Document Type
Thesis
Date of Award
6-30-1962
Degree Name
Master of Science in Chemical Engineering - (M.S.)
Department
Chemical Engineering
First Advisor
George C. Keeffe
Second Advisor
Michael Frederick
Third Advisor
Jerome J. Salamone
Abstract
The purpose of the investigation was to construct a continuous photochemical reactor, to reinvestigate certain portions of the work of Gaertner and Kent (7) and to extend the work to include some of the more common photochemical reactions.
A reactor of annular design with an elliptical light reflector, similar to that of Gaertner and Kent, was designed and constructed. The sources of radient energy were a cold General Electric T-6 Germicidal Lamp and a hot General Electric UA-9 Lamp.
The photochemical decomposition of oxalic acid sensitized by the uranyl ion was utilized as an actinometer. Fifty continuous runs were accomplished at temperatures of 55 to 75 degrees F. and Reynolds Numbers of 10 to 670. At Reynolds Numbers of 450 to 600 conversions of approximately 1.4 to 1.5% agreed with the results of Gaertner and Kent. However, there was considerable disagreement at lower Reynolds Numbers (100 to 400). Here, conversions decreased with increased light contact times. An approximate 1% conversion was indicated at a Reynolds Number of 100 compared to a 10% conversion reported by Gaertner and Kent.
Additional studies were made of the inversion of sucrose and the hydrolyses of monochloracetic and monobromacetic acids. Reactor temperatures were 70 to 170 degrees F. in the case of the former system and 70 degrees F. in the latter. Continuous runs in the Reynolds Number range of 10 to 650 produced no photochemical reaction in either system.
Recommended Citation
Roe, John Calvin, "A study of a continuous photochemical reactor" (1962). Theses. 3220.
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/theses/3220
