Microchannel apparatus capable of separating phases and methods of using same
AssigneeBattelle Memorial Institute
InventorsJohn H. Brophy, Bruce F. Monzyk
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Multiphasic reactions, especially those reactions using a phase transfer catalyst, are conducted in microchannel apparatus. Advantageously, these reactions can be conducted with two, planar microlayers of reactants in adjacent laminar flow streams. Microchannel apparatus and methods for conducting unit operations such as reactions and separations in microchannel apparatus is also described. Microchannel apparatus can provide advantages for controlling reactions and separating products, solvents or reactants in multiphase reactions.
Claims19
Microchannel apparatus, comprising:
- a separation zone that comprises:
- at least one portion of an internal surface that is hydrophilic;
- at least one portion of an internal surface that is hydrophobic;
- and
- at least one separation assist feature selected from the group consisting of:
- an expansion zone in the separation zone that is connected to a reaction channel and has a larger internal cross-sectional area than the reaction channel, a phase coalescence element, and a separator plate that forms a boarder of an open area that has a length of at least 3 mm;
- and
- wherein the separation zone has at least one internal dimension of 2 mm or less.
A method of conducting at least one unit operation, comprising:
- passing a multiphasic fluid stream into a separation zone;
- wherein the multiphasic stream comprises a first non-solid phase and a second non-solid phase;
- wherein the separation zone comprises:
- at least one portion of an internal surface that is hydrophilic;
- at least one portion of an internal surface that is hydrophobic;
- and
- at least one separation assist feature selected from the group consisting of:
- an expansion zone in the separation zone that is connected to a reaction channel and has a larger internal cross-sectional area than the reaction channel, a phase coalescence element, and a separator plate that forms a boarder of an open area that has a length of at least 3 mm;
- wherein the multiphasic fluid stream passed into the separator zone has at least one dimension of 2 mm or less;
- and
- wherein at least two separate streams pass from the separator zone, comprising a first separated stream and a second separated stream;
- wherein the first separated stream contains a relatively higher ratio of the first non-solid phase to the second non-solid phase as compared to the multiphasic fluid stream entering the separator zone;
- and
- wherein the second separated stream contains a relatively lower ratio of the first non-solid phase to the second non-solid phase as compared to the multiphasic fluid stream entering the separator zone.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.