An ultraviolet LED assembly for carrying out photochemical reactions in a confined space

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a UV LED assembly (100) for carrying out photochemical reactions in a confined space (110). The assembly (100) comprises a heat sink (102), at least one fluid channel having an inlet port (106), and an outlet port (108) configured to facilitate circulation of a first fluid, a plurality of UV LEDs (104) mounted on at least one operative surface of the heat sink (102), a recess (112) configured to receive the UV LEDs (104) mounted on the heat sink (102), at least one fitment means (120), at least one inlet valve (114) and at least one outlet valve (116) configured to facilitate circulation of a second fluid across an operative peripheral surface of the heat sink (110) in an operative configuration of the UV based LED assembly (100). The assembly is user-friendly, consumes less power and provides a higher reaction rate.

Description

[0001] AN ULTRAVIOLET LED ASSEMBLY FOR CARRYING OUT PHOTOCHEMICAL REACTIONS IN A CONFINED SPACE

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an ultraviolet LED assembly for carrying out photochemical reactions in a confined space. More particularly, relates to photo halogenation or photo reactions in a rector.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.

[0006] Conventionally a photo-assisted chemical reaction is carried out using a light source emitting ultraviolet (UV) light. During the reaction, the light source can be placed externally to the reaction vessel or inside the reaction vessel. Typical light sources used inside the reaction vessel or in confined spaces are high-pressure Mercury vapor lamps, medium-pressure Mercury vapor lamps, and low-pressure Mercury vapor lamps with or without Iron doping. However, these lamps emit very broad-spectrum radiations. For example, tube light emits a white spectrum light, thus the usable spectrum is a small fraction of the light emitted by the tube light. Due to this, to get the intensity of the desired radiation, power consumption is very high.

[0007] Further, in some cases, LED light is used. However, these LED lights emit lots of thermal radiation, and because of that it is difficult to use the LED-based system in a confined space without effectively managing the heat that is generated. Therefore, LED-based UV lights are installed outside the reaction vessel, and thus the produced heat is removed by using a heat sink-mounted induced draft fan or a forced draft fan. The use of a higher-scale air circulation system is required to remove the heat which imparts additional cost. In such a system, the area outside the reaction vessel is exposed to UV radiation, thereby increasing the risk of human exposure, as a result, health-related issues arise.

[0008] Therefore, there is felt a need to provide an ultraviolet LED assembly for carrying out photochemical reactions in a confined space, that obviates the aforementioned drawbacks or at least provides an alternative solution. OBJECTS

[0009] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:

[0010] An object of the present disclosure is to ameliorate one or more problems of the background or to at least provide a useful alternative solution that provides a higher reaction rate.

[0011] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an ultraviolet (UV) LED assembly for carrying out photochemical reactions in a confined space.

[0012] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a UV LED assembly for carrying out photochemical reactions in a confined space that consumes less power during a reaction.

[0013] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a UV LED assembly for carrying out photochemical reactions in a confined space that produces a very narrow range of light spectrum.

[0014] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a UV LED assembly for carrying out photochemical reactions in a confined space that is compact and durable.

[0015] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a UV LED assembly for carrying out photochemical reactions in a confined space that eliminates human exposure to UV radiation and hence provides a user-friendly architecture.

[0016] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a UV LED assembly for carrying out photochemical reactions in a confined space that reduces operating costs.

[0017] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a UV LED assembly for carrying out photochemical reactions in a confined space that effectively removes the heat generated by the UV LED and expedites the rate of reaction by protecting the UV LED assembly.

[0018] Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0019] SUMMARY

[0020] The present disclosure relates to an ultraviolet (UV) LED assembly for carrying out photochemical reactions. The assembly is configured to be fitted in a confined space. The assembly comprises a heat sink defined by a longitudinal body; at least one fluid channel configured to extend along the heat sink to facilitate circulation of a first fluid across the heat sink; a plurality of UV LEDs configured to be mounted on at least one operative surface of the heat sink; a recess defined by a hollow body, the recess configured to receive the plurality of UV LEDs mounted on the heat sink; at least one fitment means configured to be mounted on the recess to operatively secure the heat sink within the recess; and at least one inlet valve and at least one outlet valve configured on the fitment means, the inlet valve and the outlet valve are configured to facilitate circulation of a second fluid across an operative peripheral surface of the heat sink in an operative configuration of the UV LED assembly.

[0021] In an embodiment, the heat sink is configured with a predefined polygonal shape, typically selected from a group consisting of a circle, a triangle, a tetragon, a quadrilateral, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, and an octagon.

