In-flow photoreactor system and method

Abstract

The photoreactor system 100 that is configured to break down contaminants in a solution includes a flow bed 102, a catalyst 104 coupled to a surface of the flow bed 102, and a UV light source 108 configured to emit UV light towards the catalyst 104. The photoreactor system 100 may also include an outlet 106 for disposing the solution over the flow bed 102. The catalyst 104 includes titanium dioxide. The outlet 106 may include a sprayer configured to emit the contaminant containing solution onto the flow bed 102 in a low-flow droplet form 110. The UV light may be collected in optical waveguides 112 coupled to the flow bed 102 to enhance the activation of the catalyst 104 on the flow bed 102.

Description

IN-FLOW PHOTOREACTOR SYSTEM AND METHODCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent application No. 63 / 544,530, filed October 17th, 2023, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] The disclosure generally relates to photoreactors and, more particularly, to photoreactors capable of breaking down Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs).INTRODUCTION

[0003] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

[0004] Organic solvents, controlled substances and toxic chemicals found in water supplies are CECs which cause potential significant impact on human health and aquatic life. Known methods for the removal and destruction of these chemicals requires a variety of processes that include absorbent materials, distillation, and incineration. However, these processes are inefficient and costly to implement.

[0005] Other less common methods include sonication or batch reactions, but these methods are not suitable for scaling up from a bench test to a functional industrial sized model. For instance, batch systems work well for small batches on laboratory benches. However, due to issues with light penetration through water and shielding by catalyst particles, most of the batch will not be exposed to the necessary amount of UV light. This issue makes simple scale up of a batch reactor from a beaker to a vat impractical.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a continuing need for a photoreactor system that may be more economically utilized while enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of breaking down CECs. Desirably, the photoreactor system may be implemented on an industrial scale.SUMMARY

[0007] In concordance with the present disclosure, an efficient and economical photoreactor system that effectively breaks down CECs has surprisingly been discovered.

[0008] The photoreactor system a flow bed, a catalyst coupled to a surface of the flow bed, an outlet oriented towards the flow bed, and a UV light source configured to emit UV light towards the catalyst. Provided as a non-limiting example, the catalyst may include titanium dioxide. The outlet may be configured to emit the contaminant containing solution onto the flow bed. In a specific example, the outlet may include a sprayer. The sprayer may emit the solution onto the flow bed in a low-flow droplet form. This low-flow droplet form may cause an increase in surface tension which stresses the bonds of the molecules in and near the surface layer making them easier to break. Without being bound to any particular theory, it is believed that by using the low-flow droplets of the solution being sprayed onto the surface of the flow bed with the catalyst, the rate and the number of contaminants being broken down may be enhanced.

[0009] The photoreactor system may be used in various ways to break down contaminants in a solution. For instance, the photoreactor system may be used according to a method. The method may include a step of providing a photoreactor system having a flow bed, a catalyst coupled to a surface of the flow bed, an outlet oriented towards the flow bed, and a UV light source configured to emit UV light towards the catalyst. The outlet may include a sprayer configured to emit the solution onto the flow bed in a low-flow droplet form. Next, the solution may be sprayed onto the flow bed. More specifically, the solution may be sprayed in a low-flow droplet form. Afterwards, a contaminant in the solution may be broken down as it interacts with the catalyst on the surface of the flow bed and the UV light.

[0010] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.DRAWINGS

[0011] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the photoreactor system, further depicting the solution being recycled, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the photoreactor system in a cascading design, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a front elevational cross-sectioned view of the photoreactor system in a cone-shaped design, further depicting an inner channel that may pump a solution to an apex of the cone and then allows the solution to flow over the outer surface of the cone into a basin, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a front elevational cross-sectioned view of the photoreactor system in a cylindrical design with beads, further depicting where beads may be disposed in an interior channel of the cylinder, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the photoreactor system in a cylindrical design with beads, as shown in FIG. 4, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 6 is a front elevational view a photoreactor system in a cascading design, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 7 is a right-side elevational view the photoreactor system in a cascading design, as shown in FIG. 6, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the photoreactor system in a cascading design, as shown in FIGS. 6-7, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 9 is a right-side perspective view of the flow beds in the cascading design, as shown in FIGS. 6-8, further depicting the optical wave guides coupled to the flow beds, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the flow beds in the cascading design, as shown in FIG. 9, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of one of the cascading flow beds, as a shown in FIGS. 9-10, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of a waveguide, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 13 is an exploded front perspective view of the photoreactor system, further depicting a UV source disposed adjacently to the cascading flow beds, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0025] FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a deflection wall of the photoreactor system, further depicting the deflection wall to be disposed in a V-shape and may be reflective, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0026] FIG. 15 is a flow diagram depicting a method of using the photoreactor system, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following description of technology is merely exemplary in nature of the subject matter, manufacture and use of one or more inventions, and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or uses of any specific invention claimed in this application or in such other applications as may be filed claiming priority to this application, or patents issuing therefrom. Regarding methods disclosed, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps can be different in various embodiments, including where certain steps can be simultaneously performed. “A” and “an” as used herein indicate “at least one” of the item is present; a plurality of such items may be present, when possible. Except where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description are to be understood as modified by the word “about” and all geometric and spatial descriptors are to be understood as modified by the word “substantially” in describing the broadest scope of the technology. “About” when applied to numerical values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by “about” and / or “substantially” is not otherwise understood in the ail with this ordinary meaning, then “about” and / or “substantially” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters.

