Turbulence Enhancement and Mixing Analysis for Multi-Inlet Vortex Photoreactor for CO2 Reduction

Abstract

In this article, we describe a prototype photoreactor of which the geometrical configuration was obtained by Genetic Algorithms to maximize the residence time of the reactant gases. A gas reaction mixture of CO2:H2O (1:2 molar ratio) was studied from the fluid dynamic point of view. The two main features of this prototype reactor are the conical shape, which enhances the residence time as compared to a cylindrical shape reference reactor, and the inlet heights and position around the main chamber that enables turbulence and mass transfer control. Turbulence intensity, mixing capability, and residence time attributes for the optimized prototype reactor were calculated with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software and compared with those from a reference reactor. Turbulence intensity near the envisioned catalytic bed was one percentage point higher in the reference than in the optimized prototype reactor. Finally, the homogeneity of the mixture was guaranteed since both types of reactors had a turbulent regime, but for the prototype the CO2 mass fraction was found to be better distributed.

On a seamlessly replicable circular photoreactor for lab-scale continuous flow applications

“…1,[9][10][11][12] In continuous flow settings, various methodologies have been employed to conduct photochemical reactions. These encompass a range of setups from plug flow [13][14][15] to platebased, 16 falling film, [17][18][19] vortex 20,21 and continuous stirred tank reactors. [22][23][24][25] These varied approaches have served as the foundation for developing both custom-built and commercial photoreactors, each differing in their unique approach to provide mixing and maximization of photon flux while minimizing light loss.…”