[0022] In an embodiment, the plurality of UV LEDs emits ultraviolet radiation having a narrow wavelength spectrum in the range of 200 nm to 450 nm.

[0023] In an embodiment, the recess is made of a material selected from a group consisting of glass, quartz and any combination thereof.

[0024] In an embodiment, an operative bottom of the recess is either open or closed, an operative top of the recess is open and the recess has a diameter in the range of 50 mm to 500 mm.

[0025] In an embodiment, the first fluid is either a liquid coolant or a gaseous coolant. The liquid coolant is at least one selected from a group consisting of water, synthetic oil, petroleum oil and combinations thereof and the gaseous coolant is at least one selected from a group consisting of air, nitrogen, helium, inert gas and combinations thereof.

[0026] In an embodiment, the second fluid is a gaseous coolant selected from a group consisting of air, nitrogen, helium, inert gas and combinations thereof.

[0027] In an embodiment, the heat sink is made of a material selected from a group consisting of copper, all grades of steel, titanium, graphite, aluminium, and alloys thereof.

[0028] In an embodiment, the heat sink is configured to have a heat transfer rate in the range of 50 W / m2to 1500 W / m2.

[0029] In an embodiment, the heat sink is configured with a plurality of fins. In an embodiment, the fluid channel is configured to extend operatively either longitudinally or horizontally along the heat sink.

[0030] In an embodiment, the fluid channel has an inlet port and an outlet port to facilitate circulation of the first fluid.

[0031] In an embodiment, the fitment means is configured to be mounted on the operative top of the recess.

[0032] In an embodiment, the fitment means is configured to be mounted on the operative bottom of the recess.

[0033] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING

[0034] The UV LED assembly for carrying out photochemical reactions in a confined space of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a UV LED assembly fitted in a confined space in accordance with the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 2 illustrates the first fluid circulation circuit in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of the UV LED assembly fitted in a confined space and having both sides open-ended recess in accordance with the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 4a illustrates a sectional view of a heat sink with mounted UV LEDs and configured with a plurality of fins in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 4b illustrates a sectional view of a heat sink with mounted UV LEDs and configured without fins in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND

[0040] DRAWING

[0041] 100 / 200 UV LED assembly

[0042] 102 / 202 heat sink

[0043] 102a heat sink with fins

[0044] 202a heat sink without fins

[0045] 104 / 204 UV LED

[0046] 106 / 206 inlet port

[0047] 108 / 208 outlet port

[0048] 110 / 210 confined space

[0049] 112 / 212 recess

[0050] 114 / 214 inlet valve

[0051] 116 / 216 outlet valve

[0052] 118 / 218 j unction box

[0053] 120 fitment means

[0054] 122 control junction box

[0055] 124 first fluid

[0056] 126 first fluid tank

[0057] 128 pump

[0058] 130 rotameter

[0059] 132 cooler

[0060] 134 first fluid in

[0061] 136 first fluid out

[0062] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] The present disclosure generally relates to a UV LED assembly for carrying out photochemical reactions in a confined space. More specifically, it relates to photo halogenation or photo reactions in a rector.

[0064] Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

[0065] The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a”, “an”, and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including”, and “having”, are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, modules, units and / or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0066] When an element is referred to as being “mounted on”, “engaged to”, “connected to”, or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.

[0067] The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region or section from another component, region, or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc., when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.

[0068] Terms such as “inner”, “outer”, “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper”, and the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between different elements as depicted from the figures.

[0069] Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

[0070] Conventionally a photo-assisted chemical reaction is carried out using a light source emitting UV light. During the reaction, the light source can be placed externally to the reaction vessel or inside the reaction vessel. Typical light sources used inside the reaction vessel or in confined spaces are high-pressure Mercury vapor lamps, medium-pressure Mercury vapor lamps, and low-pressure Mercury vapor lamps with or without Iron doping. However, these lamps emit very broad-spectrum radiations. For example, tube light emits a white spectrum light, thus the usable spectrum is a small fraction of the light emitted by the tube light. Due to this, in order to get the intensity of the desired radiation, power consumption is very high.

[0071] Further, in some cases, LED light is used. However, these LED lights emit lots of thermal radiation, and because of that it is difficult to use the LED-based system in a confined space without effectively managing the heat that is generated. Therefore, LED-based UV lights are installed outside the reaction vessel, and thus the produced heat is removed by using a heat sink-mounted induced draft fan or a forced draft fan. The use of a higher-scale air circulation system is required to remove the heat which imparts additional cost. In such a system, the area outside the reaction vessel is exposed to UV radiation, thereby increasing the risk of human exposure, as a result, health-related issues arise.

