Products

Photochemical Reactor - UV Photo Reactor Manufacturer

UV IMMERSION LAMP

FOR INDUSTRIAL PHOTOCHEMISTRY

Pilot Scale
Production Scale

Light Not Heat or how well-thought-out system can be used for photochemistry in R&D and Production

Application Examples: Customised Lab Scale and Pilot Scale Loop Photoreactor System

In synthesis, photochemistry is the method of choice. UV light can vastly speed up many chemical syntheses – or make them possible in the first place. Unlike thermal excitation, light-induced reactions frequently occur at room temperature and are less destructive. Sensitive molecules remain intact, and there are fewer by-products.

Our product and competence in preparative photochemistry and photochemical environmental techniques.

We sell UV-radiation sources and standard photochemical reactors for immediate use to perform various preparative tasks at laboratory and pilot levels. UV-radiation sources and corresponding reactors may be adapted and optimized for specific procedures. ATEX/ IECEx radiation certification for 2.5 to 40 kW electrical power is available on request.

In many countries, regulations already govern the testing for photochemically induced degradation of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Akown delivers appropriate photoreactors. For production units, we sell entire systems of irradiation, where parts may be taken from standard programs comprising a variety of dimensions and types of radiation sources. We neither construct nor sell photocatalytic reactors for production units, as this task remains entirely within the domain of competence and responsibility of the user. However, in cooperation with our partner UV-Technik Speziallampen GmbH, we offer consulting services based on scientific and technical expertise.

Furthermore, we offer the possibility to analyse the reactor geometry of planned or existing production-scale photocatalytic reactors utilizing professional flow-simulation and physical radiation data to optimise photochemical processes.

(UVPI) Pilot Scale UV Immersion Lamp [Usually up to 2.5 kW]

Pilot photocatalytic reactors represent critical intermediate steps in upscaling all laboratory reactors to an optimized and well-operating production system. They may also be used to produce limited amounts of chemical compounds. The UVPI immersion lamp series has been developed to be retrofitted onto existing vessels already available in the R&D lab. Furthermore, optional universal reactors, skid-mounted on a mobile rack, are available.
Applications:

Technical process development
Production of smaller amounts of chemical compounds (kg d-1)

Specification:

Sr.No.	Name	Specification
01	UV lamp Type	Medium Pressure Mercury Vapour Lamp
02	Power	1.2-5 kW
03	Max Arc Length	1000 mm
04	Mounting Flange	DN 100/120/150
05	Cladding Tube 1 MOC	Quartz (UV grade, with special composition)
06	Cladding Tube 2 MOC	Quartz (UV grade, with special composition), Borosilicate 3.3
07	Max Immersion Length	1200 mm
08	Water Inlet- Outlet Connections	DN 15
09	N2 Inlet- Outlet Connections	1⁄4 inch Swagelok tube fittings
10	Power Supply	Ballast VTPS Or Electronic Power supply controller EPSA 80
11	Ex-Proof Version	Not Available

(UVPI SE) Production Scale UV Immersion Lamp [up to 40 kW]

The UVPI SE immersion lamp series represents the most powerful immersion lamp system available and can be certified up to 40 kW as per IECEx /ATEX directive for operation in hazardous areas. Advantageous. Due to the modular construction, UVPI SE immersion lamps are safe for future demands and can be adapted to changed process parameters. In addition to the robust and secure design, an optionally available third protection tube increases the operational safety of the equipment when necessary.
Applications:

Operation in the production scale
Production of large amounts of chemical compounds (t d-1)

Specification:

Sr.No.	Name	Specification
01	UV lamp Type	Medium Pressure Mercury Vapour Lamp
02	Power	10 – 40 kW
03	Max Arc Length	2600 mm
04	Mounting Flange	DN 250 PN 6/ PN 10
05	Cladding Tube 1 MOC	Quartz (UV grade, with special composition)
06	Cladding Tube 2 MOC	Quartz (UV grade, with special composition) Borosilicate 3.3
07	Cladding Tube 3 MOC (Optional)	Quartz (UV grade, with special composition), Borosilicate 3.3
08	Max Immersion Length	3000 mm
09	Water Inlet- Outlet Connections	DN 15/25
10	N2 Inlet- Outlet Connections	Inlet: 1⁄4 inch Swagelok tube fittings Outlet: 1” Male NPT
11	Power Supply	Ballast VTPS Or Electronic Power supply controller EUV 5
12	Ex-Proof Version	Available

