| abstract |
A fluid treatment unit (110) having first (171) and second (152) alternating channels (171) in a cross-flow configuration is disclosed. The first flow path (171) is considerably longer than the second flow path (152), so that the pressure drop in the second flow path can be maintained at a relatively low level, and temperature changes over the second flow path can be reduced. It has become. One or more flow paths may be microchannels. When used as an evaporator and / or superheater, the longer first flow path (171) includes an upstream liquid flow portion (172) and a downstream vapor flow portion (176) with an enlarged cross-sectional area. Yes. A substantial pressure drop is maintained over the upstream liquid flow portion using one or more tortuous flow channels (172a). The unit is a thin panel having a width that is considerably smaller than its length or height, and is manufactured as a stack of thin metal sheets joined together with other thin metal sheets. Individual units are cut from the stack after joining. |