Model-based optimization of photochemical reactors: Single- and multi-lamp reactors

One of the emerging technologies for water purification are the Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) which use hydroxyl radicals as oxidant. The performance of the AOP can be increased by increasing the amount of hydroxyl radicals produced. This is possible by using high energy electromagnetic waves, usually UV-radiation. These are the socalled photochemical AOPs which are carried out in a photochemical reactor. This reactor consists of a vessel in which one or more UV-lamps are present in order to irradiate the water. However, the use of these lamps gives rise to a relatively high energy and operating cost. A prediction of the operation and energy costs is possible based on mathematical models. [1]