6533b830fe1ef96bd12979dd

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Simplified Modeling of Radiant Fields in Heterogeneous Photoreactors. 1. Case of Zero Reflectance

subject

description

A strongly simplified model is proposed for the estimation of the radiant flow field, and related quantities such as the local volumetric rate of energy absorption, in heterogeneous photoreactors. The model is based on the assumption that a photon carrying energy greater than that of the catalyst band gap, when interacting with a catalyst particle, is invariably absorbed. The model equations allow, for simple geometries, analytical integral solutions to be obtained. These have the advantage of giving an immediate grasp on how the main physical parameters affect the radiation field:  an important feature especially for engineering purposes. The case developed here is that of a plane slab, for both monosized catalyst particles and particles with size distributions. Notably, as no adjustable parameters are used, fully predictive results can be obtained. The model predictions are successfully compared with the results of original experimental tests, therefore leading to model validation. In Part 2 of this pap...