Modular multi-chamber photocatalytic reactor
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522498912.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-11-03
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-11-25
AI Technical Summary
Traditional photocatalytic reactors have a single-chamber structure, resulting in low catalytic efficiency, which cannot meet the requirements for efficient wastewater treatment.
It adopts a modular multi-chamber design, combining a catalytic lamp that runs through the entire process with a filter plate with a catalyst coating to increase the reaction path length and catalyst contact area. Through the synergistic design of catalytic particles, reflective coating, aeration components, etc., a multi-level catalytic reaction system is constructed, and it is equipped with an intermittent backwashing component and a controllable aeration and stirring structure.
It significantly improves catalytic efficiency, enhances pollutant degradation, ensures catalyst activity and equipment stability, and adapts to different treatment scale requirements.
Smart Images

Figure CN224930333U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the technical field of wastewater treatment, and in particular to modular multi-chamber photocatalytic reactors. Background Technology
[0002] As a highly efficient environmental remediation device, photocatalytic reactors have been widely used in wastewater treatment, air purification and other fields in recent years.
[0003] The photocatalytic reactor includes a shell with a hollow interior to form a chamber for catalytic reaction. A photocatalytic lamp is fixed on the inner wall of the shell, and a catalyst coating is applied to the inner wall of the chamber. Wastewater enters the shell and comes into contact with the catalyst coating while being irradiated by the photocatalytic lamp to react, thus completing the wastewater treatment process.
[0004] Traditional photocatalytic sensors have a single-chamber structure, which results in low catalytic efficiency. Utility Model Content
[0005] To improve the catalytic efficiency of photocatalytic reactors, this application provides a modular multi-chamber photocatalytic reactor.
[0006] The modular multi-chamber photocatalytic reactor provided in this application adopts the following technical solution: The modular multi-chamber photocatalytic reactor includes a top shell, unit shells, and a bottom shell. The unit shells are located between the top and bottom shells, and multiple unit shells are provided. Adjacent unit shells are connected by flanges at both ends. The top shell, bottom shell, and all unit shells form a chamber. The chamber is vertical. An overflow port is provided on the top shell, and an inlet pipe is connected to the bottom shell. Filter plates are fixed inside the unit shells. The filter plates are coated with a catalyst coating. The filter plates separate the upper and lower spaces of the unit shells. A catalytic lamp is installed in the chamber. The catalytic lamp penetrates all filter plates vertically and penetrates the top shell at the top. The catalytic lamp is fixed to the top shell.
[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, the reactor is designed as a modular structure with multiple unit shells. Compared with the traditional single-chamber structure, this greatly increases the reaction space and the reaction path length of the wastewater. After the wastewater enters from the bottom shell inlet pipe, it needs to pass through the filter plates in each unit shell in sequence and make full contact with the catalyst coating on the filter plates. At the same time, the catalytic lamps that run through the entire process can provide all-round and continuous irradiation to the wastewater in each unit shell, making the photocatalytic reaction more complete and effectively improving the catalytic efficiency. Moreover, the modular design makes it easy to increase or decrease the number of unit shells according to the treatment needs, which is more flexible.
[0008] Optionally, catalytic particles are filled between adjacent unit shells, and the catalytic particles are located between adjacent filter plates.
[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, the catalytic particles between adjacent filter plates further increase the contact area between the catalyst and the wastewater. When the wastewater flows through the gap between adjacent unit shells, in addition to reacting with the catalyst coating on the filter plates, it can also interact with the catalytic particles to form a multi-level catalytic reaction system, which further enhances the catalytic effect and improves the degradation efficiency of pollutants in wastewater.
[0010] Optionally, each of the unit shells is provided with an intermittent assembly, which includes a first motor, a first gear, a first gear ring, a fixed pipe, and a backwash pipe. One end of the backwash pipe is rotatably connected to one end of the fixed pipe and is internally connected. The other end of the backwash pipe extends into the unit shell and is located above the filter plate. The backwash pipe is rotatably connected to the unit shell. The end of the fixed pipe away from the backwash pipe is used to connect to an external water source. The first motor is fixed on the outer wall of the unit shell and its output end is fixed to the first gear. The first gear ring is fixed on the backwash pipe, and the first gear meshes with the first gear ring. Multiple nozzles are provided on the backwash pipe, and adjacent nozzles are spaced apart along the length of the backwash pipe.
