A method for causing chemical reactions between fluids, comprising the
steps of arranging a plurality of metal sheets for providing first fluid
flow channels adjacent to and in heat transfer contact with second fluid
flow channels between adjacent ones of the metal sheets, placing catalyst
material within at least some of the flow channels, passing a first fluid
mixture through the first fluid flow channels and a second fluid mixture
through the second fluid flow channels, wherein the first fluid mixture
is different from the second fluid mixture, each fluid mixture undergoing
separate reactions, one of the reactions being endothermic while the
other reaction is exothermic, and causing heat to transfer between the
adjacent fluid flow channels.