Photochemical reactor solid-state light engine

Abstract

The invention provides a photoreactor assembly (1000) comprising a photochemical reactor (200) and a light source arrangement (700); wherein: (A) the light source arrangement (700) comprises a plurality of light generating devices (100) comprising (i) a first light generating device (110), configured to generate first device light (111) having a first peak wavelength (λp1), and (ii) a second light generating device (120), configured to generate second device light (121) having a second peak wavelength (λp2); wherein |λp1- λp2|≥10 nm; wherein the first device light (111) and the second device light (121) are individually selected from one or more of UV radiation, visible radiation, and IR radiation; (B) the photochemical reactor (200) comprises a reactor chamber (250) configured to receive a reactor fluid (5); wherein the photochemical reactor (200) comprises a light transmissive window (205) comprising a light transmissive material (211) that is transmissive for at least part of the first and second device light (111,121); (C) the photochemical reactor (200) and the light source arrangement (700) are configured such that (a) the first light generating device (110) irradiates via the light transmissive window (205) a first reactor sub volume (V1) of a reactor volume (V) of the reactor chamber (250); and (b) the second light generating device (120) irradiates via the light transmissive window (205) a second reactor sub volume (V2) of the reactor volume (V) of the reactor chamber (250); wherein the first reactor sub volume (V1) and the second reactor sub volume (V2) at least partially overlap thereby providing an overlapping reactor sub volume (V12); and (D) the photoreactor assembly (1000) is configured to provide in a first operational mode of the photoreactor assembly (1000) the first device light (111) and the second device light (121) in the reactor sub volumes (V1,V2).

Description

[0001] PHOTOCHEMICAL REACTOR SOLID-STATE LIGHT ENGINE

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to a photoreactor assembly comprising a photochemical reactor and a light source arrangement. The invention further relates to a method for treating a fluid with device light in the reactor of the photoreactor assembly.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Photochemistry devices comprising light sources and a reaction chamber are known in the art. For instance, US2021 / 0138426A1 describes a device including an insulated reaction chamber, light sources above a stirring module, the light sources surrounding the reaction chamber, and holders containing reaction vessels, the holders configured to fit within the insulated reaction chamber in a marmer that enables an even distribution of light between the reaction vessels.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Photochemical processing or photochemistry relates to the branch of chemistry concerned with the chemical effects of light. More in general, photochemistry refers to a (chemical) reaction caused by absorption of light, such as ultraviolet light (radiation), visible light (radiation) and / or infrared radiation (light), especially a (chemical) reaction caused by absorption of ultraviolet (wavelength from about 100 nm to about 400 nm) or visible light (from about 400 nm to about 800 nm). In such a (chemical) reaction, light may be absorbed by reactant molecules in order for a photochemical reaction to take place, thereby forming one or more reaction products. Photochemistry may for instance be used to synthesize specific products. For instance, isomerization reactions or radical reactions may be initiated by light. Other naturally occurring processes that are induced by light are e.g. photosynthesis, or the formation of vitamin D with sunlight. Photochemistry may further e.g. be used to degrade / oxidize pollutants in water or e.g. air. Photochemical reactions may be carried out in a photochemical reactor or “photoreactor”. One of the benefits of photochemistry is that reactions can be performed at lower temperatures than conventional thermal chemistry and partly for that reason thermal side reactions that generate unwanted by-products are avoided. Further, photochemical reactions may proceed differently than temperature-driven reactions. Photochemical paths may access high energy intermediates that cannot be generated thermally, thereby overcoming large activation barriers in a short period of time, and allowing reactions otherwise inaccessible by thermal processes. Commonly used light sources in photochemistry may include low or medium pressure mercury lamps or fluorescent lamps. In addition to that, some reactions may require a very specific wavelength region, and they may even be hampered by light from the source emitted at other wavelengths. In these cases, part of the spectrum may have to be filtered out, which may lead to a low efficiency and complex reactor design. In the recent years the output of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), both direct LEDs with dominant wavelengths ranging for instance from UVC to IR wavelengths, and phosphor-converted LEDs, has increased drastically, making them interesting candidates for light sources for photochemistry. High fluxes can be obtained from small surfaces, especially if the LEDs can be kept at a low temperature.

[0008] However, conventional photoreactor assemblies may not be applicable to certain (photo)chemical reactions. In particular, certain (photo)chemical reactions may require light having at least two different wavelengths, e.g., two step photochemical reactions or two-photon reactions. To accomplish such (photo)chemical reactions with conventional photoreactor assemblies (if at all possible), a complex system using multiple photoreactor assemblies may be required. Further, conventional photoreactor assemblies may be inefficient for other (photo)chemical reactions. Specifically, such (photo)chemical reactions may reach a chemical equilibrium with the reaction product or may have absorption competition with the reaction product. Using conventional photoreactor assemblies, such (photo)chemical reactions may currently require relatively large amounts of reactants or light energy to produce relatively small amounts of chemicals products.

[0009] Hence, it is an aspect of the invention to provide an alternative photoreactor assembly, which preferably further at least partly obviates one or more of above-described drawbacks. The present invention may have as object to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

[0010] According to a first aspect, the invention may in embodiments provide a photoreactor assembly (also: “photochemical assembly” or “assembly”). The photoreactor assembly may especially comprise a photochemical reactor (also: “photoreactor” or “reactor”) and a light source arrangement. In embodiments, the light source arrangement may comprise a plurality of light generating devices. The plurality of light generating devices may be configured to generate light (or: “radiation”). The plurality of light generating devices may especially comprise a first light generating device and a second light generating device. The first light generating device may be configured to generate first device light. Further, the first device light may have a first peak wavelength kp l . The second light generating device may be configured to generate second device light. Further, the second device light may have a second peak wavelength Zp2. Herein, the following may apply: | p 1 -Xp2|>5 nm, such as | p 1 - Xp2|> 10 nm. Additionally, the first device light and the second device light may be individually selected from one or more of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, visible radiation, and infrared (IR) radiation. In embodiments, the photochemical reactor may comprise a reactor chamber (also: “photoreactor chamber” or “chamber”). The reactor chamber may especially be configured to receive a reactor fluid (or: “fluid”). The photochemical reactor may additionally comprise a light transmissive window. The light transmissive window may further comprise a light transmissive material. The light transmissive material may especially be transmissive for at least part of the first and second device light. In embodiments, the photochemical reactor and the light source arrangement may be configured such that the first light generating device irradiates (via the light transmissive window) a first reactor sub volume VI of a reactor volume V of the reactor chamber. Additionally, the photochemical reactor and the light source arrangement may be configured such that the second light generating device irradiates (via the light transmissive window) a second reactor sub volume V2 of the reactor volume V of the reactor chamber. Especially, the first reactor sub volume VI and the second reactor sub volume V2 may at least partially overlap. Thereby, an overlapping reactor sub volume V12 may be provided. In embodiments, the photoreactor assembly may especially be configured to provide (in a first operational mode of the photoreactor assembly) the first device light and the second device light in the reactor sub volumes VI and V2. Therefore, in embodiments the invention may provide a photoreactor assembly comprising a photochemical reactor and a light source arrangement; wherein: the light source arrangement comprises a plurality of light generating devices comprising (i) a first light generating device, configured to generate first device light having a first peak wavelength kpl, and (ii) a second light generating device, configured to generate second device light having a second peak wavelength Zp2, wherein | p 1 -Xp2|>5 nm, such as | p 1 - Xp2|> 10 nm, wherein the first device light and the second device light are individually selected from one or more of UV radiation, visible radiation, and IR radiation; the photochemical reactor comprises a reactor chamber configured to receive a reactor fluid, wherein the photochemical reactor comprises a light transmissive window comprising a light transmissive material that is transmissive for at least part of the first and second device light; the photochemical reactor and the light source arrangement are configured such that (a) the first light generating device irradiates via the light transmissive window a first reactor sub volume VI of a reactor volume V of the reactor chamber, and (b) the second light generating device irradiates via the light transmissive window a second reactor sub volume V2 of the reactor volume V of the reactor chamber, wherein the first reactor sub volume V 1 and the second reactor sub volume V2 at least partially overlap thereby providing an overlapping reactor sub volume V12; and the photoreactor assembly is configured to provide in a first operational mode of the photoreactor assembly the first device light and the second device light in the reactor sub volumes VI, V2.

[0011] With the present invention, a photoreactor assembly may be provided with improved performance of a photochemical reactor, thereby allowing for an improved (photochemical) reactivity. Especially, the photoreactor assembly may comprise solid-state light engines comprising a plurality of different solid-state light sources emitting different device light at different dominant peak wavelengths. Lighting characteristics and positioning of said different solid-state light sources may be optimized in the present invention in terms of (i) peak wavelength difference, (ii) wavelength sequence, (iii) configuration, (iv) type of light, and (v) special configuration depending on desired (photochemical) reaction kinetics and / or mechanism. Thereby, depending on lighting characteristics and position of different solid-state light sources, the invention may confer various benefits on the (photochemical) reaction. For instance, the invention may facilitate creating turbulence: provide mixing for second (device) light to be absorbed by a reactor fluid in a reactor chamber, especially a reactor fluid having undergone a first (photochemical) reaction. Further, the invention may facilitate two-photon reactions: multiphoton processes where two photons may be needed to allow a reactant in the reactor fluid to become excited and reacted. Additionally, the invention may facilitate a forced equilibrium shift reaction: i.e., force a chemical reaction to proceed in a (desired) direction. Moreover, the invention may facilitate (photochemical) reactions where (photochemical) products absorb light of the same wavelength as the light that the reactants are being exposed to, thereby overcoming absorption drawbacks. That is, the (photochemical) product absorbs light in the same wavelength range, thereby blocking the light (of that wavelength) for the reactants to be excited by (resulting in competing absorption). Furthermore, the invention may be applied to different flow chemical devices, e.g., a spinning disk / flow reactor, (double wall) tubular reactor, or microflow reactor. Especially, the present invention may further improve the performance of photochemical reactors, especially such that it may allow for an improved (photochemical) reactivity. Therefore in embodiments, the invention may provide photochemical reactor solid-state light engine configurations for creating turbulence, for a two-photon reaction, for creating a forced equilibrium shift, or for a process wherein reacted molecules absorb light of the same wavelength as light that the reactant molecules are being exposed to.

[0012] As indicated above, the invention provides a photoreactor assembly. Especially, the photoreactor assembly may comprise a photochemical reactor and a light source arrangement. Embodiments thereof will be further described herein.

[0013] The invention provides a photoreactor assembly comprising a photochemical reactor. The term “reactor” may especially relate to a (photo)chemical reactor. The term may essentially relate to an enclosed (reactor) chamber in which a (photochemical) reaction may take place. In embodiments, the reactor may be configured to hold a reactor fluid and facilitate a (photo)chemical reaction of (e.g. molecules in) the reactor fluid(s) held within the reactor. The (photochemical) reaction may take place due to irradiation of the reactor fluid with the light source radiation. Therefore, at least part of the reactor may be configured in a radiation receiving relationship with at least part of the light source arrangement. Therefore, in embodiments, the photochemical reactor comprises a reactor chamber configured to receive a reactor fluid (especially to be treated with light source radiation).

[0014] The photochemical reactor may comprise a reactor chamber wall. The reactor chamber wall may enclose at least part of the reactor chamber. The reactor chamber wall may enclose essentially the entire reactor chamber (except e.g. an inlet / outlet or other elements). The reactor chamber wall may comprise a material able to withstand the conditions within the reactor chamber, i.e., high pressure, vibrating motion, corrosive liquids, etc. Such reactor chamber wall material may be selected from the group comprising metals, glasses, ceramics, polymers, carbon, and composites. Especially, the reactor chamber wall material may comprise a hard metal coating (e.g. Hastelloy, tungsten-based alloys), polytetrafluoroethylene, or high-quality low-alloy carbon steel. Hence, the reactor chamber wall provides a durable and safe enclosure of the reactor chamber, especially a durable and safe enclosure of the reactor chamber during operation. The reactor chamber wall may define a reactor volume V. The reactor volume V may be the total volume in the reactor that may be occupied by a reactor fluid. During operation, at least part of the reactor volume V may be occupied by a reactor fluid.

