Study and optimization of an annular photocatalytic slurry reactor

Abstract

The experimental results obtained for the photocatalytic degradation of a model organic dye in an annular slurry reactor are analyzed with the aid of a mathematical model. The model is used also to study the effects on the performances of many operative conditions: flow rate, photocatalyst concentration, power of the lamp, size of the photocatalytic particles, dimensions of the reactor. The investigation demonstrates that the rate of the process is often limited by the radiant energy transfer and that some simple rules can be followed in order to optimize different yields and the observed rate of reaction. © The Royal Society of Chemistry and Owner Societies 2009.