Photocatalytic Reactor

Photocatalysis reaction is a photochemical reaction caused by absorption of a photon in a solid. This material referred as the ‘photocatalyst,’ which remains unchanged throughout the reaction. The photocatalytic reactor regularly used in R&D, educational institutes, industries and other such places. It mostly used for degrading the contaminants in aqueous solutions, manufacturing of Aflatoxin and enhanced detection. It also used for contaminant removal from the air, wastewater treatment, and water splitting.

Functions and Mechanism of Photocatalytic Reactor

A photocatalytic reactor works to oxidize liquid hydrocarbons and inducing carbon dioxide into precious hydrocarbons. These reactors have successfully applied in the laboratories, both professional and educational (research & development) and health science or pharmaceutical industries. The reactors make it easy to note the effect of different criteria in the photocatalytic reactions, including temperature, pH, catalyst loading process and the photoreaction kinetics of various compounds under different light intensities.

Specifications

An ideal photocatalytic reactor is available in various specifications. The unit consists of many components. The double jacketed quartz immersion well and outer jacket of borosilicate vessel with Tecilon connections, UV or Xenon lamp, lamp power supply or step down transformer, Safety cabinet with control panel, Magnetic stirrer, Chiller for water circulation and UV protected safety goggles. A catalyst and UV light provided as per the individual needs.

This reactor is also known as the photochemical reactor or UV photoreactor. Many advances have made in photocatalytic technology due to use of advanced and efficient systems from renowned photocatalytic suppliers and manufacturers. We customized these Photocatalytic reactors from cost effective Lab scale to pilot plant scale systems and adds numerous customized accessories as well as design alterations based on the individual client’s needs and requirements.

Applications Photocatalytic Reactor

• Studying decomposition of gaseous organic contaminants
• Photocatalytic study of degradation of AZO dyes
• Degradation of Chlorophenol in water
• Decomposing of organic contaminants in water effectively
• Examining UV degradation for various chemicals
• Water purification/treatment
• Degrading the anionic and cationic dyes in industrial wastewater
• Removing toxic metals from industrial effluents
• Decomposing of seawater-soluble crude-oil fractions

How to Use?

• Connect the water inlet and outlet ports to a suitable cooling water supply.
• Ensure proper circulation of cooling water before starting the experiment.
• Load the required photocatalyst into the reactor chamber.
• Pour the reactant solution into the filling port.
• Fit all reactor parts and tighten them properly.
• Turn on the light source to start the reaction.
• Check the reaction regularly and make changes if needed.
• Collect the treated sample or final product when the reaction is complete.
• Switch off the light source and, if needed, drain the reactor.
• Clean all parts before storage or the next use.

Safety Measures

• Appropriate safety clothing, such as eyewear, laboratory coats, and gloves, must be used to minimize risks.
• Make sure the cooling water is flowing properly before switching on the light source.
• Never operate the reactor with damaged or improperly installed quartz components.
• Avoid direct exposure to UV or high-intensity light emitted by the system.
• Operate the reactor in a well-ventilated area, especially when reactions may generate gases or vapors.
• Stay within the specified temperature, pressure, and chemical limits.
• Turn off and disconnect the power before any cleaning or maintenance work.
• Use photocatalysts and chemicals carefully and follow the safety instructions provided for them.
• Inspect tubing, fittings, and electrical connections regularly for signs of wear or leakage.
• Keep the reactor and surrounding workspace clean and free from unnecessary obstructions.