[0028] Although the open-ended term “comprising,” as a synonym of non-restrictive terms such as including, containing, or having, is used herein to describe and claim embodiments of the present technology, embodiments may alternatively be described using more limiting terms such as “consisting of’ or “consisting essentially of.” Thus, for any given embodiment reciting materials, components, or process steps, the present technology also specifically includes embodiments consisting of, or consisting essentially of, such materials, components, or process steps excluding additional materials, components or processes (for consisting of) and excluding additionalmaterials, components or processes affecting the significant properties of the embodiment (for consisting essentially of), even though such additional materials, components or processes are not explicitly recited in this application. For example, recitation of a composition or process reciting elements A, B and C specifically envisions embodiments consisting of, and consisting essentially of, A, B and C, excluding an element D that may be recited in the art, even though element D is not explicitly described as being excluded herein.

[0029] As referred to herein, disclosures of ranges are, unless specified otherwise, inclusive of endpoints and include all distinct values and further divided ranges within the entire range. Thus, for example, a range of “from A to B” or “from about A to about B” is inclusive of A and of B. Disclosure of values and ranges of values for specific parameters (such as amounts, weight percentages, etc.) are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values useful herein. It is envisioned that two or more specific exemplified values for a given parameter may define endpoints for a range of values that may be claimed for the parameter. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that Parameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping, or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may have other ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3, 3-10, 3-9, and so on.

[0030] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (c.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0031] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layersand / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0032] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the FIG. is turned over, elements described as “below”, or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, a photoreactor system 100 configured to break down contaminants in a solution includes a flow bed 102, a catalyst 104 coupled to a surface of the flow bed 102, an outlet 106 oriented towards the flow bed 102, and a UV light source 108 configured to emit UV light towards the catalyst 104. Provided as a non-limiting example, the catalyst 104 may include titanium dioxide. In a specific example, the outlet 106 may include a sprayer 106. The sprayer 106 may be configured to emit the contaminant containing solution onto the flow bed 102. In a specific example, the sprayer 106 may emit the solution onto the flow bed 102 in a low-flow droplet form 110. This low-flow droplet form 110 may cause an increase in surface tension which stresses the bonds of the molecules in and near the surface layer making them easier to break. Without being bound to any particular theory, it is believed that by using the low-flow droplets 110 of the solution being sprayed onto the surface of the flow bed 102 with the catalyst 104, the rate and the number of contaminants being broken down may be enhanced.

[0034] The relevant photocatalytic process used may involve activating TiCF with UV light. The specific form of TiO used may include the anatase structure. This structure is highly susceptible to electron ejection according to Einstein’s Photoelectric Effect. When a photon of a specific wavelength, impacts a valence electron of compatible energy, the electron is ejected fromthe molecule. In a catalyst process, instead of generating an electric current this electron facilitates the formation of a reactive ion. Due to manufacturing constraints, TiOz may be produced as mixture of crystal structures. The experiments conducted at Purdue Northwest, provided as a non-limiting example below, used a mixture of predominantly anatase TiOz and a lesser percentage of rutile TiOz. Blends like these will be common for almost any technical grade of TiOz and are generally acceptable. While the presence of rutile structure may not specifically help the photocatalytic process, there is no evidence to suggest that it impedes the process.

[0035] The use of UV light with TiOz may be utilized for air and water purification. Most approaches use high energy photons in the UVC range. This is because TiOz has a work function of 4.4 eV, meaning that the UV light needed to eject an electron is in the range of 280nm ± 20nm. The electron can then be picked up by an Oz molecule and facilitates the formation of a hydroxyl free radicle (HO*). The generated ions can then initiate redox reactions to break harmful organic molecules down into substances that can be released into the environment. HO» is an extremely short-lived species. It has a reported half-life of 1 ns and diffusion limited rate constants on the order of 109 ms making the reaction most probable near the surface of the TiOz. This time constraint provides a significant obstacle in producing a practical photoreactor for anything more than research purposes. However, if Oz is introduced into the system the work function of the TiOz can come down as far as 2.7 eV, which allows the use of lower energy photons (400nm ± 20nm) in the UVA range. It is believed that these wavelengths favor the production of superoxide 02- •, which is longer lived and allows for the dispersion through a volume of water.

