Characterization and evaluation of a novel exalting round-plate photocatalytic reactor

A novel reactor, the exalting round-plate photocatalytic reactor (ERPPR), was designed and evaluated. Residence time and light intensity distributions were determined by stimulus-response experimentation and an irradiation meter, respectively. The effects of hydraulic loading of the round plate and aeration on the photocatalytic degradation of azo dye were investigated during different conditions. Experimental results show that the ERPPR is intermediate between a completely stirred tank reactor and a plug-flow reactor. Mean hydraulic loadings at different rotational speeds were significantly influenced by the reaction rate for dye decolorization. Photodegradation of the dye, however, was not significantly influenced by the amount of oxygen gas aerated, except when aerating with pure oxygen. Results further indicate that the photoreaction atmosphere of the ERPPR depends on mass transfer between gas and liquid on the round plate. The primary role of aeration is to mix catalyst and solution.