[0015] The reactor fluid may comprise one or more of a liquid and a gas. The term “fluid” may also refer to a combination of two or more different fluids. When the reactor fluid comprises a liquid, the liquid may comprise one liquid or two or more different liquids. The liquid may in embodiments also comprise particulate material. When the reactor fluid comprises a gas, the gas may comprise one type of gas or two or more types of different gasses. The fluid may comprise particulate catalyst material or may comprise a homogenous catalyst, but may in other embodiments also comprise no catalyst. The fluid may comprise an emulsion. The fluid may comprise an emulsion. The reactor fluid may comprise at least one or more reactants. Reactants are chemical substances that may take part in the (photo)chemical reaction. The one or more reactants may undergo a chemical change as the (photo)chemical reaction takes place to provide a chemical product. When the (photo)chemical reaction has completed, at least part of the one or more reactants may have become the chemical product. Especially, the reactor fluid may comprise at least two or more reactants, which during the (photo)chemical reaction react with one or more of the other reactants to provide at least one or more chemical product.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the photochemical reactor may comprise a catalyst. The catalyst is a chemical substance that does not undergo a chemical change as the (photo)chemical reaction takes place. The catalyst may in embodiments improve the reaction rate of the (photo)chemical reaction. The catalyst may in specific embodiments facilitate the (photo)chemical reaction. As the catalyst does not undergo a chemical change, it may be used over multiple (photo)chemical reactions. The catalyst may be immobilized on part of the reactor chamber and / or on the disk.

[0017] Chemical reactions in reactors are known to the person skilled in the art. Further, the irradiation with radiation may in embodiments lead to a chemical reaction, which may also include a dissociation (see further also below).

[0018] As indicated above, the light source arrangement may comprise one or more light generating devices (or: “light sources”), especially solid state light sources, configured to generate light source radiation selected from one or more of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, visible radiation, and infrared (IR) radiation. The terms “light” and “radiation” are herein interchangeably used, unless clear from the context that the term “light” only refers to visible light. The terms “light” and “radiation” may thus refer to UV radiation, visible light, and IR radiation. In embodiments, the light source radiation may comprise UV radiation. The light source radiation may in further embodiments (also) comprise visible radiation. In yet further embodiments, the light source radiation may (also) comprise IR radiation.

[0019] The term “UV radiation” is known to the person skilled in the art and relates to “ultraviolet radiation”, or “ultraviolet emission”, or “ultraviolet light”, especially having one or more wavelengths in the range of about 10-380 nm. In embodiments, UV radiation may especially have one or more wavelength in the range of about 100-380 nm, such as selected from the range of 190-380 nm. Moreover, the term “UV radiation” and similar terms may also refer to one or more of UVA, UVB, and UVC radiation. UVA radiation may especially refer to having one or more wavelengths in the range of about 315-380 nm. UVB radiation may especially refer to having one or more wavelengths in the range of about 280-315 nm. UVC radiation, may further especially have one or more wavelengths in the range of about 100-280 nm. In embodiments, the light sources may be configured to provide light source radiation having wavelengths larger than about 190 nm. In embodiments, the light source radiation may include wavelengths in the 380-400 nm, which is in the art sometimes indicated as part of the UVA and in other art as part of the visible wavelength range.

[0020] The terms “visible”, “visible light”, “visible emission”, or “visible radiation” and similar terms refer to light having one or more wavelengths in the range of about 380- 780 nm. The terms “violet light” or “violet emission” especially relates to light having a wavelength in the range of about 380-440 nm. The terms “blue light” or “blue emission” especially relates to light having a wavelength in the range of about 440-495 nm (including some violet and cyan hues). The terms “green light” or “green emission” especially relate to light having a wavelength in the range of about 495-570 nm. The terms “yellow light” or “yellow emission” especially relate to light having a wavelength in the range of about 570- 590 nm. The terms “orange light” or “orange emission” especially relate to light having a wavelength in the range of about 590-620 nm. The terms “red light” or “red emission” especially relate to light having a wavelength in the range of about 620-780 nm. The term “pink light” or “pink emission” refers to light having a blue and a red component. The term “cyan” may refer to one or more wavelengths selected from the range of about 490-520 nm. The term “amber” may refer to one or more wavelengths selected from the range of about 585-605 nm, such as about 590-600 nm. The phrase “light having one or more wavelengths in a wavelength range” and similar phrases may especially indicate that the indicated light (or radiation) has a spectral power distribution with at least intensity or intensities at these one or more wavelengths in the indicate wavelength range. For instance, a blue emitting solid state light source will have a spectral power distribution with intensities at one or more wavelengths in the 440-495 nm wavelength range. The term “IR radiation” especially relates to “infrared radiation”, “infrared emission”, or “infrared light”, especially having one or more wavelengths in the range of 780 nm to 1 mm. Moreover, the term “IR radiation” and similar terms may also refer to one or more of NIR, SWIR, MWIR, LWIR, FIR radiation. NIR may especially relate to Near-infrared radiation having one or more wavelength in the range of about 750-1400 nm, such as 780-1400 nm. SWIR may especially relate to Short-wavelength infrared having one or more wavelength in the range of about 1400-3000 nm. MWIR may especially relate to Mid-wavelength infrared having one or more wavelength in the range of about 3000-8000 nm. LWIR may especially relate to Long-wavelength infrared having one or more wavelength in the range of about 8-15 pm. FIR may especially relate to Far infrared having one or more wavelength in the range of about 15-1000 pm.

[0021] In embodiments, the one or more light sources may comprise a plurality of light sources. Further, the light sources may especially comprise solid state light sources. The term “light source” may in principle relate to any solid state light source known in the art. In a specific embodiment, the light source comprises a solid state LED light source (such as a LED or laser diode (or “diode laser”)). In specific embodiments, the light source may especially be a laser diode (or “diode laser”)). The term “light source” may refer in embodiments to a vertical cavity laser diode (VCSELs), an edge emitting laser, etc.

[0022] The term “light source” or “light generating device” may also relate to a plurality of light sources, such as 2-2000 (laser diode) light sources. The phrases “different light sources” or “a plurality of different light sources”, and similar phrases, may in embodiments refer to a plurality of solid-state light sources selected from at least two different bins. Likewise, the phrases “identical light sources” or “a plurality of same light sources”, and similar phrases, may in embodiments refer to a plurality of solid-state light sources selected from the same bin.

[0023] Herein, the light source arrangement may especially comprise a plurality of light generating devices. The plurality of light generating devices may comprise at least a first light generating device and a second light generating device. In specific embodiments, further light generating devices, such as a third light generating device, may be comprised by the light source arrangement (described further below). The first light generating device may especially be configured to generate first device light. Furthermore, the second light generating device may be configured to generate second device light. The first device light may especially have a first peak wavelength kp l and the second device light may have a second peak wavelength Zp2. The term “peak wavelength”, also indicated as kp, is known in the art, and refers to the wavelength value where the light radiated from the source reaches the highest energy. The peak wavelength is stated in nanometers (nm). It is the wavelength where the radiant intensity of the light source reaches its highest point. The peak wavelength may e.g. be determined at operation conditions. Herein, the first peak wavelength kp l and the second peak wavelength Zp2 may be different. Especially, first peak wavelength kp l may be higher than the second peak wavelength Zp2 by at least 3 nm, such as at least 5 nm, especially at least 10 nm. Hence, in embodiments | p 1 -Xp2|>3 nm, more especially | p 1 - A,p2|>5 nm, such as in embodiments |A,pl-Z,p2|>10 nm. In specific embodiments, |A,pl-Z,p2|>l 5 nm.

[0024] The first device light and the second device light may be individually selected from one or more of UV radiation, visible radiation, and IR radiation. Therefore, in embodiments, the light source arrangement comprises a plurality of light generating devices comprising (i) a first light generating device, configured to generate first device light having a first peak wavelength kp l , and (ii) a second light generating device, configured to generate second device light having a second peak wavelength (Zp2), wherein | p 1 -Xp2|>5 nm, wherein the first device light and the second device light are individually selected from one or more of UV radiation, visible radiation, and IR radiation. Hence, in embodiments the first light generating device and the second light generating device (and optional further types of light generating devices) may be from different bins.

[0025] The term “light source” may refer to a semiconductor light-emitting device, such as a light emitting diode (LEDs), a resonant cavity light emitting diode (RCLED), a vertical cavity laser diode (VCSELs), an edge emitting laser, etc... The term “light source” may also refer to an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), such as a passive-matrix (PMOLED) or an active-matrix (AMOLED). In a specific embodiment, the light source comprises a solid-state light source (such as a LED or laser diode). In an embodiment, the light source comprises a LED (light emitting diode). The terms “light source” or “solid state light source” may also refer to a superluminescent diode (SLED).

[0026] The term LED may also refer to a plurality of LEDs. In embodiments, the light source may comprise one or more micro-optical elements (array of micro lenses) downstream of a single solid-state light source, such as a LED, or downstream of a plurality of solid-state light sources (i.e. e.g. shared by multiple LEDs). In embodiments, the light source may comprise a LED with on-chip optics. In embodiments, the light source comprises a pixelated single LEDs (with or without optics) (offering in embodiments on-chip beam steering).

[0027] Especially, the first light generating device and the second light generating device may be selected from the group of laser diodes (and / or superluminescent diodes). The term “laser light source” or “laser light generating device” especially refers to a laser. Such laser may especially be configured to generate laser device light having one or more wavelengths in the UV, visible, or infrared, especially having a wavelength selected from the spectral wavelength range of 200-2000 nm, such as 300-1500 nm. The term “laser” especially refers to a device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation. In embodiments, the term “laser” may refer to a solid-state laser. In specific embodiments, the terms “laser” or “laser light source”, or similar terms, refer to a laser diode (or diode laser). Lasers, especially laser diodes, may provide beams of collimated or focused light. Such collimated or focused light may be able to elicit (photo)chemical reactions with higher efficiency than more diffuse light. Therefore, in specific embodiments, the first light generating device and the second light generating device are selected from the group of lasers. More especially, in certain embodiments, the first light generating device and the second light generating device are selected from the group of laser diodes.

[0028] Hence, in embodiments the light source comprises a laser light source. In embodiments, the terms “laser” or “solid state laser” or “solid state material laser” may refer to one or more of cerium doped lithium strontium (or calcium) aluminum fluoride (Ce:LiSAF, Ce:LiCAF), chromium doped chrysoberyl (alexandrite) laser, chromium ZnSe (CrZnSe) laser, divalent samarium doped calcium fluoride (Sm:CaF2) laser, Er:YAG laser, erbium doped and erbium-ytterbium codoped glass lasers, F-Center laser, holmium YAG (Ho: YAG) laser, Nd:YAG laser, NdCrYAG laser, neodymium doped yttrium calcium oxoborate Nd:YCa4O(BO3)3 or Nd:YCOB, neodymium doped yttrium orthovanadate (Nd:YVO4) laser, neodymium glass (Nd:glass) laser, neodymium YLF (Nd:YLF) solid-state laser, promethium 147 doped phosphate glass (147Pm3+:glass) solid-state laser, ruby laser (AhO3:Cr3+), thulium YAG (Tm:YAG) laser, titanium sapphire (Ti:sapphire; AhO3:Ti3+) laser, trival ent uranium doped calcium fluoride (U:CaF2) solid-state laser, Ytterbium doped glass laser (rod, plate / chip, and fiber), Ytterbium YAG (Yb:YAG) laser, Yb2O3 (glass or ceramics) laser, etc. For instance, including second and third harmonic generation embodiments, the light source may comprise one or more of an F center laser, an yttrium orthovanadate (Nd:YVO4) laser, a promethium 147 doped phosphate glass (147Pm3+:glass), and a titanium sapphire (Ti:sapphire; AhCh Ti3) laser. For instance, considering second and third harmonic generation, such light sources may be used to generated blue light.