[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, when the filter plates experience catalyst coating contaminant adhesion or blockage due to long-term use, backwashing maintenance can be performed through intermittent components. External water enters the backwash pipe through a fixed pipe and is then sprayed out by multiple nozzles. Simultaneously, a first motor drives a first gear to rotate, which in turn drives the backwash pipe to rotate through a first gear ring. This allows the nozzles to thoroughly and evenly rinse the filter plates, promptly removing contaminants from the filter plate surface, ensuring the activity of the catalyst coating and the permeability of the filter plates, preventing a decrease in catalytic efficiency due to filter plate blockage or catalyst deactivation, and extending the stable operating time of the reactor.
[0012] Optionally, the bottom shell is provided with an aeration assembly, which includes an aeration pipe, an aeration head, and an air pump. One end of the aeration pipe is connected to the air pump, and the other end extends into the bottom shell and is connected to the aeration head.
[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, an air pump delivers air through an aeration pipe to the aeration head, which then releases bubbles into the wastewater inside the bottom shell, increasing the dissolved oxygen content in the wastewater. During the photocatalytic reaction, sufficient dissolved oxygen promotes the generation of reactive oxygen species, thereby enhancing the oxidative degradation capacity of organic pollutants in the wastewater. Simultaneously, the rising bubbles also agitate the wastewater, reducing stratification and ensuring more uniform contact between the wastewater and the catalyst, thus improving the overall catalytic effect.
[0014] Optionally, the aeration head is circular, and multiple paddles are fixed on the top of the aeration head. All paddles are radially distributed with the center of the aeration head as the center. A connecting pipe is provided between the aeration head and the aeration pipe. One end of the connecting pipe is connected to the inside of the aeration head, and the other end passes through the bottom shell and is connected to the aeration pipe. The connecting pipe is rotatably connected to both the bottom shell and the aeration pipe.
[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the aeration head releases bubbles while rotating, which in turn causes the top vanes to rotate synchronously, creating a stronger stirring effect on the sewage in the bottom shell. This breaks the static state of the sewage, allowing it to flow upward more quickly and evenly, avoiding situations where local sewage stays for too long or the reaction is insufficient. This further improves the contact efficiency between the sewage and the catalyst and light, enhancing the uniformity and thoroughness of the catalytic reaction.
[0016] Optionally, a second motor is fixed on the outer wall of the bottom shell, a second gear is fixed on the rotating end of the second motor, and a second gear ring is fixed on the outer wall of the connecting pipe, with the second gear meshing with the second gear ring.
[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the second motor can actively drive the connecting pipe and aeration head to rotate through the meshing transmission of the second gear and the second gear ring. The rotation speed is more stable and controllable, and the stirring effect of the paddle is stronger and more uniform. The speed of the second motor can be adjusted according to the concentration of wastewater and treatment requirements, and the stirring intensity can be flexibly controlled to ensure that the wastewater can be fully mixed under different working conditions, thus ensuring the stability of catalytic efficiency.
[0018] Optionally, the inner wall of the cavity is coated with a reflective coating.
[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the reflective coating can reflect the light emitted by the catalytic lamp, reduce light loss, significantly improve the light intensity in the chamber, and allow light to reach every corner of the chamber, including areas that are difficult to cover in traditional designs. This ensures that the wastewater receives sufficient light throughout the chamber, further promoting the photocatalytic reaction and improving catalytic efficiency.
[0020] Optionally, the top shell is provided with a flared area at the end away from the unit section, the inner diameter of the flared area is larger than the inner diameter of the top shell near the unit shell, and the overflow port is located in the flared area.