[0072] Therefore, the present disclosure envisages a UV LED assembly for carrying out photochemical reactions in a confined space (hereinafter referred to as “the assembly (100 / 200)”). The assembly utilizes a narrow wavelength spectrum source in a confined space with effective management of heat generated therein. Advantageously, the assembly (100) consumes less power and expedites the rate of reaction.

[0073] The present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 through Figure 4b. The present embodiment does not limit the scope and ambit of the present disclosure.

[0074] The assembly (100 / 200) comprises a heat sink (102 / 202), at least one fluid channel having an inlet port (106 / 206) and an outlet port (108 / 208), a plurality of UV LEDs (104 / 204), a recess (112 / 212), at least one fitment means (120), an inlet valve (114 / 214) and an outlet valve (116 / 216).

[0075] The heat sink (102) is defined by a longitudinal body. The heat sink (102) is a component that increases the rate of heat flow. The heat sink (102) is configured with a predefined polygonal - shaped body that can have either three, four, five, six, seven, or eight sides. The heat sink (102) with a polygonal-shaped body having three sides being triangular and four sides being tetragon or quadrilateral in shape. Similarly, the heat sink (102) can be Pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, and Octagonal in shape.

[0076] In an alternative embodiment, the heat sink (102 / 202) is round in shape depending on the heat intensity required for the reactions. In an exemplary embodiment, the heat sink (102) is tetragonal or quadrilateral in shape.

[0077] In an embodiment, the heat sink (102 / 202) is configured with a plurality of fins (102a).

[0078] In an alternative embodiment, the heat sink (102 / 202) is configured without fins.

[0079] In an embodiment, the plurality of UV LEDs (104 / 204) are configured to be mounted on at least one operative surface of the heat sink (102 / 202). The assembly (100) in which the UV LEDs (104) are mounted on a heat sink (102 / 202) and placed inside a confined space, ensures the desired radiation is delivered within the confined space while effectively managing heat. Additionally, it reduces the total power required for photochemical reactions, which in turn lowers the overall operational cost of these reactions.

[0080] In an embodiment, the UV LEDs (104 / 204) are mounted on the heat sink (102 / 202) using standard electrical wiring and other support structures, such as using a heat transfer paste, or secured by using a fastener, or screws.

[0081] In an embodiment, the UV LEDs (104 / 204) mounted on the heat sink (102 / 202) are in the form of a single bar, multiple bars, or a single unit. Each side of the heat sink can be fitted with a plurality of UV LED bars based on the requirement of the heat generated by the UV LED assembly (100 / 200). Each face of the heat sink (102 / 202) is configured to have a surface area such that the heat transfer rate from each plate falls within the range of 50 W / m2to 1500 W / m2.

[0082] In another embodiment, the surface area of the heat sink (102 / 202) is configured to have a heat transfer rate in the range of 75 W / m2to 1200 W / m2.

[0083] In yet another embodiment, the surface area of the heat sink (102 / 202) is configured to have a heat transfer rate in the range of 100 W / m2to 1000 W / m2. In an embodiment, the plurality of UV LEDs (104 / 204) emits ultraviolet radiations having a narrow wavelength spectrum. The narrow wavelength spectrum of the UV LEDs (104 / 204) is in the range of 200 nm to 450 nm.

[0084] In another embodiment, the narrow wavelength spectrum of the UV LEDs (104 / 204) is in the range of 300 nm to 420 nm.

[0085] In yet another embodiment, the narrow wavelength spectrum of the UV LEDs (104 / 204) is in the range of 350 nm to 410 nm.

[0086] In an exemplary embodiment, the narrow wavelength spectrum used for the photo chlorination reaction in a confined space is in the range of 365 nm to 415 nm, and for disinfecting the water or air, the required wavelength is in the range of 250 nm to 360 nm. Therefore, the assembly (100 / 200) emits the required narrow wavelength spectrum to enhance the reactivity of the reaction mixture present in the confined space without wasting heat. Further, the use of the heat sink (102) mitigates the problem associated with the generated heat, which helps to expedite the reaction time and improves the life of the assembly (100 / 200).

[0087] In an embodiment, the heat sink (102 / 202) is made of a material selected from a group consisting of copper, steel, titanium, graphite, aluminium, alloys of aluminium, Hastelloy and combinations thereof. The steel can be selected from all grades of steel and alloys thereof.

