Fractal device for mixing and reactor applications

Abstract

Two or more independent and offset fluid transporting fractals allow the scaling and intermingling of two or more fluids separately and simultaneously prior to contacting the fluids with one another. The device provides rapid and homogeneous mixing and/or reaction.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A structure for mixing at least two fluids, said structure comprising: at least two fluid transporting fractals, each said fractal having a respective fluid input which bifurcates to a plurality of fluid outputs, said fractals being positioned to be offset from one another, each fractal being configured to facilitate an independent flow therethrough, said fluid exits from the separate offset fractals being configured such that they are homogeneously interspersed with one another, and said fluid outlets being disposed such that fluid exiting said outlets flows across an area.  
     
     
         2 . The structure of  claim 1  wherein the flows exiting said outlets of said offset fractals are merged with corresponding exiting flows from the other offset fractals into an array of mixed flows.  
     
     
         3 . The structure of  claim 2  wherein the said array of mixed flows is further merged into a single flow.  
     
     
         4 . The structure of  claim 3  wherein the said merging to a single flow is accomplished by using a fractal arrangement wherein the direction of flow is from the small scale end of the fractal arrangement to the large scale end of the fractal arrangement.  
     
     
         5 . The structure of  claim 1  wherein at least some of the flows are retained within flow channels disposed in a surrounding enclosure such that a heat exchange fluid can pass over the outside surface of the enclosed flow channels.  
     
     
         6 . The structure of  claim 1  wherein at least some of the flow channels are surrounded by an enclosure such that the enclosure can be used for attaching the structure to a support structure.  
     
     
         7 . The structure of  claim 1  wherein at least some of the flows are retained in flow channels, said flow channels being surrounded by an enclosure such that the enclosure provides support for the flow channels.