Dimensionless Analysis of Photocatalytic Reactors Using Suspended Solid Photocatalysts

Model simulations show that at a scattering albedo higher than 0.3, radiation scattering can significantly affect conversions obtained at different values of optical thickness. The conversions with the idealized flow systems follow the sequence: FFLF > PF > SF. The models estimate the optimum value of apparent optical thickness that maximizes conversion in a photocatalytic reactor, which was found to be in the range from 1.8 to 3.4 depending on flow conditions and reaction kinetics.