Abstract A photochemical reactor has an upstanding hollow cylindrical section closed at its upper end by a hemispherical dome the interior surface of which forms a continuation of the interior surface of the cylindrical section. One or more nozzles sprays a reaction liquid onto the dome to form a film thereon which moves down the interior wall of the cylindrical section. A light source is coaxially disposed in the cylindrical section and spaced from it to effect the photochemical reaction of the film. The cylindrical section may be rotated and/or longitudinally corrugated to provide a longer effective film path. The light source has a tubular lamp in a translucent or transparent envelope and means are provided for washing the outer surface of the envelope to remove contamination.
A photochemical reactor as claimed in claim 1, wherein said interior surface of said dome is hemispherical.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
19 words
A photochemical reactor as claimed in claim 1 wherein said nozzle is directed toward the top of said dome.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
158 words
A photochemical reactor comprising a reaction chamber having an upstanding, hollow cylindrical section providing an interior wall for supporting a downwardly flowing film of a reaction liquid; a source of radiant energy located in said cylindrical section in spaced-apart relation to said interior wall for irradiating said film; means for directing said reaction liquid onto said interior wall to form said film, said means comprising at least one nozzle arranged for spraying said reaction liquid received from a source of same; and a drain in said reaction chamber operatively positioned to prevent the collection of said reaction liquid; said directing means further comprising a plurality of nozzles and a dome closing the upper end of said upstanding cylindrical section, said dome having an interior surface forming a continuation of said interior wall of said cylindrical section, one of said nozzles being mounted to a conduit separately from the remainder and being directed toward the top of said dome.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
108 words
A photochemical reactor comprising a reaction chamber having an upstanding, hollow cylindrical section providing an interior wall for supporting a downwardly flowing film of a reaction liquid; a source of radiant energy located in said cylindrical section in spaced-apart relation to said interior wall for irradiating said film; means for directing said reaction liquid onto said interior wall to form said film, said means comprising at least one nozzle arranged for spraying said reaction liquid received from a source of same; and a drain in said reaction chamber operatively positioned to prevent the collection of said reaction liquid; said interior wall of said cylindrical section being longitudinally corrugated.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
A photochemical reactor as claimed in claim 5 comprising a bearing arrangement to which said cylindrical section is mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis.