Patent ID: 6585237
Filing Date: 2003-07-01
Classification: B01F,B01J,F28D,F28F,Y10S

Abstract:
A device for enhancing contact between a first fluid having a predominant direction of flow and a second fluid, comprising:(a) a plurality of discrete single continuous strip elements having a characteristic primary dimension in the direction of the small axis of said strip element, (b) edges of said strip elements notched and the element surface between said notches creating a link contoured along said surface length forming a continuous ensemble of said links positioned in a sequentially rotating manner along the entire length of the strip element and producing a helical pitch along said entire length, (c) other pluralities of said strip elements interposed in adjacent layers in an alternating oppositely inclined manner forming a bundle and providing a matrix of surfaces having multitudes of contact points, whereby said first fluid flows and spreads on said contoured surface and splits through said notches substantially wetting the surface of said element and simultaneously intermixes with the first fluid streams on the adjoining strip elements, whereby said first fluid achieves intimate contact with said second fluid travelling in channels provided by voids in said matrix of the element surfaces.