[0088] The UV light emits lots of thermal radiation, between 40% and 75% of the power input is released by the UV LEDs as heat. Therefore, it is necessary to manage the generated heat to enhance the rate of photochemical reactions in the confined space and also for the durability of the assembly (100). The generated heat is dissipated using a suitable fluid medium.

[0089] In an embodiment, at least one fluid channel is configured to extend along the heat sink (102 / 202). The fluid channel has an inlet port (106 / 206), and an outlet port (108 / 208) to facilitate the circulation of a first fluid across the heat sink (102).

[0090] The heat sink (102 / 202) is configured to facilitate the circulation of the first fluid to cool down the assembly (100). This circulation of the first fluid removes the heat from the assembly (100) and maintains the desired temperature to enhance the rate of photochemical reactions. The fluid channel circulates the first fluid through the heat sink (102) and removes the generated heat. In an embodiment, the fluid channel is configured to extend operatively either longitudinally or horizontally along the heat sink (102) to facilitate the circulation of the first fluid.

[0091] In an embodiment, the first fluid is either a liquid coolant or a gaseous coolant. The liquid coolant is at least one selected from a group consisting of water, synthetic oil, petroleum oil, salt solution, Mono Ethylene Glycol water, and combinations thereof. Specifically, the first fluid can be any heat transfer fluid.

[0092] In an embodiment, the gaseous coolant is at least one selected from a group consisting of air, nitrogen, helium, inert gas and combinations thereof.

[0093] Figure 2 depicts the circulation of the first fluid through the heat sink (102 / 202) configured with the plurality of fins (102a).

[0094] In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid coolant (124) like water is collected in a liquid coolant tank (126). A pump (128) is configured downstream of the liquid coolant tank (126) and a cooler (132) is configured downstream of the pump (128). The pump (128) fetches the liquid coolant from the liquid coolant tank (126) and delivers it toward the cooler (132) to further reduce the temperature of the liquid coolant. A rotameter (130) is configured in between the pump (128) and the cooler (132) to measure the flow rate of the liquid coolant flowing through a liquid line at any given time. The liquid coolant is delivered to the heat sink (102) through the inlet port (106) of the fluid channel via the liquid line (134). The liquid coolant flow extends longitudinally along the heat sink through the configured fins structure and exits from the outlet port (108), followed by collection in the liquid coolant tank (126) via liquid line (136). This fluid circulation channel is essentially configured to remove the heat generated by the UV LEDs. The UV LEDs emit high thermal radiation which may affect the assembly (100). Therefore, it is necessary to effectively remove the heat generated due to thermal radiation. The fluid channel in such a scenario effectively removes the generated heat and expedites the rate of photochemical reaction, thus improving the efficiency of the assembly (100).

[0095] The assembly (100) further comprises the recess (112). The recess (112) is defined as a hollow body. The recess (112) is configured to receive the heat sink (102) fitted with the UV LEDs (104). The recess (112) acts as a protective enclosure to keep the UV LEDs (104) safe from the reaction mixture present in the confined space (110) and also to keep it safe from the reaction temperature. The recess (112) typically isolates the UV LEDs (104) and the chemical interface present in the confined space.

[0096] In an exemplary embodiment, the confined space can be a reactor, reactor vessel, reaction container, or pipe that is used for photochemical reactions.

[0097] In an embodiment, the recess (112) is made of a material selected from a group consisting of glass quartz and any combination thereof. The recess material can be any light transparent material that is affiliated with the UV LEDs (104) and can be operated in confined space working conditions.

[0098] In an exemplary embodiment, the recess is made of a borosilicate glass tube that protectively encloses the UV LEDs (104) mounted on the heat sink (102).

[0099] In an embodiment, the recess (112) is closed from an operative bottom end. In that case, the operative bottom end lies inside the confined space (110).

[0100] In an alternative embodiment, the recess (112) is open from both ends, from an operative bottom end and an operative top end.

[0101] In an embodiment, the recess (112) has a diameter in the range of 50 mm to 500 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the recess has a diameter in the range of 150 mm to 250 mm.

[0102] The fitment mean (120) is configured to be mounted on an operative top of the recess (112). The fitment means (120) is configured to secure the recess and the heat sink from the operative top end when the recess (112) is closed from the operative bottom end. The fitment means (120) is configured to provide a secure holding of the heat sink (102) such that the heat sink (102) does not touch the wall of the recess (112) and a free passage in between the outer periphery of the UV LEDs and the inner surface of the recess (112) is created.