[0029] In embodiments, the terms “laser” or “solid state laser” or “solid state material laser” may refer to one or more of a semiconductor laser diodes, such as GaN, InGaN, AlGalnP, AlGaAs, InGaAsP, lead salt, vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), quantum cascade laser, hybrid silicon laser, etc.

[0030] A laser may be combined with an upconverter in order to arrive at shorter (laser) wavelengths. For instance, with some (trival ent) rare earth ions upconversion may be obtained or with non-linear crystals upconversion can be obtained. Alternatively, a laser can be combined with a downconverter, such as a dye laser, to arrive at longer (laser) wavelengths.

[0031] As can be derived from the below, the term “laser light source” may also refer to a plurality of (different or identical) laser light sources. In specific embodiments, the term “laser light source” may refer to a plurality N of (identical) laser light sources. In embodiments, N=2, or more. In specific embodiments, N may be at least 5, such as especially at least 8. In this way, a higher brightness may be obtained. In embodiments, laser light sources may be arranged in a laser bank (see also above). The laser bank may in embodiments comprise heat sinking and / or optics e.g. a lens to collimate the laser light. Hence, in embodiments lasers in a laser bank (or “laser array bank”) may share the same optics. The laser light source may be configured to generate laser light source light (or “laser light”). The light source light may essentially consist of the laser light source light. The light source light may also comprise laser light source light of two or more (different or identical) laser light sources. For instance, the laser light source light of two or more (different or identical) laser light sources may be coupled into a light guide, to provide a single beam of light comprising the laser light source light of the two or more (different or identical) laser light sources. In specific embodiments, the light source light is thus especially collimated light source light. In yet further embodiments, the light source light is especially (collimated) laser light source light. The laser light source light may in embodiments comprise one or more bands, having band widths as known for lasers. In specific embodiments, the band(s) may be relatively sharp line(s), such as having full width half maximum (FWHM) in the range of less than 20 nm at RT, such as equal to or less than 10 nm. Hence, the light source light has a spectral power distribution (intensity on an energy scale as function of the wavelength) which may comprise one or more (narrow) bands.

[0032] The beams (of light source light) may be focused or collimated beams of (laser) light source light. The term “focused” may especially refer to converging to a small spot. This small spot may be at the discrete converter region, or (slightly) upstream thereof or (slightly) downstream thereof. Especially, focusing and / or collimation may be such that the cross-sectional shape (perpendicular to the optical axis) of the beam at the discrete converter region (at the side face) is essentially not larger than the cross-section shape (perpendicular to the optical axis) of the discrete converter region (where the light source light irradiates the discrete converter region). Focusing may be executed with one or more optics, like (focusing) lenses. Especially, two lenses may be applied to focus the laser light source light. Collimation may be executed with one or more (other) optics, like collimation elements, such as lenses and / or parabolic mirrors. In embodiments, the beam of (laser) light source light may be relatively highly collimated, such as in embodiments <2° (FWHM), more especially <1° (FWHM), most especially <0.5° (FWHM). Hence, <2° (FWHM) may be considered (highly) collimated light source light. Optics may be used to provide (high) collimation (see also above).

[0033] The term “solid state material laser”, and similar terms, may refer to a solid state laser like based on a crystalline or glass body dopes with ions, like transition metal ions and / or lanthanide ions, to a fiber laser, to a photonic crystal laser, to a semiconductor laser, such as e.g. a vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL), etc.

[0034] As can be derived from above, the term “laser light source” may also refer to a plurality of (different or identical) laser light sources. In specific embodiments, the term “laser light source” may refer to a plurality N of (identical) laser light sources. In embodiments, N=2, or more. In specific embodiments, N may be at least 5, such as especially at least 8. In this way, a higher brightness may be obtained.

[0035] In embodiments, the reactor chamber and the light source arrangement may be radiatively coupled. The terms "radiationally coupled" or “optically coupled” or “radiatively coupled” may especially mean that (i) a light generating element, such as a light source, and (ii) another item or material, are associated with each other so that at least part of the radiation emitted by the light generating element is received by the item or material. In other words, the item or material is configured in a light-receiving relationship with the light generating element. At least part of the radiation of the light generating element will be received by the item or material. This may in embodiments be directly, such as the item or material in physical contact with the (light emitting surface of the) light generating element. This may in embodiments be via a medium, like air, a gas, or a liquid or solid light guiding material. In embodiments, also one or more optics, like a lens, a reflector, an optical filter, may be configured in the optical path between light generating element and item or material. The term “in a light-receiving relationship” does, as indicated above, not exclude the presence of intermediate optical elements, such as lenses, collimators, reflectors, dichroic mirrors, etc. In embodiments, the term “light-receiving relationship” and “downstream” may essentially be synonyms. Therefore, the reactor chamber may be configured downstream of the light source arrangement. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” relate to an arrangement of items or features relative to the propagation of the light from a light generating means (here the especially the light source), wherein relative to a first position within a beam of light from the light generating means, a second position in the beam of light closer to the light generating means is “upstream”, and a third position within the beam of light further away from the light generating means is “downstream”.

[0036] The reactor chamber may especially comprise a light transmissive window. Especially, at least part of one or more reactor chamber walls may comprise a light transmissive window. The term “light transmissive window” may also refer to a plurality of light transmissive windows. The light transmissive window may in embodiments comprise a light transmissive material. The light transmissive material may be transmissive for at least part of the first device light and at least part of the second device light. That is, in embodiments, the light transmissive window may have a transmission value for (first and second) device light of at least 50%, such as at least 70%, especially at least 90%, even more especially at least 95%. Further, the light transmissive material may be transmissive for (essentially) all of the (first and second) device light. Thereby, the light transmissive window may be configured downstream of the light source arrangement, and (at least part of) the reactor chamber may be configured downstream of the light transmissive window. Hence, the light transmissive window may facilitate irradiation of the reactor chamber by the light source arrangement while keeping the light source arrangement away from the potentially hazardous environment of the reactor chamber. Especially, in embodiments the light source arrangement may be configured at least partially outside of the reactor chamber, such as entirely. Hence, the light source arrangement may be shielded away from the potentially hazardous and / or challenging conditions in the reaction chamber during operation. Further, this may facilitate ease of adjustment, maintenance, and replacement of the light source arrangement in between modes of operation of the photoreactor assembly. Therefore, in embodiments, the photochemical reactor comprises a light transmissive window comprising a light transmissive material that is transmissive for at least part of the first and second device light.

[0037] Herein, the photochemical reactor and the light source arrangement may be configured such that the first light generating device and the second light generating device irradiate the reactor chamber. In particular, the first light generating device and the second light generating device may irradiate the reactor chamber via the light transmissive window. Especially, the first light generating device and the second light generating device may irradiate at least part of the reactor volume V of the reactor chamber, i.e., at least part of the total volume of the reactor chamber that may be occupied by the reactor fluid may be irradiated. In embodiments, the first light generating device may irradiate a first reactor sub volume VI of the reactor volume V, i.e., the first reactor sub volume VI is the volume of the reactor chamber downstream of the first light generating device. The first reactor sub volume VI may be at least 1% of the reactor volume V, such as at least 2%, especially at least 3%. Further, the first reactor sub volume VI may be at maximum 90% of the reactor volume V, such as at maximum 80%, such as at maximum 50%, for instance at maximum 30%. However, larger values may also be possible. Furthermore, the second light generating device may irradiate a second reactor sub volume V2 of the reactor volume V, i.e., the second reactor sub volume V2 is the volume of the reactor chamber downstream of the second light generating device. The second reactor sub volume V2 may be at least 1% of the reactor volume V, such as at least 2%, especially at least 3%. Further, the second reactor sub volume V2 may be at maximum 90% of the reactor volume V, such as at maximum 80%, such as at maximum 50%, for instance at maximum 30%. However, larger values may also be possible. The first reactor sub volume VI and the second reactor sub volume V2 may each be confined by the reactor chamber, especially the reactor walls, but optionally also other (mechanical) reactor elements like a stirrer or a spinning disk. Further, the first reactor sub volume VI and the second reactor sub volume V2 may each be confined by a part of the reactor chamber (directly) irradiated by the (first and / or second) device light. Especially, the first reactor sub volume VI and the second reactor sub volume V2 may each be confined by a part of the reactor chamber with the capacity to host the reactor fluid. Further, the first reactor sub volume VI and the second reactor sub volume V2 may each be configured directly downstream of the light transmissive window. The first reactor sub volume VI and the second reactor sub volume V2 may exclude (device light reflected from) other elements located within the reactor chamber, e.g., a spinning disk in a spinning disk reactor. Hence, the photoreactor assembly may be configured to define a first reactor sub volume VI and a second reactor sub volume V2, facilitating control over which part of the reactor chamber is (directly) exposed to first and / or second) device light.

[0038] The first reactor sub volume VI, irradiated by the first device light, and the second volume V2, irradiated by the second device light may be defined by the respective full width half maxima of the respective beams of first device light and second device light.

[0039] The first reactor sub volume VI and the second reactor sub volume V2 may in embodiments at least partially overlap by at least 10% of the first reactor volume VI, such as at least 20%, especially at least 50%. Alternatively or additionally, the first reactor sub volume VI and the second reactor volume V2 may in embodiments overlap by at least 10% of the second reactor volume V2, such as at least 20%, especially at least 50%. Thereby, an overlapping reactor sub volume V12 may be provided that may be irradiated by both the first device light and the second device light. The overlapping reactor sub volume V12 may be at least 0.2% of the total reactor volume V, such as at least 0.5%, especially at least 1%.

[0040] Further, the overlapping reactor sub volume VI 2 may be at maximum 5% of the total reactor sub volume V, such as at maximum 3%, especially at maximum 2%. However larger values may also be possible; for instance, the overlapping reactor sub volume V12 may be at maximum 35% of the total reactor sub volume V, such as at maximum 25%, especially at maximum 20%. However, even larger values are herein not excluded. In embodiments, the first reactor sub volume VI, irradiated by the first device light, and the second volume V2, irradiated by the second device light may be defined by the respective full width 10% maxima of the respective beams of first device light and second device light. Hence, any radiant flux equal to or larger than 10% of a maximum within such (respective) beam defines the respective beam for defining the respective reactor sub volume. More especially, as indicated above, the first reactor sub volume VI, irradiated by the first device light, and the second volume V2, irradiated by the second device light may be defined by the respective full width half maxima of the respective beams of first device light and second device light. Hence, any radiant flux equal to or larger than 50% of a maximum within such (respective) beam defines the respective beam for defining the respective reactor sub volume.

[0041] Hence, in embodiments the light source arrangement may comprise optics configured to provide collimated or focused first device light and (or) collimated or focused second device light in the overlapping reactor sub volume V12. In embodiments, the first and / or second device light may thus have a FWHM of at maximum 2°. Especially, the first light generating device and the second light generating device may comprise laser diodes.

