| abstract |
A reactor, system and method are described for performing a chemical reaction characterized by a heat of reaction. The reactor includes a first thermally conductive arrangement defining at least one catalytically active flow passage for conducting a fluid at least generally in a predetermined direction while catalytically activating the chemical reaction in a way which produces the heat of reaction. The heat of reaction conducts through the first thermally conductive arrangement in a direction at least generally parallel with the predetermined direction. A second thermally conductive arrangement is in thermal communication with the first thermally conductive arrangement and is configured for transferring the heat of reaction to an external process and for redirecting the fluid received from the first thermally conductive arrangement to a different direction. The first and second arrangements may be integrally formed using a laminated structure. A system may include a pair of thermally coupled such reactors. |