[0103] In an alternative embodiment, the fitment means (120) is configured to be mounted on the operative top of the recess as well as on the operative bottom of the recess, when the recess is open from both ends, i.e., from the operative bottom end and the operative top end.

[0104] As depicted in Figure 3, the recess (112) is open from both ends.

[0105] In an embodiment, the fitment means (120) is selected from flanges having a bolted, or threaded connection with the recess (120). In an embodiment, at least one inlet valve (114) and at least one outlet valve (116) are configured on the fitment means (120). The inlet valve (114) and the outlet valve (116) are configured to facilitate the circulation of a second fluid across the operative surface of the heat sink (102 / 202) in an operative configuration of the assembly (100).

[0106] In an embodiment, the second fluid is a gaseous coolant. The gaseous coolant is selected from a group consisting of air, nitrogen, helium, oxygen, inert gas and combinations thereof.

[0107] The gaseous coolant is circulated through the passage created between the inner wall of the recess (112) and the outer periphery of the heat sink (102) fitted with the UV LEDs (104).

[0108] In an exemplary embodiment, the gaseous coolant is selected as nitrogen and the confined space is a reactor vessel. The nitrogen gas is injected through the inlet valve (114). The flow rate of the nitrogen gas is suitably maintained and the pressure is regulated so that the required temperature of the reactor vessel (110) does not reach the maximum allowable temperature condition of the UV LEDs (104). The gaseous coolant acts as a thermal barrier between the reaction mixture present in the reactor vessel (110) and the UV LEDs (104).

[0109] In an embodiment, a junction box (118) and a control junction box (122) are configured with the assembly (100), to give an electrical supply to the UV LEDs (104) of the assembly (100). The intensity of the UV LEDs is controlled by using the junction box (118).

[0110] The assembly (100 / 200) consumes very less power when compared to the conventionally available light sources. Also, produces a very narrow range of light spectrum thereby reducing the power required. Further, works in a confined space thus eliminating the worker's exposure to the U.V. radiations. The assembly finds various applications such as in photo chlorination, photo bromination, photo-oxidation, water treatment systems, and the like.

[0111] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment but are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is further described in light of the following experiments which are set forth for illustration purposes only and not to be construed for limiting the scope of the disclosure. The following experiments are scalable to industrial / commercial processes.

[0112] EXPERIMENTAL DETAILS Several tests were taken on heat sinks at different surface areas. These runs were conducted using water as cooling media. A fixed amount of water was added into the assembly and circulated through the heat sink while operating the UV LEDs at different wattages, thereby verifying the heat transfer capacity of the heat sinks.

[0113] A heat transfer rate was measured for a fixed amount of water held up in the assembly such as 150 kg of water was added in the assembly and the UV LEDs wattage was changed from

[0114] 360 W to 172.8 W for a heat transfer area of 0.81 m2. The resulting heat transfer rate (W / m2) was increased with the increase in the wattage of UV LEDs.

[0115] Table 1 indicates that with a consistent heat transfer area and water holding capacity, increasing the power wattage of the UV LED leads to a proportional increase in the heat transfer rate. This suggests that higher-powered LEDs produce more heat, which can be effectively utilized for the intended reaction within the reactor vessel.

[0116] Table 1: the heat transfer capacity of the heat sinks at different surface areas using the UV LED assembly in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0117] Different light sources (immersed lamps inserted inside the reactor using a glass recess) were compared using a 1 Kiloliters (KL) reactor for a photo chlorination reaction. Light power input was varied for different sources keeping reaction time the same. It is noted that for LED-based UV the power consumption was the least among the all -tested lamps.

[0118] Table 2 shows the comparative data of the conventional lamp system and the UV LED assembly. Examples 1 and 2 in Table 2 are the conventional lamp system and examples 3 and 4 are the UV LED assembly (100) in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0119] Table 2: The comparative data of conventional lamp source and UV LED-based UV light source. The power consumption of the UV LED assembly (100) when compared to the Low-pressure lamp was 41% of the power required by Low-Pressure Mercury lamp in order to achieve the same results.