[0042] The overlapping reactor sub volume V12 may be confined by the reactor chamber, especially the reactor walls. Further, the overlapping reactor sub volume V12 may be confined by a part of the reactor chamber irradiated by both the first and second device light. Especially, the overlapping reactor sub volume V12 may be confined by a part of the reactor chamber with the capacity to host the reactor fluid. Further, the overlapping reactor sub volume V12 may be configured directly downstream of the light transmissive window. Hence, the photoreactor assembly may be configured to define an overlapping reactor sub volume V12, facilitating a part of the reactor chamber that is exposed, during an operational mode of the reactor system, to radiation having at least two specific peak wavelengths.

[0043] As such, the reactor chamber has a reactor volume V that may be occupied by the reactor fluid, a first reactor sub volume VI that may be irradiated by first device light, a second reactor sub volume V2 that may be irradiated by second device light, and an overlapping reactor sub volume V12 that may be irradiated by the first and second device light. Hence, the reactor chamber and light source arrangement may be configured to control the irradiation of the reactor fluid by the first and second device light. Therefore, in embodiments, the photochemical reactor and the light source arrangement are configured such that (a) the first light generating device irradiates via the light transmissive window a first reactor sub volume (VI) of a reactor volume (V) of the reactor chamber, and (b) the second light generating device irradiates via the light transmissive window a second reactor sub volume (V2) of the reactor volume (V) of the reactor chamber; wherein the first reactor sub volume (VI) and the second reactor sub volume (V2) at least partially overlap thereby providing an overlapping reactor sub volume (V12).

[0044] Especially, the photoreactor assembly may be operated in one or more operational modes. The photoreactor assembly may execute an action in a “mode” or “operation mode” or “mode of operation” or “operational mode”. The term “operational mode may also be indicated as “controlling mode”. Likewise, in a method an action or stage, or step may be executed in a “mode” or “operation mode” or “mode of operation” or “operational mode”. This does not exclude that the photoreactor assembly also be adapted for providing another controlling mode, or a plurality of other controlling modes. Likewise, this may not exclude that before executing the mode and / or after executing the mode one or more other modes may be executed.

[0045] In a first operational mode, the reactor chamber may comprise the reactor fluid. In the first operational mode of the photoreactor assembly, the light source arrangement may irradiate the reactor fluid. Especially, in the first operational mode, the photoreactor assembly may be configured to provide the first device light to the first reactor sub volume VI. Further, in the first operational mode, the photoreactor assembly may be configured to provide the second device light to the first reactor sub volume V2. Hence, the first operational mode of the photoreactor assembly may comprise irradiating at least part of the reactor fluid with the first and second device light. Therefore in embodiments, the photoreactor assembly is configured to provide in a first operational mode of the photoreactor assembly the first device light and the second device light in the reactor sub volumes VI, V2.

[0046] Herein, the present invention may especially provide for a means of irradiating at least part of the reactor fluid with at least part of the first device light and at least part of the second device light. This may be applicable to several (photo)chemical processes described below. In certain embodiments, the photochemical assembly may be applicable for generating turbulence in a reactor fluid that undergoes a (photo)chemical reaction. At least part of such reactor fluid (e.g., a first species, or a first and a second species) may undergo a primary (photo)chemical reaction during irradiation with a primary device light (such as first device light or second device light) (thereby providing e.g. a third species). In certain embodiments, the at least part of the reactor fluid that has undergone the (photo)chemical reaction (i.e., the (photo)chemical product or the third species) may absorb light with a peak wavelength of secondary device light. Additionally or alternatively, the secondary device light may be absorbed by other (unreacted) components of the reactor fluid, e.g., a dye and / or a solvent. Moreover, the secondary device light may be absorbed by the photoreactor, such as the reactor chamber, especially the reactor chamber walls. Thereby, radiant energy may be provided to the reactor fluid (optionally via the reactor chamber) through absorption of secondary device light. Such energy transfer to the reactor fluid may especially generate turbulence, i.e., mixing of the reactor fluid within the reactor chamber. Thereby, the at least part of the reactor fluid that has undergone the (photo)chemical reaction (e.g., a third species) may be irradiated by secondary device light (such as the other of the first or second device light). This may improve mixing of the reactor fluid, thereby further improving the speed of the initial (photo)chemical reaction (as the reacted (photo)chemical product mixes out of the sub volume irradiated with primary device light). Further, in specific embodiments, the secondary device light may promote a secondary (photo)chemical reaction. For such (photo)chemical reactions, the difference between the primary and secondary device light may be at least 800 nm, such as at least 90 nm, especially at least 100 nm. Further, the difference between the primary and secondary device light may be at least 110 nm, such as at least 120 nm, especially at least 130 nm. Hence, the photochemical assembly may provide a means for improved mixing of the reactor fluid by absorption of secondary device light in the photoreactor chamber. Therefore, in such embodiments the following may apply: | pl- Xp2|> 100 nm. Further, in such embodiments, at least one of the light generating devices may generate UV (especially UVA) radiation and / or blue radiation, and the other of the light generating devices may generate IR (especially NIR) radiation. In particular embodiments thereof, the primary peak wavelength may be at least partially absorbed by the at least part of the reactor fluid that has undergone the primary (photo)chemical reaction.

[0047] Further, the photochemical assembly may be applicable for two-photon reactions. A “two-photon reaction” may relate to (photo)chemical reactions that occur due to irradiation by two photons of different wavelengths. That is, at least part of the reactor fluid (e.g., a first species or a first species and a second species) may undergo the (photo)chemical reaction upon irradiation by device light of different wavelengths, such as the first device light and the second device light. For such (photo)chemical reactions, the difference between the primary and secondary device light may be selected from the range of 15 - 120 nm, such as from the range of 25 - 100 nm, especially from the range of 35 - 85 nm. Hence, the photochemical assembly may provide a means for at least part of a reactor fluid to undergo a two-photon reaction within a (single) reactor chamber. Therefore, in such embodiments the following may apply: 25 nm <|Xp 1 -Xp2|< 100 nm. Further, in such embodiments, at least one of the light generating devices may generate UV (especially UVA) radiation and / or blue radiation, and the other of the light generating devices may generate violet to green radiation.

[0048] Furthermore, the photochemical assembly may be applicable for facilitating (photo)chemical reactions where (photo)chemical products absorb light of the same wavelength as the light that the reactants are being exposed to. That is, in certain (photo)chemical reactions, at least part of the reactor fluid (e.g., a first species and a second species) may be irradiated with primary device light to induce a primary (photo)chemical reaction (thereby providing e.g., a third species). Yet, the (photo)chemical product (e.g., the third species) may absorb light overlapping the same wavelength range as the primary device light. This may result in competing for absorption, where the primary (photo)chemical reaction needs to compete with absorption by the product of the primary (photo)chemical reaction. Secondary device light may be provided to at least part of the reactor fluid that may be absorbed by the (photo)chemical product. Thereby, the competition for absorption of primary device light may be decreased, thus overcoming absorption drawbacks of the (photo)chemical reaction. For such (photo)chemical reactions, the difference between the primary and secondary device light may be selected from the range of 5 - 35 nm, such as from the range of 10 - 25 nm, especially from the range of 12 - 20 nm. Hence, the photochemical assembly may facilitate (photo)chemical reactions within a (single) photochemical reactor where (photo)chemical products absorb light of the same wavelength as the light that the reactants are being exposed to. Therefore, in such embodiments the following may apply: 10 nm <|kp 1 -Xp2|<25 nm. Further, in such embodiments, at least one of the light generating devices may generate UV (especially UVA) radiation and / or blue radiation, and the other of the light generating devices may generate visible light.

[0049] Additionally, the photochemical assembly may be applicable for facilitating a forced equilibrium shift reaction. In certain (photo)chemical reactions, the reactor fluid may reach an equilibrium state between an unreacted part (e.g., a first species) of the reactor fluid and a reacted part (e.g., a second species) of the reactor fluid, i.e., the ratio of the reacted part of the reactor fluid to the unreacted part of the reactor fluid may remain (essentially) constant. A forced equilibrium shift reaction refers to a means of shifting the equilibrium state of such (photo)chemical reaction, e.g., increasing (or decreasing) the ratio of the reacted part of the reactor fluid to the unreacted part of the reactor fluid. For instance, at least part of the reactor fluid may undergo a primary (photo)chemical reaction during irradiation with primary device light and thereby reach an equilibrium state with an unreacted part of the reactor fluid. Irradiation with secondary device light may facilitate a forced equilibrium shift reaction (via e.g. a temperature increase), increasing the ratio of at least part of the reactor fluid that has undergone a primary (photo)chemical reaction to the unreacted part of reactor fluid. For such (photo)chemical reactions, the difference between the primary and secondary device light may be selected from the range of 2 - 15 nm, such as from the range of 5 - 10 nm, especially from the range of 6 - 8 nm. Hence, the photochemical assembly may provide a means for at least part of a reactor fluid to undergo a forced equilibrium shift reaction within a (single) reactor chamber. Thereby, in such embodiments the following may apply: 5 nm <|Xp 1 -Xp2|<l 0 nm. Further, in such embodiments, at least one of the light generating devices may generate UV (especially UVA) radiation and / or blue radiation, and the other of the light generating devices may generate visible light.

[0050] In a (non-limiting) example, a first reaction, e.g. with first device light, may be a transition from provitamin D to previtamin D, and a second reaction, e.g. with second device light, may be a transition from previtamin D to lumisterol (Lumi).

[0051] Specific embodiments may be especially applicable to one or more of the abovementioned (photo)chemical reactions. Yet further embodiments of the photoreactor assembly may be applicable to all of the abovementioned (photo)chemical reactions. The invention may yet be applicable for other types of (photo)chemical reactions as known to the skilled person.

[0052] In certain embodiments, the photoreactor assembly may be configured to provide the first device light and the second device light to the reactor fluid (especially within the overlapping reactor sub volume V12) (essentially) simultaneously. Yet, in other embodiments, the photoreactor assembly may be configured to provide the first and second device light to the reactor fluid within a time difference. Especially, the photoreactor assembly may be configured to provide the first and second device light to the reactor fluid to account for turbulence. As such, the photoreactor assembly may be configured to provide the first device light and the second device light to the reactor fluid within a time difference selected from the range of 0 - 5 psec, such as 0-1 psec, especially 0 - 0.1 psec. Further, the photoreactor assembly may be configured to provide the first device light and the second device light to the reactor fluid within a time difference selected from the range of 0 - 50 nsec, such as 0 - 10 nsec, especially 0 - 1 nsec. Moreover, the photoreactor assembly may be configured to provide the first device light and the second device light to the reactor fluid within a time difference selected from the range of 0 - 500 fsec, such as 0 - 100 fsec, especially 0 - 10 fsec. Most especially, in specific embodiments, the photoreactor assembly may be configured to provide the first device light and the second device light to the reactor fluid within a time difference of 0. Hence, the first device light and the second device light may be provided within a time difference to account for turbulence in embodiments comprising mixing of the reactor fluid. Therefore, in specific embodiments, the photoreactor assembly is configured to provide the first device light and the second device light within a time difference selected from the range of 0-1 psec. Hence, in specific embodiments the photoreactor assembly may be configured to provide the first device light and the second device light (in an operational mode of the photoreactor assembly) simultaneously, or at least partly overlapping in time.

[0053] In embodiments, the (laser) light source may especially be configured to generate device light having an optical axis (O), (a beam shape,) and a spectral power distribution. The device light may in embodiments comprise one or more bands, having band widths as known for lasers. The laser light source is hence configured to generate laser device light (or “laser light”). The device light may essentially consist of the laser device light. The device light may also comprise laser device light of two or more (different or identical) laser light sources. For instance, the laser device light of two or more (different or identical) laser light sources may be coupled into a light guide, to provide a single beam of light comprising the laser device light of the two or more (different or identical) laser light sources. In specific embodiments, the device light is thus especially collimated device light. In yet further embodiments, the device light is especially (collimated or focused) laser device light.