[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the flared area increases the spatial volume of the top shell. When the treated sewage rises to the top shell and is discharged from the overflow port, it can effectively slow down the flow rate of the sewage, avoid the direct discharge of incompletely reacted sewage due to excessive sewage flow, reduce the risk of sewage overflow, ensure that the treated sewage can fully complete the reaction process, and further improve the effect and stability of sewage treatment.
[0022] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. The modular multi-unit shell combination structure, combined with the catalytic lamp that runs through the entire process and the filter plate with catalyst coating, significantly increases the reaction path of wastewater and the catalyst contact area, extends the reaction time, and makes the photocatalytic reaction more complete, effectively solving the problem of low catalytic efficiency of traditional single chamber reactors; 2. Through the synergistic design of catalytic particles, reflective coatings, and aeration components, a multi-level catalytic reaction system was constructed, which improved the light utilization rate and wastewater mixing uniformity, further enhanced the pollutant degradation effect, and the modular design can flexibly adapt to different treatment scale requirements. 3. The intermittent backwashing component and controllable aeration and stirring structure ensure the permeability of the filter plates and the activity of the catalyst, reduce equipment malfunctions, extend stable operating time, and improve the practicality and ease of maintenance of the reactor. Catalyst particles, under aeration, should flow upwards and adhere tightly to the upper filter plates. At this time, the rotating nozzles backwash the filter plates, preventing catalyst particles from clogging them and ensuring their fluidity. Attached Figure Description
[0023] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a sectional view of the internal structure of the unit shell; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of section A in the middle.
[0024] In the diagram, 1. Top shell; 11. Overflow port; 2. Unit shell; 21. Filter plate; 3. Bottom shell; 31. Liquid inlet pipe; 4. Chamber; 5. Catalytic lamp; 6. Intermittent assembly; 61. First motor; 62. First gear; 63. First gear ring; 64. Fixed pipe; 65. Backwash pipe; 66. Nozzle; 7. Aeration assembly; 71. Aeration pipe; 72. Aeration head; 73. Air pump; 74. Connecting pipe; 75. Paddle; 76. Second motor; 77. Second gear; 78. Second gear ring; 8. Flange area. Detailed Implementation
[0025] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1-3 This application will be described in further detail.
[0026] This application discloses a modular multi-chamber photocatalytic reactor, which aims to solve the problem of low catalytic efficiency in traditional single-chamber photocatalytic reactors. Through multi-chamber modular design, multi-dimensional catalytic enhancement, and convenient operation and maintenance structure, it achieves efficient wastewater treatment.
[0027] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The modular multi-chamber photocatalytic reactor includes a top shell 1, unit shells 2, and a bottom shell 3. Multiple unit shells 2 are located between the top shell 1 and the bottom shell 3. Adjacent unit shells 2 are detachably connected end-to-end via flanges. The bottom of the top shell 1 is connected to the flange of the uppermost unit shell 2, and the top of the bottom shell 3 is connected to the flange of the lowermost unit shell 2. The top shell 1, bottom shell 3, and all unit shells 2 together form a vertical chamber 4, providing space for the photocatalytic reaction of wastewater. An overflow port 11 is provided on the top shell 1 for discharging treated wastewater. An inlet pipe 31 is connected to the side wall of the bottom shell 3 for supplying wastewater to be treated into the chamber 4. A valve can be installed on the inlet pipe 31 to control the inlet flow rate as needed.
[0028] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Each unit shell 2 is equipped with a filter plate 21. The filter plate 21 is horizontally positioned and sealed to the inner wall of the unit shell 2. The filter plate 21 separates the upper and lower spaces of the unit shell 2, requiring wastewater to pass through the filter plate 21 to flow between the unit shells 2. The surface of the filter plate 21 is uniformly coated with a catalyst coating, which can be a commonly used photocatalytic material, such as titanium dioxide-based composite material, to provide active sites for the photocatalytic reaction. A catalytic lamp 5 is installed in the chamber 4. The catalytic lamp 5 is vertically positioned, penetrates all the filter plates 21, and there are two of them. The top of the catalytic lamp penetrates the top shell 1 and is sealed to the top shell 1. The catalytic lamp 5 can be an ultraviolet catalytic lamp, and its length is adapted to the overall height of the chamber 4 to ensure that the wastewater in each unit shell 2 is fully irradiated.
