POLYGONAL FLOW REACTOR FOR PHOTOCHEMICAL PROCESSES

Abstract

The invention provides a photoreactor assembly (1) comprising a reactor (30), wherein the reactor (30) is configured for hosting a fluid (100) to be treated with light source radiation (11) selected from one or more of UV radiation, visible radiation, and IR radiation, wherein the reactor (30) comprises a reactor wall (35) which is transmissive for the light source radiation (11), wherein the photoreactor assembly (1) further comprises: a light source arrangement (1010) comprising a plurality of light sources (10) configured to generate the light source radiation (11), wherein the reactor wall (35) is configured in a radiation receiving relationship with the plurality of light sources (10); one or more fluid transport channels (7) configured in functional contact with one or more of (i) the reactor (30) and (ii) one or more of the plurality of light sources (10); a cooling system (90) configured to transport a cooling fluid (91) through the one or more fluid transport channels (7).

Claims

1. A photoreactor assembly comprising a reactor, wherein the reactor is configured for hosting a fluid to be treated with light source radiation selected from one or more of UV radiation, visible radiation, and IR radiation, wherein the reactor comprises a reactor wall which is transmissive for the light source radiation, wherein the photoreactor assembly further comprises: a light source arrangement comprising a plurality of light sources configured to generate the light source radiation, wherein the reactor wall is configured in a radiation receiving relationship with the plurality of light sources; wherein the plurality of light sources comprises solid-state light sources; one or more fluid transport channels configured to transport a cooling fluid along the one or more fluid transport channels being in thermal contact with the reactor for cooling of the reactor; a cooling system configured to transport a cooling fluid through the one or more fluid transport channels; wherein the reactor is a tubular reactor and wherein the reactor wall defines the tubular reactor; wherein the tubular reactor is configured in a coiled tubular arrangement, comprising a plurality of windings; and wherein one or more of the following applies: (i) at least part of the reactor wall is configured within at least one of the one or more fluid transport channels, and (ii) at least part of the reactor wall defines at least part of a channel wall of at least one of the one or more fluid transport channels.

2. The photoreactor assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a reactor support element configured to support the reactor, wherein the reactor support element comprises a support body, wherein at least part of the reactor is configured in conductive thermal contact with the support body, wherein the (tubular) reactor is coiled around the support body, wherein the reactor is coiled around the support body or the reactor is enclosed by the support body.

3. The photoreactor assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a reactor support element configured to support the reactor, wherein the reactor support element comprises a support body, wherein at least part of the reactor is configured in conductive thermal contact with the support body, and wherein the support body comprises one or more of the one or more fluid transport channels.

4. The photoreactor assembly according to claim 3, wherein the support body comprises a hollow body, wherein the hollow body comprises a support body wall, wherein the support body wall comprises an inner support body face and an outer support body face.

5. The photoreactor assembly according to claim 4, wherein the inner support body face defines at least one of the one or more fluid transport channels, and wherein the reactor is configured at a side of the outer support body face.

6. The photoreactor assembly according to claim 4, wherein the inner support body face defines a support body space, wherein 50-99 vol. % of the support body space is defined by a plurality of fluid transport channels.

7. The photoreactor assembly according to claim 4, wherein the support body wall has a circular cross-section, wherein the inner support body face and the outer support body face define diameters d1,d2, respectively, wherein 0.65*d2≤d1≤0.9*d2.

8. The photoreactor assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a light source support element configured to support the plurality of light sources, wherein the light source support element comprises a light source support body, wherein the plurality of light sources are configured in conductive thermal contact with the light source support body, and wherein the light source support body comprises one or more of the one or more fluid transport channels.

9. The photoreactor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cooling system comprises a gas transporting device selected from the group consisting of an air blower and a fan.

10. The photoreactor assembly according to claim 9, wherein the fan comprises ventilator blades, wherein the ventilator blades define a blade diameter d3.

11. The photoreactor assembly according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of light source elements, wherein each light source element comprises one or more of the plurality of light sources, wherein each of the light source elements comprises at least one thermally conductive element configured in conductive thermal contact with the one or more of the plurality of light sources, wherein the light source element comprises a reflective element at a surface of the light source element facing the reactor wall, wherein the reflective element is reflective for the light source radiation, wherein the photoreactor assembly further comprises a second fluid transporting device configured to transport a cooling fluid along one or more of the thermally conductive elements configured in conductive thermal contact with one or more of the plurality of light sources.

12. The photoreactor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the light source arrangement defines a polygon comprising polygon edges, wherein the polygon comprise 4-10 polygon edges, wherein the reactor is a tubular reactor, and wherein the reactor wall defines the tubular reactor; wherein the tubular reactor is configured in a tubular arrangement, and wherein the tubular arrangement comprises a coiled tubular arrangement, wherein the tubular reactor is helically coiled.

13. The photoreactor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of light sources comprise one or more of chips-on-board light sources (COB), light emitting diodes (LEDs), and laser diodes.

14. A method for treating a fluid with light source radiation, wherein the method comprises: providing the photoreactor assembly according to claim 1; providing the fluid to be treated with the light source radiation in the reactor; and irradiating the fluid with the light source radiation.

15. The method according to claim 14, comprising transporting the fluid through the reactor while irradiating the fluid with the light source radiation, and transporting a cooling fluid through the one or more fluid transport channels, wherein the cooling fluid comprises air.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0142] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

[0143] FIG. 1A-1C depict some embodiments of the photoreactor assembly;

[0144] FIG. 2A-2B depict some further embodiments of the photoreactor assembly;

[0145] FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4 depict some further features of the photoreactor assembly;

[0146] FIG. 5 depicts features of the cooling system; and

[0147] FIG. 6 depicts further features of the photoreactor assembly;

[0148] FIG. 7A-C schematically depict further features of embodiments of the photoreactor assembly;

[0149] FIG. 8A-B schematically depict further features of embodiments of the photoreactor assembly;

[0150] FIG. 9 schematically depicts an embodiment of the photoreactor assembly;

[0151] FIG. 10 schematically depicts an embodiment of the photoreactor assembly.

[0152] The schematic drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0153] FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C schematically depict embodiments of the photoreactor assembly 1. The photoreactor assembly 1 may comprise a reactor 30, especially wherein the reactor 30 is configured for hosting a fluid 100 to be treated with light source radiation 11. The light source radiation 11 may be selected from one or more of UV radiation, visible radiation, and IR radiation. The reactor 30 may comprise a reactor wall 35 which is transmissive for the light source radiation 11. In embodiments, the photoreactor assembly 1 may further comprise a light source arrangement 1010 comprising a plurality of light sources 10 configured to generate the light source radiation 11. In particular, the reactor wall 35 may be configured in a radiation receiving relationship with the plurality of light sources 10. In further embodiments, the photoreactor assembly 1 may further comprise one or more fluid transport channels 7 configured in functional contact, especially thermal contact, with one or more of (i) the reactor 30 and (ii) one or more of the plurality of light sources 10. In FIG. 1A, the depicted fluid transport channels 7 are configured in functional contact with both the reactor 30 and the plurality of light sources 10. In FIG. 1B, part of the depicted fluid transport channels 7 are configured in functional contact with both the reactor 30 and the plurality of light sources 10, and part of the depicted fluid transport channels 7 are arranged within a light source support body 145 of a light source support element 140 and are configured in functional contact with the plurality of light sources 10. In further embodiments, the photoreactor assembly 1 may comprise a cooling system 90 configured to transport a cooling fluid 91 through the one or more fluid transport channels 7.

[0154] In embodiments, the light source support element 140 may be configured to support the plurality of light sources 10. In further embodiments, the light source support element 140 comprises a light source support body 145, especially wherein the plurality of light sources are configured in functional contact, especially thermal contact, with the light source support body 145. The light source support body 145 may especially comprise one or more of the one or more fluid transport channels 7.

[0155] The photoreactor assembly 1 comprises a reactor 30 for hosting a fluid 100 to be treated with light source radiation 11. The light source radiation 11 may especially be selected from the group of UV radiation, visible radiation, and IR radiation. The light sources 10 may in embodiments comprise chips-on-board light sources (COB) and/or an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The reactor 30 comprises a reactor wall 35 which is at least partly transmissive for the light source radiation 11. The reactor wall 35 may define the reactor 30. In the depicted embodiment the reactor 30 comprises a tubular reactor 130, especially configured in a tubular arrangement 1130.

[0156] In the embodiment the tubular arrangement 1130 is pictured as a coiled tubular arrangement 1131 (see also FIG. 2 showing a top view of a tubular reactor 130 configured in a coiled tubular arrangement 1131). The coiled tubular arrangement 1131 is schematically depicted by the seven windings 36 or turns 36 of the tubular reactor 130 (the turns 36 continue from the left hand side to the right hand side). FIGS. 1A-B further illustrate that the tubular reactor 130 is helically coiled. Hence, the tubular reactor 130 may comprise a tube 32, especially a tube 32 coiled in a plurality of windings 36, such as coiled around a reactor support element 40, especially around a support body 45, in a plurality of windings 36.

[0157] The photoreactor assembly 1 further comprises a light source arrangement 1010 comprising a plurality of light sources 10 for generating the light source radiation 11. The reactor wall 35 is especially configured in a radiation receiving relationship with the plurality of light sources 10.

[0158] Especially, one or more of the tubular arrangement 1130 and the light source arrangement 1010 defines a polygon 50. This is further depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B, wherein in the embodiment of FIG. 2A, the light source arrangement 1010 defines the polygon 50, especially a hexagon, and in the embodiment of FIG. 2B, both the light source arrangement 1010 and the tubular arrangement 1130 define the polygon 50. The embodiment of FIG. 2B is an example of an embodiment wherein the tubular arrangement 1130 and the light source arrangement 1010 both define polygons 50 having mutually parallel configured polygon edges 59. The polygons 50 are hexagons and each polygon 50 comprises six polygon edges 59.

[0159] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1A, (all of) the plurality of light sources 10 enclose the tubular arrangement 1130. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1B (all of) the plurality of light sources 10 are enclosed by the tubular arrangement 1130. Yet, in other embodiments, a first subset of the plurality of light sources 10 encloses the tubular arrangement 1130 and a second subset of the plurality of light sources 10 is enclosed by the tubular arrangement 1130. This is very schematically depicted in FIG. 3B, although the light sources 10 are not shown in the figure. Yet the light source radiation 11 is indicated.

[0160] FIG. 1A further depicts an embodiment wherein successive windings (turns) of the tubular reactor 130 may be arranged contacting each other substantially along a complete winding 36 (turn 36). The pitch d6 of the tubular reactor 130 may substantially equal a characteristic outer size d5 of the tube 32. In further embodiments (also see FIG. 7), the pitch d6 may be equal to or less than 10 times the outer size of the tube 32, such as equal to or less than 5 times the outer size of the tube 32. The pitch d6 may in embodiments e.g. be substantially 2 times the characteristic outer size d5 (especially leaving space for a further, especially parallel arranged, tube). Yet, the pitch d6 may in embodiments be larger than 10, such as 50 or 100 times the characteristic outer size d5.

[0161] FIG. 1A further schematically depicts an embodiment wherein two or more of the plurality of light sources 10, 10a, 10b, 10c provide light source radiation 11 having different spectral power distributions, i.e., for example, a first light source 10, 10a may provide light source radiation 11 having a different spectral power distribution from the light source radiation 11 provided by a second light source 10, 10b. For instance, a first light source 10, 10a may be configured to generate UV radiation and a second light source 10, 10b may be configured to generate visible radiation. In specific embodiments, the photoreactor assembly 1 may comprise two or more such light sources 10,10a,10b configured at different positions along an arrangement axis A1. The arrangement axis may e.g. be a length axis, or an axis of symmetry relative to the reactor. Hence, e.g. at different heights, different types of light sources 10 may be provided. In further embodiments, the photoreactor assembly may comprise two or more such light sources 10,10a,10c configured at different sides of the reactor, especially at the same position with respect to the arrangement axis A1 (e.g., at the same height). Hence, at different sides of the reactor, different types of light sources 10 may be provided.

[0162] However, FIG. 1A further schematically depicts in fact also an embodiment wherein two or more of the plurality of light sources 10, 10a, 10b, 10c provide light source radiation 11 having identical spectral power distributions. Hence, different options are possible.

[0163] FIG. 1B further depicts an embodiment wherein one or more of the plurality of light sources 10, especially all (depicted) light sources, are at least partly configured within at least one of the one or more fluid transport channels 7. Further, FIG. 1B schematically depicts that at least part of the reactor wall 35 is configured within at least one of the one or more fluid transport channels 7, and that at least part of the reactor wall 35 defines part of a channel wall 71 of at least one of the one or more fluid transport channels 7.

[0164] FIG. 1C schematically depicts a side view of an embodiment of a reactor 30. In the depicted embodiment, the reactor 30 is a tubular reactor 130, wherein the tube 32 is coiled around a reactor support element 40, especially the support body 45, in a plurality of windings 36. In the depicted embodiment, the successive windings are spaced apart, i.e., the pitch d6 of the tubular reactor 130 is larger than the characteristic outer size d5 of the tube 32, such as 2*d5≤d6≤3*d5.

[0165] Further, in the depicted embodiment, the reactor wall 35 defines part of a channel wall 71 of at least one of the one or more fluid transport channels 7.

[0166] In the depicted embodiment, the cooling system 90 comprises a fluid transporting device, especially a gas transporting device 96 selected from the group consisting of an air blower, an air sucker, and a fan 97. Hence, in embodiments, the fluid transporting device, especially the gas transporting device, may be configured to blow air (towards the reactor 30) or to suck air (from the reactor 30). The gas transporting device may be arranged above and/or below the reactor, i.e., in embodiments, the gas transporting device 96 may be arranged on a top section of the photoreactor assembly 1, and in further embodiments the gas transporting device 96 may be arranged on a bottom section of the photoreactor assembly 1.

[0167] The embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 further comprise a reactor support element 40 to support the reactor 30. The reactor support element 40 comprises a support body 45, which is for the four depicted embodiments rotational symmetrical (around the (reactor) arrangement axis A1. In the embodiments, at least part of the reactor 30 is configured in functional contact, especially thermal contact, with the support body 45. Such configuration may facilitate dissipation of heat from the tubular reactor 130 to the support body 45, especially if the support body 45 comprises a thermally conductive element 2 or is thermally connected to such thermally conductive elements 2. The thermally conductive element 2 may comprise a heat sink, optionally comprising fins. Such heat sinks (thermally conductive elements 2) are e.g. schematically indicated in FIG. 2 in thermal contact with the light sources 10. In embodiments, the support body 45 may comprise one or more of the one or more fluid transport channels 7.

[0168] FIGS. 1 and 2, further depict that the arrangement axis A1 and the tube axis A2 are configured almost perpendicular to each other.

[0169] FIG. 2A further schematically depicts an embodiment of the photoreactor assembly 1, wherein the support body 45 comprises a hollow (tubular) body, wherein the hollow body comprises a support body wall 451, wherein the support body wall 451 comprises an inner support body face 452 and an outer support body face 453.

[0170] In the depicted embodiment, the inner support body face 452 defines at least one of the one or more fluid transport channels 7. Further, in the depicted embodiment, the reactor 30 is configured at the side of the outer support body face 453. In alternative embodiments, the reactor may be configured at the side of the inner support body face 452, especially wherein the reactor defines an (inner) fluid transport channel (7).

[0171] Hence, in the depicted embodiment, the inner support body face 452 defines a support body space 454, wherein 30-100 vol. %, especially 50-99 vol. %, of the support body space 454 is defined by a fluid transport channel 7. In the depicted embodiment, the support body space 454 may be essentially an open (“hollow”) space. However, in alternative embodiments, the support body space 454 may be partially filled with a filler material, such as filled with a thermally conductive material, especially wherein the filler material defines a plurality of fluid transport channels 7.

[0172] The support body wall 451 may have a circular cross-section, especially wherein the inner support body face 452 and the outer support body face 453 define diameters d1,d2, respectively, especially wherein 0.65*d2≤d1≤0.9*d2. Particularly good results may have been obtained with diameter ratios selected from such range.

[0173] In the depicted embodiment, the fan 97 (not depicted for visualizational purposes) comprises ventilator blades 98, wherein the ventilator blades 98 define a blade diameter d3, wherein d3>d2.

[0174] FIG. 2B further schematically depicts an embodiment, wherein the photoreactor assembly 1 comprises a plurality of light source elements 19, wherein each light source element 19 comprises one or more of the plurality of light sources 10, and wherein each of the light source elements 19 comprises at least one thermally conductive element 2 configured in functional contact with the one or more of the plurality of light sources 10, especially wherein the light source element 19 further comprises a reflective element 1011 at a surface 190 of the light source element 19 facing the reactor wall 35. The reflective element 1011 may especially be reflective for the light source radiation 11. In the depicted embodiment, the photoreactor assembly 1 further comprises a second fluid transporting device 196 configured to transport a cooling fluid 91 along one or more of the thermally conductive elements 2 configured in functional contact with one or more of the plurality of light sources 10. For visualizational purposes, a single second fluid transporting device 196 is depicted. However, in further embodiments, each light source element 19 may be functionally coupled with a (respective) second fluid transporting device 196. A single second fluid transporting device 196 may also be functionally coupled with a plurality of light source elements 19.

[0175] In FIGS. 3A and 3B, some further features of embodiments of the assembly 1 are depicted. The figures schematically depict the photoreactor assembly 1 comprising a number of light source elements 19. In FIG. 3A the photoreactor assembly 1 comprises six light source elements 19. In FIG. 3B the photoreactor assembly 1 comprises twelve light source elements 19. Each light source element 19 comprises one or more light sources 10. The light source element 19 may further comprise at least one thermally conductive element 2 configured in thermal contact with the light source 10 (as is depicted in e.g. FIG. 2B). The light source element 19 may further comprise a reflective element 1011 (reflective for the light source radiation 11) at a surface 190 of the light source element 19 facing the reactor wall 35.

[0176] In the embodiment in FIG. 3A, the light sources 10 are enclosed by the tubular arrangement 1130. In the figure, the light sources 10 are not shown, yet may be understood from the arrows depicting the light source radiation 11. To prevent light source radiation 11 from escaping from the photoreactor assembly 1, the embodiment of FIG. 3A (also) comprises a wall 4 with a reflective element 1011, especially a reflective surface 5 (facing the tubular reactor 130) enclosing the tubular reactor 130 and the light sources 10. The reflective element 1011/reflective surface 5 is especially reflective for the light source radiation 11. The reflective element 1010/surface 5 may reflect back any radiation that is not absorbed by the fluid. This may further provide an improved light homogeneity over the fluid 100.

[0177] In the embodiment of FIG. 3B, the first subset of the plurality of light sources 10 (as indicated by the arrows depicting light source light 11) enclose the tubular arrangement 1130 and the second subset of the light sources 10 are enclosed by the tubular arrangement 1130. In the embodiment, the first subset of the plurality of light sources 10 defines an outer light source polygon 50,55 and the second subset of the plurality of light sources 10 defines an inner light source polygon 50,54. The tubular arrangement 1130 defines yet a further polygon 50,51. Also in this embodiment, the tubular arrangement 1130 and the light source arrangement 1010 (comprising the two subsets of light sources 10) both define polygons 50, 51, 54, 55 having mutually parallel configured polygon edges 59.

[0178] FIG. 3B further schematically depicts an embodiment wherein the reactor 30, especially the tubular reactor, and the light source elements 19 define one or more fluid transport channels 7 between the photoreactor 30 and the light source elements 19. In particular, in the depicted embodiment, two annular fluid transport channels 7 are defined between the reactor 30 and the light source elements 19. In embodiments, a (minimal) distance between the reactor 30 and the light source elements 19 may define a fluid transport channel width (d4), wherein the fluid transport channel width (d4) is selected from the range of 1-5 mm. In the depicted embodiment, the two fluid transport channels 7 are depicted with an equal and constant fluid transport width (d4). However, in further embodiments, the fluid transport width (d4) may also be different for the two different fluid transport channels 7 and/or may vary along the fluid transport channels 7.

[0179] The photoreactor assembly 1 may especially comprise one or more cooling elements 95, e.g., comprising one or more fluid transport channels 7 and/or one or more thermally conductive elements 2. In FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, fluid transport channels 7 between the tubular reactor 130 and the light source elements 19 are defined by the tubular reactor 130 and the light source elements 19. Furthermore, between the wall 4 and the tubular reactor 130 (also) a fluid transport channel 7 may be defined. Comparable fluid transport channels 7 are depicted in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2. The fluid transport channel may have a width d4, e.g. in the range of 1-5 mm. Yet, in embodiments, see e.g. FIG. 2A wherein a (straight) fluid transport channel 7 is (also) configured, especially as a through opening, in the support body 45, the width d4 may be larger than 5 cm. In further embodiments, fluid channels 7 may be defined in any of the thermally conductive elements 2, especially having a width d4 that may be smaller than 5 cm, and e.g. larger than 0.5 cm. For instance in embodiments, a fluid transport channel 7 may be defined in the support body 45 starting at a first side of the body and ending at the same side of the body 45. The fluid transport channels 7 may be used for cooling. In FIGS. 1-3, the channels 7 are all in thermal contact with the reactor 30 while most of them are also in thermal contact with the light sources 10.

[0180] Hence, the reactor support element 40, especially the support body 45, may especially be solid or hollow, especially comprising a cavity and/or a fluid transport channel 7. The reactor support element 40, especially the support body 45, may further comprise a heatsink, especially comprising fins. In embodiments, the reactor support element 40, especially the support body 45, is finned. The reactor support element 40, especially the support body 45, may thus be configured for facilitating a flow of a cooling fluid 91 (e.g. air 91,92 and/or water 91,93 or another cooling liquid 91,93) through and/or along the reactor support element 40.

[0181] Elements of the cooling system 90 are further depicted in FIG. 5. The cooling system may comprise the cooling elements 95. The cooling system 90 is especially configured for transporting the cooling fluid 91 through and/or along one or more of the one or more cooling elements 95 (especially fluid transport channels 7 and/or thermally conductive elements 2). The cooling system may e.g. comprise a gas transporting device 96 for transporting a gaseous fluid 91,92, especially air 91,92 through one or more of the fluid transport channels 7 and along one or more the thermally conductive elements 2. Additionally or alternatively a liquid (cooling) fluid, 91, 93 may be used, and the cooling system may comprise a pump for transporting the liquid cooling fluid 91,93. In the embodiments of FIG. 5, for instance, the photoreactor assembly 1 comprises gas transporting devices 96, such as fans, configured for transporting air along thermally conductive elements 2 in thermal connection with the light sources 10, such as heat sinks of the light source element 19. Further a pump may be arranged to pump a liquid cooling fluid 91,93 through e.g. some of the fluid transport channels 7. In the embodiment also air 91,92 is transported through one or more of the fluid transport channels 7 via a fan 90,96,97 arranged at the top of the photoreactor assembly 1.

[0182] The light source elements 19 are in embodiments removably housed in the photoreactor assembly 1. The photoreactor assembly 1 may e.g. comprise light source element receiving elements 80 configured for removably housing the light source elements 19, as is very schematically depicted in FIG. 4. In embodiments, every single light source element 19 may be removed separately. Yet, in further embodiments, (at least part of) the light source elements 19 together form a light source unit, and the light source unit(s) may be removably housed in the light source element receiving elements 80. The light source element receiving elements 80 may therefore also define a light source unit receiving unit (for removably housing the light source unit).

[0183] In FIG. 6, features of a further embodiment of the photoreactor assembly 1 are depicted. In this embodiment, the reactor wall 35 of the tubular reactor 130 comprises an inner reactor wall 351 and an outer reactor wall 352 together defining the tubular reactor 130. Hence, in embodiments, the tube 32 may (also) have an inner wall 351 and an outer wall 352. Herein, such configuration is also called a double walled tube 32. Depending on the configuration of the light source arrangement 1010 (not depicted in the figure) the inner reactor wall 351, the outer reactor wall 352 or both walls 351, 352 are configured at least partly transmissive for the light source radiation 11. In this embodiment, the tubular arrangement define the polygon 50 (a square). In the embodiment, the fluid 100 may flow in the channel configured between the inner wall 351 and the outer wall 352. Herein such channel is also referred to as (square) annulus 137. As an alternative of the depicted embodiment, the tubular reactor 130 may also be defined by a plurality parallel tubes 32, together defining the reactor 30 (not depicted). The tube axis A2 of the plurality of tubes 32 (as well as the tube axis of the double walled tube 32) may especially also be configured parallel to the arrangement axis A1. Yet, in embodiments, the plurality of tubes 32 in such embodiment may be configured at an angle with respect to the arrangement axis A1. Such angle is especially an acute angle. Herein, the tubular arrangement 1130 of the double walled tube 32 or the (alternative) one described above comprising the plurality of tubes 32 is also named a straight tubular arrangement 1132.

[0184] The photoreactor assembly 1 described herein may be used for treating the fluid 100 with light source radiation 11. During use, the fluid 100 is provided in the reactor 30 and irradiated with the light source radiation 11. The method may comprise a batch process. Yet, the method may especially comprise a continuous process. During the continuous process, the fluid 100 is transported through the reactor 30 while irradiating the fluid 100 with the light source radiation 11. Simultaneously a cooling fluid 91 may be transported through and/or along one or more cooling elements 95 as is schematically depicted in FIG. 5.

[0185] Hence, the invention provides embodiments of a reactor 30 with light sources 10 that can easily be replaced (for instance when a certain reaction needs a specific wavelength region), and may have a very high efficiency, both in terms of light/radiation output versus power input of the source, and in capturing of the radiation by the reactants. In embodiments, the assembly 1 comprises a hexagonal enclosure formed by six or eight light source elements 19 comprising a heatsink 2, each carrying one or more COBs. The heatsinks 2 may especially facilitate cooling of the light sources 10 and maintaining the COB 10 at a low temperature (for maximum efficiency).

[0186] In embodiments, a COB 10 (with or without phosphor) and/or an array of LEDs 10 (not necessarily of the same type) is configured on a heatsink 2, especially on a heatsink in functional contact with a fluid transport channel 7, such as a heatsink arranged in a fluid transport channel. For instance, three to ten of such heatsinks 2 (configured as light source elements 19) may be slit into a frame 80 in such a way that they form a polygonal structure 50/enclosure. The fluid 100 containing (photosensitive) reactants may be flown through a tiny tube 32 that is coiled around a core comprising a body support 45 with the same polygonal shape 50 (in embodiments with rounded edges to prevent damaging of the tube 32 while coiling, taking the minimum bending radius of the tube into account, depending on the tube diameter). The core 45 and tube 32 may in embodiments be placed in the enclosure from top or bottom side. The coiled tube 32 especially extends over the whole height of the enclosure, so all radiation 11 radiated by the sources 10 may imping on the coiled tube 32, and especially no light source radiation 11 will escape from top or bottom, or imping on other parts of the enclosure.

[0187] Optical simulations have shown that with a hexagonal core 45 and a hexagonal light source arrangement 1010 the efficiency is increased by 10% compared to a hexagonal light source arrangement 1010 and a round core 45 with a diameter equal to the smallest size of the hexagon 50. The efficiency may especially be improved when the core 45 has the same polygonal shape 50 as the enclosure. The efficiency increase gradually declines (i.e., smaller benefits) with increasing number of edges 59 of the polygonal shape 50 and is a few percent or less for eight or more edges 59. The efficiency may, in embodiments, may be further increased by minimizing a distance between the tubular arrangement 1130 and the light source arrangement 1010. The light source elements 19, especially with the heatsinks 2, and with the LEDs 10 may be (easily) replaced, for instance to change the wavelength region.

[0188] FIG. 7A-C schematically depict further features of the photoreactor assembly 1. In particular, FIG. 7A-C schematically depict thermal contact between a light source 10 and a (cooling) fluid transport channel 7. In each of FIG. 1A-1C, the light source 10 and the fluid transport channel 7 are in functional contact, especially thermal contact, i.e., the fluid transport channel 7 may facilitate cooling of the light source 10. In FIG. 7A, the light source and the fluid transport channel 7 are in direct (fluid) contact. In FIG. 7B, the light source and the fluid transport channel 7 are separated by a reflective element 1011, wherein the reflective element 1011, wherein heat may dissipate from the light source 10 to the fluid transport channel 7 via the reflective element 1011. In FIG. 7C, the light source 10 and the fluid transport channel 7 are separated by a thermally conductive element 2, such as a metal block, or such as fins. Hence, in such embodiment, heat may dissipate from the light source 10 to the fluid transport channel 7 via the thermally conductive element 2.

[0189] FIG. 8A-B schematically depict features of the photoreactor assembly 1. In particular, FIGS. 8A and 8B schematically depict a reactor support element 40 configured to support the reactor 30 (not depicted). The reactor support element 40 especially comprises a support body 45. In the depicted embodiment the support body 45 comprises one or more of the one or more fluid transport channels 7. Further, in the depicted embodiments, the support element 40 may comprise a thermally conductive element 2.

[0190] Further, FIG. 8A-B also schematically depict a light source support element 140 configured to support the plurality of light sources 10 (not depicted). The light source support element 140 especially comprises a light source support body 145. In the depicted embodiment, the light source support body 145 comprises one or more of the one or more fluid transport channels 7.

[0191] Hence, the reactor support element 40 and the light source support element 140 may essentially have the same shape. Hence, the depicted embodiments, could be used either as reactor support elements 40 or as light source support elements 140.

[0192] In particular, FIG. 8A, schematically depicts an embodiment wherein the reactor support element 40 (or the light source support element 14) comprises a hollow body, wherein the hollow body comprises a support body wall 451, wherein the support body wall 451 comprises an inner support body face 452 and an outer support body face 453, wherein the inner support body face 452 defines at least one of the one or more fluid transport channels 7.