[0054] The laser device light may in embodiments comprise one or more bands, having band widths as known for lasers. In specific embodiments, the band(s) may be relatively sharp line(s), such as having full width half maximum (FWHM) in the range of less than 20 nm at RT, such as equal to or less than 10 nm. Hence, the device light has a spectral power distribution (intensity on an energy scale as function of the wavelength) which may comprise one or more (narrow) bands. The beams (of device light) may be focused or collimated beams of (laser) device light. The term “focused” may especially refer to converging to a small spot. This small spot may be at the discrete converter region, or (slightly) upstream thereof or (slightly) downstream thereof. Especially, focusing and / or collimation may be such that the cross- sectional shape (perpendicular to the optical axis) of the beam at the discrete converter region (at the side face) is essentially not larger than the cross-section shape (perpendicular to the optical axis) of the discrete converter region (where the device light irradiates the discrete converter region). Focusing may be executed with one or more optical elements, like (focusing) lenses. Especially, two lenses may be applied to focus the laser device light. Collimation may be executed with one or more (other) optical elements, like collimation elements, such as lenses and / or parabolic mirrors.

[0055] In particular embodiments, the light source arrangement may be configured to provide focused device light. Especially, the first light generating device may be configured to provide focused device light (in a first reactor sub volume VI). Further, the second light generating device may be configured to provide focused or collimated device light (in a second reactor sub volume V2). Most especially, the first and second light generating device may be configured to provide focused or collimated device light (in the overlapping reactor sub volume V12). Additionally or alternatively, the light source arrangement may comprise optical elements. Optical elements may be used to provide beam shaping, focusing and collimation (described above) of device light. Herein, the term “optical elements” may especially refer to optics that affect beam shaping, e.g., collimation and / or focusing of light. The light source arrangement may hence comprise one or more optical elements. Other optics known to the skilled person may be provided to the light source arrangement. Therefore, the light source arrangement may comprise one or more optical elements configured downstream of the first and / or second device light to provide (a beam of) focused or collimated device light. Focused device light may facilitate especially increased irradiation of reactor fluid within a (relatively) small volume. Such increased irradiation may be particularly efficient (or necessary) for inducing a (photo)chemical reaction. Hence, in embodiments the device light of the first light generating device and / or of the second light generating device may enter the reaction chamber with a FWHM <2° (FWHM), more especially <1° (FWHM), most especially <0.5° (FWHM). This maybe a relatively focused or collimated beam. This beam width may apply to (diode) laser light, when used, or when another type of (solid state) light source is applied. Therefore, in certain embodiments, the first light generating device and the second light generating device may be configured to provide (focused or collimated) device light in the overlapping reactor sub volume V12, wherein the (focused or collimated) device light has a <2° (FWHM).

[0056] Further, it may be desirable that the spectral power distribution may be relatively small. A narrow spectral power distribution may reduce the chance on undesired reactions. Therefore, in certain embodiments, the first light generating device and the second light generating device may be configured to provide (focused or collimated) device light in the overlapping reactor sub volume V12, wherein the (focused or collimated) device light has a FWHM of <20 nm.

[0057] In specific embodiments, the photoreactor assembly may further comprise a beam combiner, especially a dichroic beam combiner. The beam combiner may be comprised by the light source arrangement. The beam combiner may especially be configured downstream of the first light generating device. Additionally, the beam combiner may be configured downstream of the second light generating device. Further, the beam combiner may be configured upstream of the light transmissive window. Thereby, the beam combiner may be configured upstream of the reactor chamber. The beam combiner may in particular further embodiments be (partially) reflective for first and / or second device light. The beam combiner may further be (partially) transmissive for first and / or second device light. The beam combiner may in specific embodiments comprise optical elements for beam focusing. Most especially, the beam combiner may be configured to provide a single (focused or collimated) beam of device light. The single (focused or collimated) beam of device light may comprise at least part of the device light, i.e., at least part of the first device light and at least part of the second device light may be comprised by the single (focused or collimated) beam of device light. In further embodiments, the single (focused or collimated) beam of device light may comprise (essentially) all the device light. Hence, the beam combiner may irradiate the reactor chamber, especially the overlapping reactor sub volume V12, with first and second device light. In embodiments with a beam combiner, at least part of the first and second device light may be provided as a single (focused or collimated) beam of device light. In further embodiments with a beam combiner, (essentially) all of the first and second device light may be provided as a single (focused or collimated) beam of device light. Hence, the beam combiner may improve irradiation of the reactor fluid within the overlapping reactor sub volume V12 with (focused or collimated) first and second device light. Such embodiments may be particularly applicable for (photo)chemical reactions comprising a two- photon reaction. Therefore, in particular embodiments, the photoreactor assembly further comprises a beam combiner configured downstream of both the first light generating device and the second light generating device, and upstream of the light transmissive window, wherein the beam combiner is configured to provide a beam of device light comprising both the first device light and the second device light. Hence, in embodiments the beam of device light (provided by the (dichroic) beam combiner) may comprises overlapping beams of first device light and the second device light.

[0058] In embodiments, the radiant flux of the first device light and the second device light may be controlled. Hence, the radiant fluxes in the overlapping reactor sub volume V12 may be controlled.

[0059] In specific embodiments, the photoreactor assembly may comprise a plurality of sets of light generating devices. Each set may comprise different light generating devices. Thereby, each set may comprise one or more first light generating devices and one or more second light generating devices. Thereby, each set may individually irradiate at least part of the reactor chamber with both first device light and second device light. In such embodiments, each set may define an individual first reactor sub volume VI, second reactor sub volume V2, and overlapping reactor sub volume V12. As such, the photoreactor chamber may comprise a plurality of first reactor sub volumes VI, second reactor sub volumes V2, and overlapping reactor sub volumes V12. For instance, a primary set may define a primary first reactor sub volume VI i, a primary second reactor sub volume V2i, and a primary overlapping reactor sub volume V12i, whereas a secondary set may define a secondary first reactor sub volume Vh, a secondary second reactor sub volume V22, and a secondary overlapping reactor sub volume V122. Further sets may in embodiments define further reactor sub volumes. In certain embodiments, the reactor sub volumes defined by different sets (e.g., the primary and the secondary reactor sub volumes) may (essentially) not overlap with each other, i.e., irradiating different parts of the photochemical reactor. Yet in other embodiments, the primary and the secondary reactor sub volumes may (partially) overlap, i.e., irradiating a same part of the photochemical reactor. These sub volumes (defined by individual sets) may in certain embodiments (partially) overlap. Yet in other embodiments, these sub volumes (defined by individual sets) may irradiate distinct parts (such as different channels) of the reactor chamber. Therefore, in certain embodiments, the photoreactor assembly comprises a plurality of sets of light generating devices, wherein each set comprises one or more first light generating devices and one or more second light generating devices.

[0060] In further embodiments, the photoreactor assembly may comprise a control system. The term “controlling” and similar terms especially refer at least to determining the behavior or supervising the running of an element. Hence, herein “controlling” and similar terms may e.g. refer to imposing behavior to the element (determining the behavior or supervising the running of an element), etc., such as e.g. measuring, displaying, actuating, opening, shifting, changing temperature, etc.. Beyond that, the term “controlling” and similar terms may additionally include monitoring. Hence, the term “controlling” and similar terms may include imposing behavior on an element and also imposing behavior on an element and monitoring the element. The controlling of the element can be done with a control system, which may also be indicated as “controller”. The control system and the element may thus at least temporarily, or permanently, functionally be coupled. The element may comprise the control system. In embodiments, the control system and element may not be physically coupled. Control can be done via wired and / or wireless control. The term “control system” may also refer to a plurality of different control systems, which especially are functionally coupled, and of which e.g. one control system may be a master control system and one or more others may be slave control systems. A control system may comprise or may be functionally coupled to a user interface.

[0061] The control system may also be configured to receive and execute instructions from a remote control. In embodiments, the control system may be controlled via an App on a device, such as a portable device, like a Smartphone or I-phone, a tablet, etc.. The device is thus not necessarily coupled to the photoreactor assembly, but may be (temporarily) functionally coupled to the photoreactor assembly.

[0062] Hence, in embodiments the control system may (also) be configured to be controlled by an App on a remote device. In such embodiments the control system of the photoreactor assembly may be a slave control system or control in a slave mode. For instance, the photoreactor assembly may be identifiable with a code, especially a unique code for the respective photoreactor assembly. The control system of the photoreactor assembly may be configured to be controlled by an external control system which has access to the photoreactor assembly on the basis of knowledge (input by a user interface of with an optical sensor (e.g. QR code reader) of the (unique) code. The photoreactor assembly may also comprise means for communicating with other systems or devices, such as on the basis of Bluetooth, Thread, WIFI, LiFi, ZigBee, BLE or WiMAX, or another wireless technology.

[0063] However, in embodiments a control system may be available, that is adapted to provide at least the controlling mode. Would other modes be available, the choice of such modes may especially be executed via a user interface, though other options, like executing a mode in dependence of a sensor signal or a (time) scheme, may also be possible. The operation mode may in embodiments also refer to a system, or apparatus, or device, that can only operate in a single operation mode (i.e. “on”, without further tunability).

[0064] Hence, in embodiments, the control system may control in dependence of one or more of an input signal of a user interface, a sensor signal (of a sensor), and a timer. The term “timer” may refer to a clock and / or a predetermined time scheme.

[0065] In specific embodiments of the present invention, the control system may be configured to control a radiant flux of the first device light, i.e., the radiation energy of first device radiation provided per unit of time. Additionally or alternatively, the control system may be configured to control a second radiant flux of the second device light i.e., the radiation energy of second device radiation provided per unit of time. Furthermore, the control system may be configured to control the first peak wavelength kp l (described above). Moreover, the control system may be configured to control the second peak wavelength Zp2 (described previously). In certain embodiments, the control system may be configured to control the time difference between the first device light and second device light (described previously). Yet further, the control system may be configured to control a first pulse time of first device light, i.e., the first device light may be provided continuously or may be provided in pulses with controllable pulse time between pulses. Additionally or alternatively, the control system may be configured to control a second pulse time of second device light, i.e., the second device light may be provided continuously or may be provided in pulses with controllable pulse time between pulses. Hence, the control system may especially facilitate controlling the light source arrangement and thus properties of the irradiation of the reactor chamber with device light. Therefore, in specific embodiments, the photoreactor assembly further comprises a control system, wherein the control system is configured to control one or more of a first radiant flux of the first device light, a second radiant flux of the second device light, the first peak wavelength kpl, the second peak wavelength kp l , the time difference, a first pulse time of the first device light, and a second pulse time of the second device light. In embodiments, pulse times of the first device light and / or the second device light may be selected from the range of 1 ms-10 seconds, though other pulse times may also be possible. Note that in other embodiments, the first device light and / or second device light may be provided continuously (i.e. not pulsed).