[0036] The flow bed 102 may be provided in various ways and constructed from various materials. For instance, as shown in FIG. 1, the flow bed 102 may be disposed on an incline. In a specific example, the incline of the flow bed 102 may be between around 1 degree to around 89 degrees. In a more specific example, the include of the flow bed 102 may be between around 25 degrees to around 65 degrees. In an even more specific example, the incline of the flow bed 102 may be around 45 degrees. The incline of the flow bed 102 may advantageously allow the solution to be sprayed onto the flow bed 102 and then flow off of the flow bed 102 to be collected. As the solution flows down the surface of the flow bed 102, the droplets of solution continue to interact with the catalyst 104, furthering the breakdown of the contaminant(s). Each individual impact of the solution droplets is a discrete event causing the greater interaction with catalyst 104 and CEC. This is important because the expected length of time for the reaction to proceed may be too short to allowfor electrons to penetrate any significant distance from the catalyst surface. Desirably, the incline of the flow bed 102 may also allow the catalyst 104 coupled to the surface of the flow bed 102 to be oriented at a predetermined angle selected for enhancing the efficiency of the UV light source 108.

[0037] In certain circumstances, the surface of the flow bed 102 may be shaped to enhance the interaction between the catalyst 104, the low-flow droplets 110 of the solution, and the UV light source 108. For instance, the movement of the solution over the flow bed 102 may cause the smoothing of the catalyst 104, which make standard designs susceptible to significant decreases in functionality over time. It was discovered that defects in the crystal structure may cause voids that strip electrons from available oxygen in hydrated environments. It is this mechanism that causes the decrease in work function that may allow for the use of lower energy photons. The surface of the flow bed 102 of the present disclosure may be uneven. More specifically, the flow bed 102 may have a roughed surface where the catalyst 104 is able to be replaced or roughed either chemically or physically after periods of use.

[0038] The UV light source 108 of the present disclosure may be provided in various ways. For instance, the UV light source 108 may include natural light from the sun. In an alternative example, the UV light source 108 may include artificial light, such as a light emitting diode (LED). In a specific example, the UV light source 108 of the photoreactor system 100 may include both natural light and artificial light. The UV light source 108 may be configured to provide UV light in the UVC range and / or the UVA range.

[0039] In certain circumstances, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 8-13, the photoreactor system 100 may include an optical waveguide 112 configured to distribute and / or harvest the UV light. The optical waveguide 112 may be shaped generally cylindrically and elongated to form a fiber. The optical waveguide 112 may include a core, a plurality of nanostructures positioned on or embedded into the core, and a cladding formed over the core and nanostructures. The core may be formed from PMMA, silicone elastomers, organic elastomers, transparent polymers, or other materials having similar properties related to flexibility, stretchability, and temperature tolerance. The nanostructures may be formed from solids (c.g., nanoparticlcs) or defects, such as aluminum oxide, gold, glass, sugar, diamond and cracks and defects at the surface of the core. The nanostructures are formed to provide scattering centers for the light in the core, the cladding, and the surroundings. The nanostructures may be affixed to or embedded onto an exterior surface of the core. The cladding may be formed from PMMA, silicone elastomers, organic elastomers, transparent polymers, or other materials havingsimilar properties for performing the functions described below. The cladding may encapsulate or at least partially insulate the core and nanostructures and provide mechanical stability to the nanostructures as well as a difference in the refractive index relative to the core and the surroundings. The optical waveguide 112 may be configured to distribute UV light to the surface of the flow bed 102. For instance, the optical waveguide 112 may be disposed adjacent to and substantially parallel with the surface of the flow bed 102. In another specific example, the optical waveguide 112 may be at least partially disposed within the flow bed 102. More specifically, the optical waveguide 112 may have an embedded portion 114 and a non-embedded portion 116. The embedded portion 114 may be disposed within the flow bed 102. The non-embedded portion 116 may be disposed outside of the flow bed 102. Advantageously, the non-embedded portion 116 may harvest UV light from the UV light source 108. The harvested UV light may be transmitted throughout the optical waveguide 112 to the embedded portion 114, thereby distributing the UV light to the areas surrounding the embedded portion 114 such as the surface of the flow bed 102. Desirably, the use of the waveguides to harvest and distribute UV light to the flow bed 102 may enable a stationary system that does not necessarily require the flow bed 102 to be oriented towards a predetermined angle of the UV light source 108. For instance, the optical waveguide 112 may harvest light from a plurality of directions, whereas the surface of the flow bed 102 may need to be reoriented as the angle of the sun or the artificial light changes to provide optimal UV light collection. In certain circumstances, the optical waveguide 112 may encapsulate photoactive materials, nanostructures or nanoparticles that absorb light in certain frequency range and emit light in another frequency range. Such photoluminescent waveguides can expose specific sections of the photoreactor with specific light frequencies. In some circumstances, the waveguide’s light conversion and emission processes can be supported or controlled by external fields or forces, by internal or external sources of energy. For instance, UV light source 108 may include additional light sources such as light emitting diodes which may be embedded or integrated into the optical waveguide 112. In another specific, non-limiting example, as shown in FIGS. 6-8, and 13-14, the photoreactor system 100 may include deflection walls 117 angled to reflect and / or deflect light towards the optical wavcguidc(s) 112.