[0029] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 To further enhance the catalytic effect, the gaps between adjacent unit shells 2 are filled with catalytic particles. The catalytic particles are located between two adjacent filter plates 21. The catalytic particles can be granular catalysts with the same material as or complementary to the catalyst coating on the filter plate 21. Their particle size is moderate, which can ensure that the sewage can pass through smoothly and increase the contact area with the sewage, forming a multi-level catalytic system in which the coating of the filter plate 21 and the granular catalyst work together. The particle size of the catalytic particles cannot pass through the filter plate 21, and the catalytic particles are not shown in the figure.
[0030] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The inner wall of chamber 4 is uniformly coated with a reflective coating. The reflective coating can be a high-reflectivity metal coating or a special reflective material, which can reflect the light emitted by the catalytic lamp 5, reduce the light loss to the outer wall of chamber 4, increase the light intensity in chamber 4, and at the same time allow the light to cover the corner areas inside chamber 4, avoid blind spots, and ensure that the wastewater is sufficiently illuminated throughout the flow process, so as to promote the full progress of photocatalytic reaction.
[0031] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Each unit housing 2 is equipped with an intermittent assembly 6, which is used to periodically backwash the filter plates 21 to prevent clogging of the filter plates 21 or contaminant adhesion to the catalyst coating, which would lead to a decrease in activity. The intermittent assembly 6 includes a first motor 61, a first gear 62, a first gear ring 63, a fixed pipe 64, and a backwash pipe 65. The backwash pipe 65 is horizontally arranged, with one end extending to the outside of the unit housing 2 and rotatably connected to one end of the fixed pipe 64 via a rotary joint. The backwash pipe 65 communicates internally with the fixed pipe 64. The end of the fixed pipe 64 away from the backwash pipe 65 is used to connect to an external high-pressure water source or cleaning fluid supply device. A valve can be installed on the fixed pipe 64 to control the flow of the backwash fluid. The other end of the backwash pipe 65 penetrates the side wall of the unit housing 2 and extends into the unit housing 2, located above the filter plates 21. The penetration point of the backwash pipe 65 into the unit housing 2 is rotatably connected via a sealed bearing to ensure the airtightness of the chamber 4. The first motor 61 is fixed to the outer wall of the unit housing 2 by a bracket. The output end of the first motor 61 is coaxially fixed with the first gear 62. The first gear ring 63 is ring-fixed on the backwash pipe 65 located outside the unit housing 2, and the first gear 62 and the first gear ring 63 mesh with each other. Multiple nozzles 66 are provided on the backwash pipe 65 located inside the unit housing 2. Adjacent nozzles 66 are evenly spaced along the length of the backwash pipe 65. The spray direction of the nozzles 66 is towards the surface of the filter plate 21, ensuring that the rinsing liquid can cover the entire area of the filter plate 21. When backwashing is required, the external water source and the first motor 61 are turned on. The rinsing liquid enters the backwash pipe 65 through the fixed pipe 64 and is sprayed out by the nozzles 66. At the same time, the first motor 61 drives the first gear 62 to rotate, which drives the backwash pipe 65 to rotate through the first gear ring 63, thereby achieving a comprehensive and uniform rinsing of the filter plate 21.
[0032] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 An aeration assembly 7 is installed on the bottom shell 3. The aeration assembly 7 is used to introduce air into the sewage, increase the dissolved oxygen content in the sewage, and agitate the sewage. The aeration assembly 7 includes an aeration pipe 71, an aeration head 72, and an air pump 73. The air pump 73 is fixed to the outside of the bottom shell 3. One end of the aeration pipe 71 is connected to the air outlet of the air pump 73, and the other end passes through the bottom of the bottom shell 3 and extends into the interior of the bottom shell 3. The penetration point of the aeration pipe 71 into the bottom shell 3 is sealed and fixed. The aeration head 72 is connected to the end of the aeration pipe 71 located inside the bottom shell 3. The aeration head 72 has multiple aeration holes. When the air pump 73 is working, it pressurizes the air and delivers it to the aeration head 72 through the aeration pipe 71. The air is then dispersed into fine bubbles through the aeration holes and released into the sewage.