[0066] Furthermore, the control system may be configured to control the first device light and / or the second device light in dependence of one or more reactor fluid properties. In some specific embodiments, the first device and the second device may be controlled individually in dependence of one or more reactor fluid properties. In other embodiments, the first device and the second device may be essentially controlled together in dependence of one or more of the reactor fluid properties. The one or more reactor fluid properties may indicate, e.g., a progression of the (photo)chemical reaction or a measure of how efficient the (photo)chemical reaction will be. For instance, if one or more reactor fluid properties indicate that the (photo)chemical reaction has completed, and thereby the first and second device may be turned out of the operational mode. Yet further, if one or more reactor fluid properties indicate that the reactor fluid has reached the appropriate conditions for the (photo)chemical reaction to occur, the first and device may be turned in on the operational mode. One such reactor fluid property may be a temperature of the reactor fluid. A further reactor fluid property may be an absorption of radiation by the reactor fluid (especially absorption of the first and / or second device radiation). An additional reactor fluid property may be a transmission of radiation by the reactor fluid (especially transmission of the first and / or second device radiation). Furthermore, a reactor fluid property may be turbulence of the reactor fluid. Thereby, the operational mode of the first device and / or the second device may be controlled in dependence of one or more reactor fluid properties. Hence, the photoreactor assembly may react to a progression of the (photo)chemical reaction to provide a(n automated) operational mode. Therefore in certain embodiments, the control system is configured to control the first device light and the second device light in dependence of a temperature of the reactor fluid, an absorption of radiation by the reactor fluid, a transmission of radiation by the reactor fluid, and turbulence of the reactor fluid.

[0067] Yet further, in embodiments, the control system may be configured to obtain a signal. The signal may comprise at least one of (i) a signal generated by user input at a user interface, (ii) a signal generated by a sensor configured to sense one or more of a reactor fluid property, and (iii) a signal generated by a timer. The control system may then be configured to individually control the plurality of light generating devices in dependence of the obtaining of the signal. Hence, various signals may control the operational mode of the photoreactor assembly.

[0068] In particular other embodiments, the photoreactor assembly comprises a plurality of light generating devices configured to generate device light. The plurality of light generating devices comprises at least the first light generating device and the second light generating device (and optionally further light generating devices, e.g., a third light generating device). Herein specifically, two or more of the light generating devices (e.g., the first and second light generating device) may be configured to generate device light having different spectral power distributions. Most especially, the two or more of the light generating devices may be configured to provide the device light to different parts of the reactor chamber (especially via the light transmissive window). At least two light generating devices may provide a first overlapping reactor sub volume V12’. However, it is thus also possible that one or more other light generating devices, which may be of the same type as the first light generating device or the second light generating device, may provide light that do not provide overlaps with the first overlapping reactor sub volume V12, and neither do such necessarily provide a set of one or more first light generating devices and one or more second light generating devices creating a second overlapping reactor sub volume V12” (as described above). Hence, in embodiments wherein the two or more of the light generating devices comprise the first and second light generating device, the overlapping reactor sub volume V12 may be (essentially) zero. Thereby, different parts of the reactor chamber may be provided with light having different power distributions. Furthermore, the control system as described above may be configured to control the (power distribution or other properties of the) device light in these different parts of the reactor chamber. Hence, the (photo)chemical reaction may be facilitated and / or improved by providing device light having different spectral power distributions in non-overlapping parts of the reactor chamber. Therefore, in specific embodiments, the photoreactor assembly may comprise a plurality of light generating devices configured to generate device light, wherein the plurality of light generating devices comprises the first light generating device and the second light generating device; wherein two or more of the light generating devices are configured to generate device light having different spectral power distributions and to provide the device light in different parts of the reactor chamber, wherein the control system is configured to control the device light in the different parts of the reactor chamber.

[0069] In particular, the fluid may flow from one of these different parts of the reactor chamber to the other. Therefore, in specific (alternative or additional) embodiments the fluid may be exposed sequentially to a primary device light and then to a secondary device light via a fluid flow path. This may be particularly suitable for (photo)chemical reactions (as described above) comprising one or more of (i) a primary (photo)chemical reaction and a secondary (photo)chemical reaction, (ii) a two-photon reaction, and (iii) a forced equilibrium shift reaction. In further embodiments, the fluid may flow through a plurality of exposure sequences via a fluid flow path. Each exposure sequence comprises sequentially exposing the fluid to primary device light and then to secondary device light. This may be particularly suitable for (photo)chemical reactions (as described above) comprising one or more of (i) absorption competition and (ii) a forced equilibrium shift reaction. However, in other embodiments may also be possible. Further, as indicated above, the fluid may be exposed sequentially to a primary device light and then to a secondary device light in the overlapping sub volume VI 2.

[0070] In further embodiments, the wavelengths may comprise a primary peak wavelength selected from a wavelength of at maximum 490 nm, such as at maximum 480 nm, especially at maximum 470 nm. That is, the primary peak wavelength may be blue light, violet light, or UV light. The primary peak wavelength may comprise the first peak wavelength kp l or the second peak wavelength Zp2. The peak wavelengths may further comprise a secondary peak wavelength selected from the wavelength of larger than 490 nm, such as larger than 500 nm, especially larger than 510 nm. That is, the secondary peak wavelength may be green light, yellow light, amber light, red light, or IR light. The secondary peak wavelength may comprise the other of the first peak wavelength kp l or the second peak wavelength Zp2 (relative to the primary peak wavelength). Hence, at least one of the light generating devices may generate UV (especially UVA) radiation and / or blue radiation. Therefore, in specific embodiments, one of the first peak wavelength kp l and the second peak wavelength Zp2 is selected from a wavelength of at maximum 490 nm, and wherein the other one of the first peak wavelength kp l and the second peak wavelength Zp2 is selected from the wavelength of larger than 490 nm.

[0071] Moreover, the light source arrangement may in specific embodiments comprise a third light generating device. The third light generating device may have a third peak wavelength Zp3. The third peak wavelength Zp3 may differ from the first peak wavelength kp l by at least 3 nm, such as at least 5 nm, especially at least 10 nm. The third peak wavelength Zp3 may differ from the second peak wavelength Zp2 by at least 3 nm, such as at least 5 nm, especially at least 10 nm. Most especially, the first peak wavelength kpl, the second peak wavelength Zp2, and the third peak wavelength Zp3 may each be different. Thereby, a photoreactor assembly may be provided facilitating device light with at least three different peak wavelengths. Such photoreactor assembly may facilitate yet further and more complex (photo)chemical reactions, or may make (photo)chemical reactions more efficient. Hence, in particular embodiments, the light source arrangement comprises a third light generating device, configured to generate third device light having a third peak wavelength (Xp3), wherein |Xp3-Xpl |>5 nm, such as |Xp3-Xpl |>10 nm, |Z,p3-kp2|>5 nm, such as |A,p3- A,p2|> 10 nm, and Ap l Zp2^ Zp3.

[0072] Moreover, the light source arrangement may in further embodiments yet comprise a nth light generating device. The nth light generating device may have a nth peak wavelength Xpn. The nth peak wavelength kpn may differ from the first peak wavelength kp l by at least 3 nm, such as at least 5 nm, especially at least 10 nm. The nth peak wavelength kpn may differ from the second peak wavelength Zp2 by at least 3 nm, such as at least 5 nm, especially at least 10 nm. The nth peak wavelength kpn may differ from the third peak wavelength Zp3 by at least 3 nm, such as at least 5 nm, especially at least 10 nm. Most especially, the first peak wavelength kpl, the second peak wavelength Zp2, the third peak wavelength Zp3 and the nth peak wavelength kpn may each be different. Thereby, a photoreactor assembly may be provided facilitating device light with at least four different peak wavelengths. Such photoreactor assembly may facilitate yet further and more complex (photo)chemical reactions, or may make (photo)chemical reactions more efficient.

[0073] Such embodiments comprising three or more light generating devices may be especially suitable for (photo)chemical reactions comprising a forced equilibrium shift reaction. Forcing a specific direction, might require at least two different spectral power distributions, more especially more than two different spectral power distributions.

[0074] In further embodiments, the photochemical reactor may comprise a reactor chamber further comprising a flow reactor system. The flow reactor system may be a microchannel flow reactor system, i.e., a flow reactor system allowing fluid transfer at the nano-and microscale. The flow reactor system may comprise a reactor channel, through which the first fluid may be flown. In embodiments, the flow reactor system may be configured to react one or more reactor fluid(s) within flow reactor cells in the reactor channel or comprised by the reactor channel. In further embodiments, the one or more chemicals flown through the flow reactor cells may (also) be reacted with the light source radiation irradiated on the one or more chemicals. The flow reactor system may be configured for hosting the (reactor) fluid to be treated, especially with light source radiation. In embodiments, the flow reactor system may be configured in a radiation receiving relationship with (at least part of) the plurality of light sources. Hence, the first fluid may be transported through the flow reactor system and at least part of the flow reactor system may be irradiated with the radiation.

[0075] More especially, the flow reactor system may comprise one or more channels and optionally one or more reaction chamber in fluid contact with the one or more channels. The radiation may be provided to at least part of the one or more channels, or, when one or more reaction chambers are available, alternatively or additionally to the one or more reaction chambers. A reaction chamber may comprise a flow reactor cell. However, the reactor chamber may also be channel, or a part of the channel. Hence, in embodiments the reactor chamber may be channel, having essentially the same cross-sectional dimensions as an upstream channel part and a downstream channel part. However, in other embodiments, such as in the case of a spinning disk reactor, the reactor chamber may have cross-sectional dimensions different from an upstream channel (part) and / or a downstream channel (part).

[0076] In specific embodiments, the photochemical reactor may comprise a spinning disk reactor. The spinning disk reactor may comprise a rotatable spinning disk. Such spinning disk may consist of two main parts: a wheel part (or: “wheel”) and an axle part (or: “axle”). In embodiments, the wheel part of the spinning disk may be rotatable around a fixed axis defined by the axle part. The axle part may be connected to a further mechanical system comprised by the rotor (described further below). As the mechanical system comprised by the rotor rotates, it may drive the rotation of the axle and wheel parts of the spinning disk.

[0077] The spinning disk may be at least partly configured in the reaction chamber. In embodiments, at least the wheel part of the spinning disk may be configured entirely in the reaction chamber. Further, the spinning disk comprising the wheel part and axle part may be entirely configured within the reaction chamber. In other embodiments, at least part of the axle part may be configured outside of the reaction chamber. Moreover, the axle part may at least partly be configured entirely outside of the reaction chamber. For instance, the axle part may penetrate a chamber wall.

[0078] The rotational speed of the spinning disk may in embodiments be controlled (with a control system; see above). In embodiments, the spinning disk may have at least one or more rotational speeds during the (photo)chemical reaction. In specific embodiments, especially those wherein the spinning disk only has an on-off control, the spinning disk may retain the same rotational speed during the (photo)chemical reaction. In embodiments, the range of the rotational speed of the spinning disk may be 180° / s - 36000%, such as 360% - 36000%.

[0079] Yet further, the photoreactor assembly may comprise a multiple well reactor. A multiple well reactor may comprise a plurality of reactor chambers (or: “wells”) that are (essentially) disconnected. A multiple well reactor may comprise at least 4 reactor chambers, such as at least 9 reactor chambers, especially at least 25 reactor chambers. An individual (photo)chemical reaction may therefore take place in each of the reactor chambers (essentially) without interference from the (photo)chemical reaction occurring in the plurality of other reactor chambers. A multiple well reactor may especially be suitable for performing a similar (photo)chemical reaction with different parameters in each well, e.g., each well may have different concentrations of reactants. The multiple well reactor may in certain embodiments comprise a micro well reactor, i.e., a multiple well reactor where each well comprises a nano-or microliter volume.

[0080] Additionally, specific shapes of the reactor may be possible (and may be applied to the various reactors described above). In general, the reactor chamber may have essentially a square shape, and the light source arrangement may be arranged on one or more reactor walls or may be (partially) inserted into the reactor chamber. Further, the reactor chamber may have a curved shape, such as a round or oval shape, and the light source arrangement may be arranged on one or more reactor walls or may be (partially) inserted into the reactor chamber. Further, the reactor may be a tube-shaped reactor, and the light source arrangement may comprise ring-shaped light generating devices encircling the tube-shaped reactor. Further, for tube-shaped reactors, the light source arrangement may comprise tubular light generating devices in a double-wall reactor. Yet, in embodiments the reactor may comprise a plate reactor.