[0193] FIG. 9 schematically depicts a view from a first side (see above) of an embodiment of the photoreactor assembly 1. In the depicted embodiment, the photoreactor assembly 1 comprises a reactor 30, wherein the reactor 30 is configured for hosting a fluid 100 to be treated with light source radiation 11. The reactor 30 comprises a reactor wall 35 which is transmissive for the light source radiation 11. The photoreactor assembly 1 further comprises a light source arrangement 1010 comprising a plurality of light sources 10 configured to generate the light source radiation 11, wherein the reactor wall 35 is configured in a radiation receiving relationship with the plurality of light sources 10. The photoreactor assembly 1 further comprises one or more fluid transport channels 7 configured in functional contact with one or more of (i) the reactor 30 and (ii) one or more of the plurality of light sources 10. The photoreactor assembly further comprises a cooling system 90, especially a fan 97, configured to transport a cooling fluid 91 through the one or more fluid transport channels 7. In the depicted embodiment, the cooling system 90 may be arranged at the first side. In further embodiments, the cooling system 90 may be arranged at the second side. The cooling system 90 and the fluid transport channels 7 may provide efficient cooling of the photoreactor assembly 1, which may allow for higher levels of light source radiation 11, which may thereby improve overall performance of the photoreactor assembly 1.

[0194] FIG. 10 schematically depicts an embodiment of the photoreactor assembly 1. In the depicted embodiment, a fan 90, 96, 97 is arranged at a first side of the reactor 30, especially wherein the fan 90, 96, 97 is configured to provide an air flow from the fan towards the reactor 30. Further, in the depicted embodiment, the photoreactor assembly 1 comprises two venturi elements 150 configured to guide the air flow.

[0195] In particular, a first venturi element 150, 151 may be arranged between, with respect to the air flow, the fan 97 and the reactor 30, wherein the first venturi element is configured to constrict the space for the air flow and thereby (locally) increase the speed of the air flow.

[0196] Further, a second venturi element 150, 151 may be arranged at least partially downstream (with respect to the air flow) of the reactor 30, and may be configured to guide an air flow to openings in the photoreactor assembly 1, especially in the support body 45 (not depicted).

[0197] In further embodiments, the photoreactor assembly may comprise a first venturi element 150, 151. In further embodiments, the photoreactor assembly may comprise a second venturi element 150, 152.

[0198] The term “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0199] The terms “substantially” or “essentially” herein, and similar terms, will be understood by the person skilled in the art. The terms “substantially” or “essentially” may also include embodiments with “entirely”, “completely”, “all”, etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective substantially or essentially may also be removed. Where applicable, the term “substantially” or the term “essentially” may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, especially 99% or higher, even more especially 99.5% or higher, including 100%.

[0200] The term “comprise” includes also embodiments wherein the term “comprises” means “consists of”.

[0201] The term “and/or” especially relates to one or more of the items mentioned before and after “and/or”. For instance, a phrase “item 1 and/or item 2” and similar phrases may relate to one or more of item 1 and item 2. The term “comprising” may in an embodiment refer to “consisting of” but may in another embodiment also refer to “containing at least the defined species and optionally one or more other species”.

[0202] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

[0203] The devices, apparatus, or systems may herein amongst others be described during operation. As will be clear to the person skilled in the art, the invention is not limited to methods of operation, or devices, apparatus, or systems in operation.

[0204] The term “further embodiment” and similar terms may refer to an embodiment comprising the features of the previously discussed embodiment, but may also refer to an alternative embodiment.

[0205] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0206] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.

[0207] Use of the verb “to comprise” and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

[0208] The article “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0209] The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In a device claim, or an apparatus claim, or a system claim, enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0210] The invention also provides a control system that may control the device, apparatus, or system, or that may execute the herein described method or process. Yet further, the invention also provides a computer program product, when running on a computer which is functionally coupled to or comprised by the device, apparatus, or system, controls one or more controllable elements of such device, apparatus, or system.

[0211] The invention further applies to a device, apparatus, or system comprising one or more of the characterizing features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings. The invention further pertains to a method or process comprising one or more of the characterizing features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings.

[0212] The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined in order to provide additional advantages. Further, the person skilled in the art will understand that embodiments can be combined, and that also more than two embodiments can be combined. Furthermore, some of the features can form the basis for one or more divisional applications.