Reflector design for the optimization of photoactivated processes in tubular reactors for water treatment

Photoactivated advanced oxidation processes have excellent performance in removing recalcitrant pollutants from water. However, the high operating cost associated with energy consumption of UV lamps is a big drawback. In this work, design and optimization reflector tube-in-tube membrane photoreactor were carried out using ray tracing methodology to maximize light deployed reactor. Simulations different lamps/reactor arrangements 1, 2 3-sided flat reflectors circular parabolic geometries. Results showed that direct radiation maximized when distance reactor-lamps minimized, increasing optical efficiency. On other hand, it was observed for reflectors, closer furthest point center reactor, higher efficiency achieved due reduction number bouncing rays reflector. case geometries, some additional considerations are necessary, since not only at which placed matters, but also its geometrical focus. The best those reactor lower near focus parabola. For studied calculated efficiencies anodized aluminum 46.1, 56.5, 60.0, 41.8, 65.9% 2, 3 sides, cylinder, parabola, respectively. Model predictions successfully validated experimental ferrioxalate actinometry data, confirming huge potential simple simulation purposes.