[0081] Hence, the photoreactor assembly may comprise one or more different reactors suited for different (photo)chemical reactions as well as different applications of said (photo)chemical reactions and in dependence of different limitations of said (photo)chemical reactions. Therefore, in embodiments, the photoreactor assembly comprises a flow reactor, plate reactor, a spinning disk reactor, or a multiple well reactor.

[0082] In a further aspect, the invention provides a method for treating a fluid with device light. Especially, the method for treating a fluid with device light comprises treating the fluid in the reactor of the photoreactor assembly as described above. The method therefore comprises providing the reactor fluid to the reactor of the photoreactor assembly, especially to the reactor volume V. Subsequently, the method comprises irradiating the fluid with device light. In particular, at least part of the fluid may be irradiated with first device light in the first reactor sub volume VI, and at least part of the fluid may be irradiated with second device light in the second reactor sub volume V2. Therefore, in embodiments, the invention provides a method for treating a fluid with device light, wherein the method comprises: (i) providing the fluid to be treated with the device light in the photochemical reactor of the photoreactor assembly as described above, and (ii) irradiating the fluid with the device light.

[0083] Herein, the present invention may especially provide for a method of treating at least part of the reactor fluid with at least part of the first device light and at least part of the device light. This may be applicable to several (photo)chemical processes described below. In some embodiments, the photochemical assembly may be applicable for two-photon reactions (described above). That is, a first species and a second species of the fluid may undergo the (photo)chemical reaction upon irradiation by device light of different wavelengths, such as the first device light and the second device light. Hence, the photochemical assembly may provide a means for a first species and a second species of the fluid to undergo a two-photon reaction with both the first device light and the second device light. Therefore, in particular embodiments the method may comprise executing a reaction between a first species and a second species with both the first device light and the second device light (in a two-photon process).

[0084] Furthermore, the photochemical assembly may be applicable for facilitating (photo)chemical reactions where (photo)chemical products absorb light of the same wavelength as the light that the reactants are being exposed to. That is, in certain (photo)chemical reactions, a first species and a second species may be irradiated with primary device light (e.g., first or second device light) to execute a (photo)chemical reaction. Thereby, a third species may be provided as a result of the (photo)chemical reaction. Yet, the third species may absorb light overlapping the same wavelength range as the primary device light. This may result in competing for absorption, where the primary (photo)chemical reaction needs to compete with absorption by the third species. The fluid may therefore be treated with secondary device light (e.g., the other of first or second device light) that may be absorbed by the third species. As such, the third species may be configured to absorb at least part of the other one of first device light and second device light. Thereby, the competition for absorption of primary device light may be decreased, thus overcoming absorption drawbacks of the (photo)chemical reaction. Hence, the photochemical assembly may facilitate (photo)chemical reactions between a first species and second species where the resultant third species absorbs light of the same wavelength as the light that the first species and second species are being exposed to. Therefore, in certain embodiments the method may comprise executing a reaction between a first species and a second species with one of the first device light and the second device light, and providing a third species configured to absorb at least part of the other one of the first device light and the second device light. Especially, thereby turbulence may be created in the reactor fluid.

[0085] Moreover, the method may be applicable for executing a (primary) reaction in a first stage of the method. The (primary) reaction may be executed between a first species and a second species. The (primary) reaction may be executed by irradiating the first species and the second species with a primary device light (such as at least one of first device light and second device light). Thereby, a fourth species may be generated. The fourth species may be converted into a fifth species in a second stage of the method in a (secondary) reaction. The (secondary) reaction may be executed by irradiating the fourth species with a secondary device light (such as the other one of first device light and second device light). Especially, the method may comprise mixing of the fluid between the first stage and the second stage of the method. Hence, the method may provide a means for the first species and second species to undergo at least two (photo)chemical reactions and provide a fifth species. Therefore, in specific embodiments, the method may comprise executing a reaction in a first stage between a first species and a second species with at least one of the first device light and the second device light, thereby generating a fourth species, wherein the fourth species is converted in a second stage into a fifth species by at least one of the first device light and the second device light; wherein in at least one of the stages the first device light is applied and wherein in at least one of the stage the second device light is applied.

[0086] Additionally, the photochemical assembly may be applicable for facilitating a forced equilibrium shift reaction (as described above). In certain (photo)chemical reactions, the reactor fluid may reach an equilibrium state between an unreacted first species of the reactor fluid and a reacted second species of the reactor fluid, i.e., the ratio of the reacted second species of the reactor fluid to the unreacted first species of the reactor fluid may remain (essentially) constant. For instance, the unreacted first species may undergo a primary (photo)chemical reaction during irradiation with primary device light and thereby reach an equilibrium state with a reacted second species of the reactor fluid. Irradiation with secondary device light may facilitate a forced equilibrium shift reaction (via e.g. a temperature increase), increasing the ratio of at least part of the reactor fluid that has undergone a primary (photo)chemical reaction to the unreacted part of reactor fluid. Hence, the photochemical assembly may provide a means for an unreacted first species and a reacted second species to undergo a forced equilibrium shift reaction.

[0087] Further, in embodiments the method may comprise executing a reaction in a first stage between a first species and a second species with the first device light, thereby generating a third species, wherein the third species may be converted in a second stage into a fourth species by the second device light.

[0088] In embodiments, the reactant molecule and product molecule may have overlap of absorption. While at first one may desire to be on the optimum wavelength for conversion of the reactant molecule, later in time one may desire to shift the wavelength to a non-optimized wavelength for the reactant molecule, to shift away from the absorption of the product molecule. The conversion might be a bit slower at the end, but one may thereby avoid by-products more. Removing by-products at the end is a costly step in processing.

[0089] Hence, in specific embodiments, one of the following may be applied: (I) executing a reaction between a first species and a second species with one of the first device light and the second device light, and providing a third species configured to absorb at least part of the other one of the first device light and the second device light to create turbulence in the reactor fluid; (II) executing a reaction between a first species and a second species with both the first device light and the second device light in a two-photon process; and (III) executing a reaction in a first stage between a first species and a second species with the first device light, thereby generating a third species, wherein the third species is converted in a second stage into a fourth species by the second device light.

[0090] Specific embodiments of the method may be especially applicable to one or more of the abovementioned (photo)chemical reactions. The method may yet be applicable for other types of (photo)chemical reactions as known to the skilled person.

[0091] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0092] 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:

[0093] Fig. 1 schematically depicts embodiments of the photoreactor assembly.

[0094] Fig. 2A-B schematically depicts radiant intensity of device light.

[0095] Fig. 3 A-B schematically depict further embodiments of the photoreactor assembly.

[0096] Fig. 4 schematically depicts (photo)chemical reactions of the method for treating a fluid.

[0097] The schematic drawings are not necessarily to scale.

[0098] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0099] Fig. 1 schematically depicts embodiments of the photoreactor assembly 1000 comprising a photochemical reactor 200 and a light source arrangement 700. Herein, the light source arrangement 700 may comprise a plurality of light generating devices 100. The plurality of light generating devices 100 may comprise a first light generating device 110, configured to generate first device light 111. Further, the plurality of light generating devices 100 may comprise a second light generating device 120, configured to generate second device light 121. The first device light 111 and the second device light 121 may be individually selected from one or more of UV radiation, visible radiation, and IR radiation. Furthermore, the photochemical reactor 200 may comprise a reactor chamber 250 configured to receive a reactor fluid 5. In specific embodiments, the reactor chamber 250 may comprise a (double wall) tubular reactor. The photochemical reactor 200 may especially comprise a light transmissive window 205 comprising a light transmissive material 211 that is transmissive for at least part of the first and second device light 111,121. Additionally, the photochemical reactor 200 and the light source arrangement 700 may be configured such that the first light generating device 110 irradiates via the light transmissive window 205 the reactor chamber 250. Further, the photochemical reactor 200 and the light source arrangement 700 may be configured such that the second light generating device 120 irradiates via the light transmissive window 205 the reactor chamber 250. In specific embodiments, in a cross-section of reactor chamber 250, the one or more light generating devices 100 may be arranged about (or around) an axis of the (tubular) reactor chamber 250, see Fig. 3 A. Additionally or alternatively, in a cross-section of reactor chamber 250, the light generating device 100 may (also) not be arranged about (or around) the axis of the (tubular) reactor chamber 250, wherein an optical element (for example a dichroic filter 525) comprised by the light source arrangement 700 may be used to irradiate the reactor chamber 250, see Fig. 3B. Moreover, the photoreactor assembly 1000 may be configured to provide in a first operational mode of the photoreactor assembly 1000 the first device light 111 and the second device light 121 in the reactor chamber 250.

[0100] Further, in embodiments of the photoreactor assembly 1000, the first light generating device 110 and the second light generating device 120 may be selected from the group of lasers. More especially, the first light generating device 110 and the second light generating device 120 may be selected from the group of laser diodes.

[0101] Especially, the photoreactor assembly 1000 may comprise a plurality of sets 117 of light generating devices 100. Each set 117 may comprise one or more first light generating devices 110 and one or more second light generating devices 120. Different overlapping sub volumes are indicated with references V12’, V12”, V12’”, and V12””. Light generating devices 100 are indicated by way of example, and may refer to sets 117 of a first light generating device 110 and a second light generating device 120, but may also refer to other light generating devices and / or other combinations of light generating devices.

[0102] Further, the photoreactor assembly 1000 may comprise a plurality of light generating devices 100 configured to generate device light 101. The plurality of light generating devices 100 may comprise the first light generating device 110 and the second light generating device 120. Further, two or more of the light generating devices 100 may be configured to generate device light 101 having different spectral power distributions and to provide the device light 101 in different parts of the reactor chamber 250 (especially via the light transmissive window 205).

[0103] Additionally, the photoreactor assembly 1000 may further comprise a control system 300. The control system 300 may be configured to control one or more of a first radiant flux of the first device light 111, a second radiant flux of the second device light 121, a first peak wavelength kpl, a second peak wavelength kpl, a time difference wherein the first device light 111 and the second device light 121 are provided, a first pulse time of the first device light 111, and a second pulse time of the second device light 121.

[0104] The control system 300 may especially be configured to control the first device light 111 and the second device light 121 in dependence of a temperature of the reactor fluid 5, an absorption of radiation by the reactor fluid 5, a transmission of radiation by the reactor fluid 5, and turbulence of the reactor fluid 5. The control system 300 may be configured to control the device light 101 in the different parts of the reactor chamber 250.

[0105] Herein, the photoreactor assembly 1000 may comprise a flow reactor, plate reactor, a spinning disk reactor, or a multiple well reactor. In particular, the depicted embodiment of the photoreactor assembly 1000 shows a tube-shaped photochemical reactor 200.

[0106] Furthermore, the photochemical reactor 200 may comprise a reactor chamber 250 configured to provide a photochemical product 6.

[0107] Fig. 2A schematically depicts radiant intensity I over wavelength for device light 101. Herein, the first device light 111 may have a first peak wavelength kp l . Further, the second device light 121 may have a second peak wavelength Zp2. Especially, the following may apply: | p 1 -Zp2|>5 nm. The first device light 111 and the second device light 121 may be individually selected from one or more of UV radiation, visible radiation, and IR radiation.

[0108] Especially, one of the following may apply: | p 1 -Zp2|> 100 nm, 25 nm <|kp 1 - Ap2|< 100 nm, 10 nm <|kp 1 -Xp2|<25 nm, or 5 nm <|kp 1 -Xp2|< 10 nm. This may be in dependence on the (photo)chemical reaction to be executed by the photoreactor assembly 1000.