[0040] In certain circumstances, the sprayer 106 may reduce and / or eliminate the need for an external oxygenation source as would be normally required in known photoreactor systems. For instance, the sprayer 106 may enable the droplets to receive adequate oxygenation without the needfor a specific oxygen pump. One skilled in the ail may select other suitable ways to provide adequate oxygenation to the photoreactor system 100, within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0041] In certain circumstances, the photoreactor system 100 may be provided in various ways. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 2, 6, 8-9, and 13, the photoreactor system 100 may include a plurality of flow beds and provided as a cascading ramp design 118 having a plurality of flow beds positioned so that the solution cascades over each of the plurality of flow beds. In another non-limiting example, as shown in FIG. 3, the photoreactor system 100 may be provided as a cone-shaped design 120. The apex of the cone-shaped design 120 may include the outlet 106. Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 4-5, the photoreactor system 100 may be provided as a cylindrically shaped design 122 with catalyst 104 coated sphere s / beads. It should be appreciated that FIGS. 2-13 are illustrative in nature. For instance, the geometries of the systems may be adjusted, and the use of water may be substituted with another suitable solution. In each design, a pump 124 may be utilized to transport the solution from a basin 126 to a sprayer 106. Additionally, each design includes a catalyst 104 covered surface, such as the exterior surface of the ramps, the exterior surface of the cone, and / or the outer surface of the spheres / beads. One skilled in the art may select other suitable designs for providing the photoreactor system 100, within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0042] The photoreactor system 100 may be used in various ways to break down contaminants in a solution. For instance, as shown in FIG. 15, the photoreactor system 100 may be used according to a method 200. The method 200 may include a step of providing a photoreactor system 100 having a flow bed 102, a catalyst 104 coupled to a surface of the flow bed 102, an outlet 106 oriented towards the flow bed 102, and a UV light source 108 configured to emit UV light towards the catalyst 104. The outlet 106 may include a sprayer 106 configured to emit the solution onto the flow bed 102. Next, the solution may be sprayed onto the flow bed 102. More specifically, the solution may be sprayed in a low-flow droplet form 110. Afterwards, a contaminant in the solution may be broken down as it interacts with the catalyst 104 on the surface of the flow bed 102 and the UV light. One skilled in the art may select other suitable ways of the using the photoreactor system 100, within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0043] In certain circumstances, the solution may be recycled in the photoreactor system 100. For instance, the photoreactor system 100 may include a first reservoir 128 and a second reservoir 130. The sprayer 106 may be fluidly coupled with the first reservoir 128. The second reservoir 130 may be configured to collect the solution after the solution is sprayed onto the flow bed 102. In aspecific example, the first reservoir 128 and the second reservoir 130 may be fluidly coupled together and the photoreactor system 100 further includes a pump 124 disposed between the first reservoir 128 and the second reservoir 130. The method 200 may further include a step 210 of engaging the pump 124 to transport the solution from the second reservoir 130 to the first reservoir 128 after the step 206 of breaking down a contaminant in the solution. Advantageously, the solution may be recycled to undergo multiple passes over the flow bed 102 to further the breakdown of any remaining contaminants. In certain circumstances, it is believed that a colder catalyst 104 may produce more electrons and a warmer solution may speed the reaction. A skilled artisan may select other suitable ways for recycling the solution and optimizing the efficiency of the reaction, within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0044] One significant advantage of the photoreactor system 100 of the present disclosure is that photocatalysis can break down a wide variety of water-soluble molecules that are otherwise durable, can pass through standard filters and find their way into the environment. Other desirable benefits of the photoreactor 100 of the present disclosure is that it is relatively inexpensive to operate and there is no inclusion of reduction chemicals that must be removed. The photoreactor 100 of the present disclosure has an added advantage over known reactors in that it adds oxygenation to the process without the need of a specific oxygenation pump. This inclusion lowers the total energy needed for the process. Based on the reactor design 100, it is expected that the photoreactor may successfully break down a wide range of compounds including drugs, firefighting foams, insecticides, and industrial chemicals, etc. In addition, work done at Purdue University Northwest has confirmed the reactor functionality by successfully breaking several examples including PFOA.Example: PFOA Elimination Results

