluidic starting material to the device via the inlet porthole, modifying the fluidic starting material to a product within the fluid handling device, and recovering the product at the outlet porthole.

20. Use, for providing a fluid handling device according to any of the claims 1-18, of a corrugated plate, the plate comprises: o an inlet porthole and an outlet porthole, o a fluid distribution area extending between the inlet porthole and the outlet porthole, the fluid distribution area being in contact with at least one substance, the substance being adapted to contribute to a chemical modification of the starting material, such as a catalytic substance and / or a substance adapted to separate the starting material into at least two components, and o a sealing area surrounding the inlet porthole, the outlet porthole and the fluid distribution area for interconnecting the plate with adjacent plates via sealings at opposing sealing areas.

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