A channel assembly is disclosed, which may comprise a microfluidic channel. Methods of manufacture are also disclosed as are detectors and detector components which may comprise such a channel assembly. An example is a detection apparatus comprising: a detector for detecting a substance of interest; and a pneumatic system comprising a microfluidic channel assembly comprising a first microfluidic channel for dispensing vapour to the detector, wherein the first microfluidic channel comprises a groove in a surface of a polymer body and a wall of the first channel is provided by a film bonded to the surface of the body over the groove.

A channel assembly is disclosed, which may comprise a microfluidic channel. Methods of manufacture are also disclosed as are detectors and detector components which may comprise such a channel assembly. An example is a detection apparatus comprising: a detector for detecting a substance of interest; and a pneumatic system comprising a microfluidic channel assembly comprising a first microfluidic channel for dispensing vapour to the detector, wherein the first microfluidic channel comprises a groove in a surface of a polymer body and a wall of the first channel is provided by a film bonded to the surface of the body over the groove.

A method for carrying out a reaction between at least two reactants in a liquid reaction solution in at least one reaction zone so as to produce a reaction product includes carrying out a reaction continuously in a reaction flow for the at least one reaction zone in an extension of the at least one reaction zone as far as at least one reaction product outlet, introducing each of the at least two reactants over the extension of the at least one reaction zone via inlets in which the reaction flow is introduced, and removing the reaction product via the at least one reaction product outlet.

This invention relates to a process for converting a carbonaceous material to a desired product comprising methane, methanol and/or dimethyl ether, the process comprising: gasifying the carbonaceous material at a temperature in excess of about 700 C. to form synthesis gas; and flowing the synthesis gas through two or more reaction zones in a microchannel reactor to convert the synthesis gas to the desired product.