| abstract |
Apparatus and methods for the photochemical purification of fluids are disclosed. Fluids containing organic, inorganic and/or microbiological contaminants are treated by photochemical processes in a hybrid photoreactor incorporating a photocatalyst bonded to a light transmissive fiber substrate within at least a portion of the fluid and light sources to illuminate the fluid and photocatalyst. Photochemical processes include photocatalytic oxidation, photocatalytic reduction, photoadsorption, photolysis and photodisinfection. Some aspects of the disclosure include optimization of distribution of photocatalyst within the fluid, optimization of mass transport of contaminants by distribution of randomly- oriented fiber substrate, optimization of photoefficiency by control of light source wavelengths, use of LEDs to achieve optimized light source wavelengths, optimization of light delivery from light sources to fluid, and use of a microprocessor to optimize system performance. |