[0045] Provided as a non-limiting example, the results below summarize the data from Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) elimination experiments. The starting material was a 25-ppm solution of PFOA in RO water. The sample was split into two 200 ml portions. The first portion was left as a control. 10 mg of Degussa P24 and sufficient H2SO4 to buffer to pH 2.5 was added to portion 2. Both portions were set in the Purdue Northwest greenhouse for several days’ exposure to sunlight. Both portions were placed on a magnetic stir plate for gentle mixing. The data in Table 1 below represents two separate runs.

[0046] The concentration of PFOA was determined with a Thermo Scientific Ultimate 3000 HPLC. Data on the incident sunlight was estimated from the recorded information on a commercial solar pannel less that 2 miles from the Purdue Northwest greenhouse. The Flouride (F ) concentration was determined with a HACH DR2700 reader using the SPADNS2 (arsnic free) Flouride reagent.Table 1

[0047] The final sample from run 2 was 13.8 ppm after 4.0 x 104J / cm2of incident sunlight, a decrease pf 11.2 ppm. If this represented total destruction for the PFOA molecule, we would expect to see 7.7 ppm pf F ’. Testing done at the Midwest Contract Operators (MCO) of the Kouts waste water treatment facility test found 7.1 ppm.

[0048] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. Equivalent changes, modifications and variations of someembodiments, materials, compositions, and methods can be made within the scope of the present technology, with substantially similar results.

Claims

CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A photoreactor system configured to break down contaminants in a solution, comprising: a flow bed; a catalyst coupled to a surface of the flow bed; and a UV light source configured to emit UV light towards the catalyst.

2. The photoreactor system of Claim 1, further comprising an outlet for disposing the solution over the flow bed.

3. The photoreactor system of Claim 1, wherein the outlet is a sprayer oriented towards the flow bed, the sprayer configured to emit the solution onto the flow bed.

4. The photoreactor system of Claim 1, wherein the flow bed is inclined.

5. The photoreactor system of Claim 1, wherein the catalyst includes titanium dioxide.

6. The photoreactor system of Claim 1, wherein the surface of the flow bed is uneven.

7. The photorcactor system of Claim 1, wherein the UV light source is natural light from the sun.

8. The photoreactor system of Claim 1, wherein the UV light source is a light emitting diode(LED).

9. The photoreactor system of Claim 1, further comprising an optical waveguide configured to at least one of distribute and harvest the UV light.

10. The photoreactor system of Claim 9, wherein the optical waveguide is at least partially disposed within the flow bed.

11. The photoreactor system of Claim 4, wherein the flow bed includes a plurality of flow beds positioned so that the sofution cascades over each of the plurafity of flow beds.

12. The photoreactor system of Claim 4, wherein the flow bed is conically shaped.

13. The photoreactor system of Claim 2, wherein the flow bed is cylindrically shaped having plurality of catalyst coated spheres disposed within the flow bed.

14. The photoreactor system of Claim 3, further comprising a first reservoir and a second reservoir, the sprayer is fluidly coupled with the first reservoir and the second reservoir is configured to collect the solution after the solution is sprayed onto the flow bed.

15. The photoreactor system of Claim 14, wherein the first reservoir and the second reservoir are fluidly coupled together and the photoreactor system further includes a pump disposed that recycles the solution from the second reservoir back to the first reservoir.

16. A method of using a photoreactor system to break down contaminants in a solution, the method comprising the steps of: disposing the solution from an outlet onto a flow bed; emitting UV light towards the catalyst coupled to a surface of the flow bed; and breaking down a contaminant in the solution.

17. The method of Claim 16, wherein the solution is sprayed onto the flow bed.

18. The method of Claim 14, further comprising a step of collecting UV light in a nonembedded portion of an optical waveguide coupled to the flow bed.

19. The method of Claim 18, wherein the collected UV light is dispersed to an embedded portion of the optical waveguide.

20. The method of Claim 16, further comprising a step of recycling solution back to the outlet via a pump.

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