[0033] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3The aeration head 72 is circular, and multiple paddles 75 are fixed to the top of the aeration head 72. All paddles 75 are radially and evenly distributed around the center of the aeration head 72, and are vertically fixed to the aeration head 72. A connecting pipe 74 is provided between the aeration head 72 and the aeration pipe 71. The connecting pipe 74 is vertical, with one end fixed to the bottom center of the aeration head 72 and internally connected, and the other end passing through the bottom of the bottom shell 3 and rotatably connected to the end of the aeration pipe 71 away from the air pump 73 via a rotary joint. The connection between the connecting pipe 74 and the bottom shell 3 is rotatably connected via a sealed bearing to ensure the sealing of the bottom shell 3. To achieve stable rotation of the aeration head 72, a second motor 76 is fixed to the outer wall of the bottom shell 3 via a bracket. The output end of the second motor 76 is vertically upward and fixed with a second gear 77. A second gear ring 78 is ring-fixed on the section of the connecting pipe 74 located outside the bottom shell 3, and the second gear 77 and the second gear ring 78 mesh with each other. During operation, the second motor 76 drives the second gear 77 to rotate, which in turn drives the connecting pipe 74 and the aeration head 72 to rotate synchronously through the second gear ring 78. The paddle 75 rotates with the aeration head 72, which stirs the sewage in the bottom shell 3. Combined with the impact force of the rising bubbles, it further improves the mixing uniformity of the sewage, avoids sewage stratification, and allows the sewage to have more sufficient contact with the catalyst and light.
[0034] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The top shell 1, at the end furthest from the unit shell 2, has an integrally formed flared area 8. The flared area 8 is frustoconical, and its inner diameter gradually increases from the end closest to the unit shell 2 to the end furthest from it. That is, the inner diameter of the flared area 8 is larger than the inner diameter of the top shell 1 near the unit shell 2. An overflow port 11 is located on the side wall of the flared area 8, and the height of the overflow port 11 is adapted to the middle position of the flared area 8. The flared area 8 increases the spatial volume at the top of the top shell 1. When treated wastewater rises into the top shell 1, the flow rate slows down due to the increased space, preventing unreacted wastewater from being directly discharged from the overflow port 11 due to excessively high flow rates. This also reduces the risk of wastewater overflow during discharge, ensuring the effectiveness of wastewater treatment.
[0035] The implementation principle of the modular multi-chamber photocatalytic reactor in this application embodiment is as follows: Wastewater to be treated enters the bottom shell 3 through the inlet pipe 31. The air pump 73 and the second motor 76 are started. The air pump 73 supplies air to the aeration head 72 through the aeration pipe 71 and connecting pipe 74. Bubbles are released from the aeration head 72 and rise. Simultaneously, the second motor 76 drives the aeration head 72 and the deflector 75 to rotate, stirring the wastewater and causing it to flow upwards uniformly. The wastewater sequentially enters each unit shell 2, contacting the catalyst coating on the filter plate 21 as it passes through it. Simultaneously, the light emitted by the catalytic lamp 5 irradiates the wastewater and the catalyst coating, triggering a photocatalytic reaction that degrades pollutants in the wastewater. The catalytic particles between adjacent filter plates 21 further react with the wastewater. The reflective coating on the inner wall of the chamber reflects light, improving light utilization and enhancing the catalytic effect. The treated wastewater continues to rise to the flared area 8 of the top shell 1 and is discharged through the overflow port 11.
[0036] During long-term operation of the equipment, when filter plate 21 becomes clogged or contaminants adhere to the catalyst coating, the intermittent component 6 is activated. External flushing liquid is sprayed from nozzle 66 through fixed pipe 64 and backwash pipe 65. The first motor 61 drives the backwash pipe 65 to rotate, thoroughly flushing the filter plate 21 and restoring its permeability and catalyst activity. Furthermore, the total length of the reaction chamber can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the number of unit shells 2 to accommodate different treatment scales; the stirring intensity can be controlled by adjusting the speed of the second motor 76 to adapt to the treatment needs of wastewater with different concentrations.