[0109] Further, one of the first peak wavelength kp l and the second peak wavelength kp2 may be selected from a wavelength of at maximum 490 nm. Moreover, the other one of the first peak wavelength kp l and the second peak wavelength Zp2 may be selected from the wavelength of larger than 490 nm.

[0110] Herein, the light source arrangement 700 may comprise a third light generating device 130 configured to generate third device light 131 having a third peak wavelength Zp3. The following may thus apply: |Xp3-Xpl |>5 nm, |Z,p3-kp2|>5 nm, and kpl^ Xp2^ Zp3.

[0111] Furthermore, the light source arrangement 700 may comprises a nth light generating device 140 configured to generate nth device light 141 having a nth peak wavelength kpn. The following may therefore apply: | pn- pl |>5 nm, such as | pn- pl |>10 nm, |Zpn-Z,p2|>5 nm, such as |Z,pn-Z,p2|>10 nm, |kpn-kp31>5 nm, such as |Z,pn-Z,p3|>10 nm, and kp l Xp2^ Xp3^ kpn. Here, n is by way of example 4. However, more than four different types of device light may be provided.

[0112] Fig. 2B schematically depicts schematically depicts radiant intensity I over time t for device light 111,121. Especially, the photoreactor assembly 1000 may be configured to provide the first device light 111 and the second device light 121 within a time difference At selected from the range of 0-1 psec. In the left example, there is full overlap and during the entire time the first device light I l l is provided also the second device light 121 is provided, and vice versa. In the middle example, there is partial overlap. Part of the time only first device light 111 is provided, part of the time both first device light 111 and second device light 121 is provided, and part of the time only second device light 121 is provided. In the lightest example, there is a non-zero time between the times the first device light 111 is provided and the second device light 121 is provided, indicated with At.

[0113] Fig. 3 A-B schematically depict further embodiments of the photoreactor assembly 1000. Herein, the photochemical reactor 200 and the light source arrangement 700 may be configured such that the first light generating device 110 irradiates via the light transmissive window 205 a first reactor sub volume VI of a reactor volume V of the reactor chamber 250. Further, the photochemical reactor 200 and the light source arrangement 700 may be configured such that the second light generating device 120 irradiates via the light transmissive window 205 a second reactor sub volume V2 of the reactor volume V of the reactor chamber 250. Especially, the first reactor sub volume VI and the second reactor sub volume V2 may at least partially overlap, thereby providing an overlapping reactor sub volume V12. Moreover, the photoreactor assembly 1000 may be configured to provide in a first operational mode of the photoreactor assembly 1000 the first device light 111 and the second device light 121 in the reactor sub volumes VI, V2. Fig. 3 A depicts embodiments wherein the first light generating device 110 and the second light generating device 120 may be configured to provide focused or collimated device light 111,121 in the overlapping reactor sub volume V12. The focused or collimated device light 111,121 may especially have a FWHM of >20 nm.

[0114] Fig. 3B depicts specific embodiments of the photoreactor assembly 100 further comprising a (dichroic) beam combiner 525 configured downstream of both the first light generating device 110 and the second light generating device 120. The (dichroic) beam combiner 525 may further be configured upstream of the light transmissive window 205. Especially, the (dichroic) beam combiner 525 may be configured to provide a beam of device light 116 comprising both the first device light 111 and the second device light 121.

[0115] Fig. 4 schematically depicts (photo)chemical reactions of the method for treating a fluid 5 with device light 111,121. Herein, the method may comprise providing the fluid 5 to be treated with the device light 111,121 in the photochemical reactor 200 of the photoreactor assembly 1000 as schematically depicted in previous Figures. The method may further comprise irradiating the fluid 5 with the device light 111,121.

[0116] Especially, one of the following may apply to different (photo)chemical reactions.

[0117] In embodiment I, the method may comprise executing a reaction between a first species A and a second species B with one of the first device light 111 and the second device light 121. Thereby, a third species Q may be provided configured to absorb at least part of the other one of the first device light 111 and the second device light 121. As depicted herein, the reaction between the first species A and the second species B may be executed with the first device light 111 having a first wavelength XI . Thus, the third species Q may be configured to absorb at least part of the first device light 111 having a first wavelength XI . The third species Q may in embodiments comprise the reaction product C.

[0118] In embodiment II, the method may comprise executing a reaction between a first species A and a second species B with both the first device light 111 (having a first wavelength XI) and the second device light 121 (having a second wavelength X2). Thereby, a reaction product C may be provided.

[0119] In embodiment III, the method may comprise executing a reaction in a first stage between a first species A and a second species B with at least one of the first device light 111 and the second device light 121, thereby generating a fourth species (or reaction product) C. The fourth species C may be converted in a second stage into a fifth species D by at least one of the first device light 111 and the second device light 121. In at least one of the stages, the first device light 111 may be applied. Further, in at least one of the stages, the second device light 121 may be applied. Indications X1 / X2 / X1+X2 may indicate that the first device light is provided, the second device light is provided, or both may be provided. Especially, the choice between X1 / X2 / X1+X2 may differ for the two reactions.

[0120] Hence, in specific embodiments, one of the following may be applied: (I) executing a reaction between a first species and a second species with one of the first device light 111 and the second device light 121, and providing a third species configured to absorb at least part of the other one of the first device light 111 and the second device light 121 to create turbulence in the reactor fluid 5; (II) executing a reaction between a first species and a second species with both the first device light 111 and the second device light 121 in a two- photon process; and (III) executing a reaction in a first stage between a first species and a second species with the first device light 111, thereby generating a third species, wherein the third species is converted in a second stage into a fourth species by the second device light 121.

[0121] The term “plurality” refers to two or more. 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%. The term “comprise” also includes embodiments wherein the term “comprises” means “consists of’.

[0122] 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".

[0123] 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. 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.

[0126] 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”.

[0127] The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0128] 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. In yet a further aspect, the invention (thus) provides a software product, which, when running on a computer is capable of bringing about (one or more embodiments of) the method as described herein.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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. 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.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A photoreactor assembly (1000) comprising a photochemical reactor (200) and a light source arrangement (700); wherein: the light source arrangement (700) comprises a plurality of light generating devices (100) comprising (i) a first light generating device (110), configured to generate first device light (111) having a first peak wavelength (kpl), and (ii) a second light generating device (120), configured to generate second device light (121) having a second peak wavelength (Zp2); wherein | p 1 -Zp2|> 10 nm; wherein the first device light (111) and the second device light (121) are individually selected from one or more of UV radiation, visible radiation, and IR radiation; the photochemical reactor (200) comprises a reactor chamber (250) configured to receive a reactor fluid (5); wherein the photochemical reactor (200) comprises a light transmissive window (205) comprising a light transmissive material (211) that is transmissive for at least part of the first and second device light (111,121); the photochemical reactor (200) and the light source arrangement (700) are configured such that (a) the first light generating device (110) irradiates via the light transmissive window (205) a first reactor sub volume (VI) of a reactor volume (V) of the reactor chamber (250); and (b) the second light generating device (120) irradiates via the light transmissive window (205) a second reactor sub volume (V2) of the reactor volume (V) of the reactor chamber (250); wherein the first reactor sub volume (VI) and the second reactor sub volume (V2) at least partially overlap thereby providing an overlapping reactor sub volume (VI 2); and the photoreactor assembly (1000) is configured to provide in a first operational mode of the photoreactor assembly (1000) the first device light (111) and the second device light (121) in the reactor sub volumes (VI, V2).

2. The photoreactor assembly (1000) according to claim 1, wherein the photoreactor assembly (1000) is configured to provide the first device light (111) and the second device light (121) simultaneously.

3. The photoreactor assembly (1000) according any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first light generating device (110) and the second light generating device (120) are selected from the group of superluminescent diodes and laser diodes.

4. The photoreactor assembly (1000) according to claim 3, wherein the light source arrangement (700) comprises optics configured to provide collimated or focused device light (111,121) in the overlapping reactor sub volume (VI 2); and wherein the device light (111,121) has a FWHM of at maximum 2°; and wherein the first light generating device (110) and the second light generating device (120) comprise laser diodes.

5. The photoreactor assembly (1000) according any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a dichroic beam combiner (525) configured downstream of both the first light generating device (110) and the second light generating device (120), and upstream of the light transmissive window (205), wherein the dichroic beam combiner (525) is configured to provide a beam of device light (116) comprising both the first device light (111) and the second device light (121); wherein the beam of device light (116) comprises overlapping beams of first device light (111) and the second device light (121).

6. The photoreactor assembly (1000) according any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of sets (117) of light generating devices (100), wherein each set (117) comprises one or more first light generating devices (110) and one or more second light generating devices (120); wherein each set (117) is configured to generate a respective set of overlapping reactor sub volume (V12’), wherein at least two of the sets (117) are configured to provide overlapping set of overlapping reactor sub volumes (V12’).

7. The photoreactor assembly (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a control system (300), wherein the control system (300) is configured to control one or more of a first radiant flux of the first device light (111), a second radiant flux of the second device light (121), the first peak wavelength (kpl), the second peak wavelength (kpl), the time difference as defined in claim 2, a first pulse time of the first device light (111), and a second pulse time of the second device light (121).

8. The photoreactor assembly (1000) according to claim 7, wherein the control system (300) is configured to control the first device light (111) and the second device light(121) in dependence of a temperature of the reactor fluid (5), an absorption of radiation of the first and / or second device light by the reactor fluid (5), a transmission of radiation of the first and / or second device light by the reactor fluid (5), and turbulence of the reactor fluid (5).

9. The photoreactor assembly (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of light generating devices (100) configured to generate device light (101), wherein the plurality of light generating devices (100) comprises the first light generating device (110) and the second light generating device (120); wherein two or more of the light generating devices (100) are configured to generate device light (101) having different spectral power distributions and to provide the device light (101) in different parts of the reactor chamber (250) via the light transmissive window (205); wherein the control system (300) according to any one of the preceding claims 7-8 is configured to control the device light (101) in the different parts of the reactor chamber (250).

10. The photoreactor assembly (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the following applies:|Xp 1 -Xp2|>l 00 nm;25 nm <|Xp 1 -Xp2|< 100 nm; or 10 nm <|Xp 1 -Xp2|<25 nm.

11. The photoreactor assembly (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light source arrangement (700) comprises a third light generating device (130), configured to generate third device light (131) having a third peak wavelength (Xp3 ).

12. The photoreactor assembly (1000) according to claim 11, wherein | p3- kpl|>10 nm, |Z,p3-kp2|>10 nm, and kpl^ Zp2^ Zp3; and wherein optionally the light source arrangement (700) comprises a nthlight generating device (140), configured to generate nthdevice light (141) having a nthpeak wavelength (kpn), wherein | pn- pl |>10 nm, |kpn- kp2|> 10 nm, |Z,pn-Z,p3|>5 nm, and kpl^ Zp2^ Xp3^ kpn.

13. The photoreactor assembly (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the photoreactor assembly (1000) comprises a flow reactor, plate reactor, a spinning disk reactor, or a multiple well reactor.

14. A method for treating a fluid (5) with device light (111,121), wherein the method comprises: providing the fluid (5) to be treated with the device light (111,121) in the photochemical reactor (200) of the photoreactor assembly (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims; and irradiating the fluid (5) with the device light (111,121).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein one of the following applies: executing a reaction between a first species and a second species with one of the first device light (111) and the second device light (121), and providing a third species configured to absorb at least part of the other one of the first device light (111) and the second device light (121) to create turbulence in the reactor fluid (5); executing a reaction between a first species and a second species with both the first device light (111) and the second device light (121) in a two-photon process; - executing a reaction in a first stage between a first species and a second species with the first device light (111), thereby generating a third species, wherein the third species is converted in a second stage into a fourth species by the second device light (121).

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