Corrugated Plate Fluid Channels for Compact Chemical Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid handling devices face challenges in maximizing the contact surface area between fluid and substance while maintaining a compact device size, which is crucial for optimizing chemical modification and separation processes.
Innovation Solution
A fluid handling device comprising stacked plates with corrugations to increase surface area and turbulence, using corrugated plates with fluid channels and a substance-coated distribution volume for efficient chemical modification or separation, and optionally incorporating electric fields for electrolytic reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the contact surface area between fluid and substance is increased to optimize chemical modification and separation processes, then the efficiency of modification and separation is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs stacked plates arranged in multiple layers, transforming a two-dimensional surface contact problem into a three-dimensional structure. Multiple plates are stacked to create numerous fluid channels in parallel, dramatically increasing the total contact surface area between fluid and substance without proportionally increasing the device footprint. The plates are arranged vertically to maximize space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into multiple independent plates, each containing fluid channels and coated surfaces. Each plate acts as an independent module that contributes to the overall contact surface area. This segmentation allows the system to achieve large total surface area through parallel arrangement of multiple smaller surfaces, rather than requiring one large continuous surface.
2Productivity
If corrugated plates are used to increase surface area and turbulence, then the contact efficiency and mixing are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses corrugated plates with wavy or undulating surfaces instead of flat plates. The curved corrugations increase the surface area available for coating and fluid contact while also inducing turbulence in the fluid flow. The periodic wave patterns create flow disturbances that enhance mixing and mass transfer without requiring additional mechanical mixing components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances contact surface area and turbulence, allowing for efficient chemical modification and separation processes with improved efficiency and compact design.
Implementation Method 1
each plate being provided with corrugations, each fluid channel comprising: 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, a fluid distribution volume extending between the inlet volume and the outlet volume, the opposing plates in the fluid distribution volume being in contact with at least one substance
Implementation Method 2
the opposing plates in the fluid distribution volume being in contact with at least one substance being: a substance contributing to a chemical modification of the starting material, such as a catalytic substance
Implementation Method 3
a substance contributing to a chemical modification of the starting material, such as a catalytic substance
Implementation Method 4
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
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
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 opposing plates in the fluid distribution volume being in contact with at least one substance. The substance being a substance contributing to a chemical modification of the starting material and/or a substance adapted to separate the starting material into at least two components. The first fluid channel and the second fluid channel being in fluid communication with each other.