Plate fin fluid processing device

A fluid processing device comprising:

• a) a first plate;
• b) a second plate;
• c) a fin layer positioned between the first and second plates so that a fluid flow passage is defined through the fin layer;
• d) a first fluid inlet in communication with a first end portion of the fluid flow passage and adapted to receive a first fluid stream;
• e) a first fluid outlet in communication with a second end portion of the fluid flow passage;
• f) a second fluid inlet in communication with the second end portion of the fluid flow passage and adapted to receive a second fluid stream;
• g) a second fluid outlet in communication with the first end portion of the fluid flow passage;
• and
• h) said fin layer providing a shearing action on the second fluid stream as it flows through the fluid flow passage to provide mass transfer to the first fluid stream as it flows through the fluid flow passage.

A method of performing a fluid process comprising the steps of:

• a) providing a device including a fluid flow passage including a plurality of fins;
• b) providing a first fluid inlet stream into a first end portion of the fluid flow passage;
• c) providing a second fluid inlet stream into a second end portion of the fluid flow passage;
• d) performing a shearing action on the second fluid inlet stream using the plurality of fins so that a mass transfer to the first fluid inlet stream occurs;
• e) directing a first fluid outlet stream out of the second end portion of the fluid flow passage;
• and
• f) directing a second fluid outlet stream out of the first inlet portion of the fluid flow passage.