Integrated chemical processing apparatus and processes for the preparation thereof

A process for the preparation of an integral structure for chemical processing and manufacture comprising:

• (a) processing a plurality of laminae each having a top portion and a bottom portion and a desired thickness, sufficient to form desired channels thereon or therethrough, said channels thereon being continuous along one or more laminae and discontinuous along one or more other laminae;
• (b) stacking and bonding said laminae together in precise alignment with at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port formed therein for the receipt and discharge of chemicals, and wherein said continuous and discontinuous channels are precisely aligned between adjacent laminae to form at least one continuous three-dimensionally tortuous channel therethrough for accommodating chemicals to be processed, said channel connected to said inlet and outlet ports, and said laminae comprising a material selected for compatibility with the chemical process;
• and
• (c) positioning one or more means to perform at least one unit operation to cooperate with said channel and to effect a desired control so that the chemicals are processed.