UV Medium Pressure Lamps

UV medium-pressure lamps are produced as linear lamps as standard. They consist of a sealed discharge tube made of quartz glass. The discharge vessel is filled with noble gases at a low pressure of several millibars. Moreover, UV medium pressure lamps contain a small amount of mercury and dopants, such as iron, gallium, or other elements. During operation, plasma is generated in the lamps, which emits radiation. As a rule, the plasma is excited by establishing a current flow between the electrodes, which are fused or crimped at both ends of the lamp. An electrode-free medium-pressure lamp can be stimulated to light using microwaves. By varying the length, the diameter (Graphic 1), and the filling, UV medium-pressure lamps can be influenced in their performance and adapted to different operating conditions.UV medium-pressure lamps must always be operated on a suitable ballast.

Graphic I: Typical specific performance of UV medium pressure lamps in W/cm light emitting length as a function of Ø

UV medium pressure lamps emit radiation from the UV range to the infrared (Graphic 2).

Graphic 2: Section from the electromagnetic spectrum with its typical classification

A considerable part of the radiation power of a medium pressure lamp is in the infrared range (Graphic 3).
The lamps therefore require cooling.

Graphic 3: Distribution of the power of a typical UV medium pressure lamp, Hg type across the spectrum

Information on spectral energy distribution and radiation flux for a particular lamp will be shared upon request.

Automated Control System for UV Immersion Lamp

An automated control system for a UV immersion lamp consists of a Power Control Panel and an Operator Panel, which can be engineered depending on the degree of automation required and the scope for integrating instruments.

An electronic power supply enables stepless and accurate power regulation to the UV lamp. Furthermore, it provides features like measurement, control of process parameters, data logging and transfer, safety interlocks, and a user-friendly interface.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a photochemical reactor, and how does it work? +

A photochemical reactor refers to a photoreactor where chemical reactions are executed based on light. In a photochemical reactor, the chemicals interact with controlled UV or visible light to absorb photons and change chemically in a photochemical reaction. The reactor has features to provide uniform irradiation, correct temperature, and safe containment of light-sensitive chemical processes.

What types of experiments can be performed in a photochemical reactor? +

Photochemical reactors are all-purpose reactors and are suitable for a variety of applications, such as photolysis, photo-oxidation, studies in UV degradation, synthesis of compounds that respond to light, and reaction-kinetics experiments. Photocatalytic reactors or systems are generally better suited for experiments in which catalysts are utilized and light is the activator of the catalyst. For instance, studies on the degradation of dyes and environmental treatment.

What light sources are compatible with a photochemical reactor? +

Photochemical reactors utilize UV or visible lamps and other lights such as mercury lamps, xenon lamps, metal-halide lamps, and high-intensity LEDs, depending on the needs of the reaction being performed.

What maintenance does a photochemical reactor require? +

Several precautions are necessary, particularly for photochemical reactors. It is good practice to clean all quartz materials on a regular basis, replace lamps that may be burnt out, and check seals for leaks. Keeping all parts of the chamber clean of dust and in good condition will help maintain the highest light transmission possible.

What safety precautions should be taken while using a photochemical reactor? +

When working with photochemical reactors or any UV-visible light system lab, use UV protective goggles and gloves, lab coats, avoid exposing skin to UV light or high-intensity visible light, keep shielding closed when not in use, and ensure the fume hood is on or ensure very good ventilation.

Are a photocatalytic reactor and a photochemical reactor the same? +

No. Photochemical reactors support all light-driven reactions, whereas photocatalytic reactors require a light-activated catalyst. They both may be designed similarly or appear similar to operate, but one is used for light-driven reactions, whereas the other is specifically for photochemical reactions that require a light-activated catalyst.

Is the photocatalytic reactor safe to use for UV-based experiments? +

Yes, using a photocatalytic reactor for UV work can be done safely, as long as you follow standard UV safety guidelines and practice shielding.

Where is a UV reactor typically used? +

Generally, a UV reactor is associated with applications where limited and controlled exposure of materials is required to UV light, and you will see a UV reactor employed in municipal water treatment, wastewater plants, industrial effluent systems, food & beverage processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, as well as air purification applications, etc. A typical UV reactor has a built-in means of efficient disinfection, breakdown of contaminants, and reliable processes.

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