Structure for filter or heat exchanger, composed of a fused single crystal acicular ceramic

Abstract

A cross-flow structure useful for filtering a fluid, for exchanging one or more constituents between two fluids, or for exchanging heat between two fluids, includes a body having porous partition walls defining at least one open channel extending entirely through it, and a portion of collecting fluid exiting the body through the porous partition walls, rather than through the open channel(s). The body is composed of a fused, interlocked, single crystal acicular ceramic material, preferably a non-stoichiometric acicular mullite of about 76 percent by weight Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and about 24 percent by weight SiO.sub.2. The portion for collecting fluid exiting from the porous walls is preferably an impermeable coating, such as a glaze, substantially covering the exterior of the body, except for the areas where fluid enters the open channel(s) and exits the porous walls.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.