[0037] The embodiments described in this specific implementation are preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.
Claims
1. A modular multi-chamber photocatalytic reactor, characterized in that: It includes a top shell (1), a unit shell (2) and a bottom shell (3). The unit shell (2) is located between the top shell (1) and the bottom shell (3). There are multiple unit shells (2). The adjacent unit shells (2) are connected by flanges at the ends. The top shell (1), the bottom shell (3) and all the unit shells (2) form a chamber (4). The chamber (4) is vertical. An overflow port (11) is opened on the top shell (1). An inlet pipe (31) is connected to the bottom shell (3). A filter plate (21) is fixed inside the unit shell (2). A catalyst coating is brushed on the filter plate (21). The filter plate (21) separates the upper and lower sides of the unit shell (2). A catalytic lamp (5) is installed in the chamber (4). The catalytic lamp (5) penetrates all the filter plates (21) in the vertical direction and penetrates the top shell (1) at the top. The catalytic lamp (5) is fixed to the top shell (1).
2. The modular multi-chamber photocatalytic reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that: Catalytic particles are filled between adjacent unit shells (2), and the catalytic particles are located between adjacent filter plates (21).
3. The modular multi-chamber photocatalytic reactor according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each of the unit housings (2) is provided with an intermittent assembly (6). The intermittent assembly (6) includes a first motor (61), a first gear (62), a first gear ring (63), a fixed pipe (64), and a backwash pipe (65). One end of the backwash pipe (65) is rotatably connected to one end of the fixed pipe (64) and is internally connected. The other end of the backwash pipe (65) extends into the unit housing (2) and is located above the filter plate (21). The backwash pipe (65) is rotatably connected to the unit housing (2). The end of the fixed pipe (64) away from the backwash pipe (65) is used to connect to an external water source. The first motor (61) is fixed on the outer wall of the unit shell (2) and its output end is fixed to the first gear (62). The first gear ring (63) is fixed on the backwash pipe (65). The first gear (62) meshes with the first gear ring (63). Multiple nozzles (66) are provided on the backwash pipe (65). Adjacent nozzles (66) are spaced apart along the length of the backwash pipe (65).
4. The modular multi-chamber photocatalytic reactor according to claim 2, characterized in that: An aeration assembly (7) is provided on the bottom shell (3). The aeration assembly (7) includes an aeration pipe (71), an aeration head (72), and an air pump (73). One end of the aeration pipe (71) is connected to the air pump (73), and the other end extends into the bottom shell (3) and is connected to the aeration head (72).
5. The modular multi-chamber photocatalytic reactor according to claim 4, characterized in that: The aeration head (72) is circular, and multiple paddles (75) are fixed on the top of the aeration head (72). All paddles (75) are radially distributed with the center of the aeration head (72) as the center. A connecting pipe (74) is provided between the aeration head (72) and the aeration pipe (71). One end of the connecting pipe (74) is connected to the inside of the aeration head (72), and the other end passes through the bottom shell (3) and is connected to the aeration pipe (71). The connecting pipe (74) is rotatably connected to the bottom shell (3) and the aeration pipe (71).
6. The modular multi-chamber photocatalytic reactor according to claim 5, characterized in that: A second motor (76) is fixed on the outer wall of the bottom shell (3). A second gear (77) is fixed on the rotating end of the second motor (76). A second gear ring (78) is fixed on the outer wall of the connecting pipe (74). The second gear (77) meshes with the second gear ring (78).
7. The modular multi-chamber photocatalytic reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the chamber (4) is coated with a reflective coating.
8. The modular multi-chamber photocatalytic reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top shell (1) has a flared area (8) at the end away from the unit section. The inner diameter of the flared area (8) is larger than the inner diameter of the top shell (1) near the unit shell (2). The overflow port (11) is located in the flared area (8).