[0120] Table 2 illustrates that for a reactor vessel with a volume of 1KL, using a medium-pressure mercury lamp requiring 3000W of power, the required light intensity per liter is 3W, with an observed reaction time of 3.5 hours. Conversely, employing a low-pressure mercury lamp necessitating 720W for the same reactor volume, the required light intensity is 0.72W per liter, and the observed reaction time is 3.5 hours. Conversely, in the case of a UV LED lamp, due to its monochromatic nature, significantly less power is required to generate the same rate of chemical reaction compared to a mercury lamp. Thus, utilizing a UV LED lamp with a power wattage of 600W results in a light intensity of 0.6W per liter and a reaction time of 2.5 hours. Similarly, employing a UV LED lamp with a power wattage of 300W yields a light intensity of 0.3W per liter and a reaction time of 3.5 hours. Consequently, it is evident that UV LED lamps require comparatively less power to achieve the same reaction rate, thereby highlighting their efficiency in converting electrical energy into the necessary light for the reaction, consequently reducing energy wastage.

[0121] Moreover, even with an increase in the power wattage of the LED lamp, the reaction time decreases, leading to an accelerated rate of reaction. Therefore, based on the experimental data, it can be concluded that UV LED lamps offer advantages over traditional mercury lamps in terms of energy efficiency and reaction time. In addition, the UV LED lamps enable a reduction in reaction time, consequently enhancing the overall reaction rate. Additionally, the lower light intensity required per liter further underscores the efficiency of UV LED lamps in facilitating the desired chemical reaction.

[0122] TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS AND ECONOMICAL SIGNIFICANCE

[0123] The present disclosure described hereinabove has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of the UV LED assembly for carrying out photochemical reactions in a confined space, that:

[0124] • consumes less power during photochemical reactions;

[0125] • produces a very narrow wavelength spectrum; • is compact and durable;

[0126] • eliminates human exposure to UV radiation and hence is user-friendly;

[0127] • is capable of being installed in a confined space, such as a reactor;

[0128] • reduces operating costs; and

[0129] • effectively removes the generated heat and expedites the rate of reaction by protecting the UV LED assembly.

[0130] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveals the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

[0131] Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

[0132] The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.

[0133] Any discussion of devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application. While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An ultraviolet LED assembly (100) for carrying out photochemical reactions, said assembly (100) configured to be fitted in a confined space (110), said assembly (100) comprising:• a heat sink (102) defined by a longitudinal body;• at least one fluid channel configured to extend along said heat sink (102) to facilitate circulation of a first fluid across said heat sink (102);• a plurality of ultraviolet LEDs (104) configured to be mounted on at least one operative surface of said heat sink (102);• a recess (112) defined by a hollow body, said recess (112) configured to receive said plurality of ultraviolet LEDs (104) mounted on said heat sink (102);• at least one fitment means (120) configured to be mounted on said recess (112) to operatively secure said heat sink (102) within said recess (112); and• at least one inlet valve (114) and at least one outlet valve (116) configured on said fitment means (120), said inlet valve (114) and said outlet valve (116) configured to facilitate circulation of a second fluid across an operative peripheral surface of said heat sink (110) in an operative configuration of said ultraviolet LED assembly (100).

2. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said heat sink (102) is configured with a predefined polygonal shape, typically selected from a group consisting of a circle, a triangle, a tetragon, a quadrilateral, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, and an octagon.

3. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of ultraviolet LEDs (104) emits ultraviolet radiation having a narrow wavelength spectrum in the range of 200 nm to 450 nm.

4. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said recess (112) is made of a material selected from a group consisting of glass, quartz and any combination thereof.

5. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an operative bottom of said recess (112) is either open or closed, an operative top of said recess (112) is open and said recess (112) has a diameter in the range of 50 mm to 500 mm.

6. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first fluid is either a liquid coolant or a gaseous coolant, said liquid coolant is at least one selected from a group consisting of water, synthetic oil, petroleum oil, and combinations thereof and said gaseous coolant is at least one selected from a group consisting of air, nitrogen, helium, inert gas, and combinations thereof.

7. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second fluid is a gaseous coolant selected from a group consisting of air, nitrogen, helium, inert gas, and combinations thereof.

8. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said heat sink (102) is made of a material selected from a group consisting of copper, all grades of steel, titanium, graphite, aluminium, and alloys thereof.

9. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said heat sink (102) is configured to have a heat transfer rate in the range of 50W / m2to 1500W / m2.

10. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said heat sink (102) is configured with a plurality of fins (102a).

11. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fluid channel is configured to extend operatively either longitudinally or horizontally along said heat sink (102).

12. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein said fluid channel has an inlet port (106 / 206) and an outlet port (108 / 208) to facilitate circulation of said first fluid.

13. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fitment means (120) is configured to be mounted on said operative top of said recess (112).

14. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fitment means (120) is configured to be mounted on said operative bottom of said recess (212).

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