Abstract
This work is focused on an in-depth experimental characterization of multi-tube reactors for indoor air purification integrated in ventilation systems. Glass tubes were selected as an excellent photocatalyst substrate to meet the challenging requirements of the operating conditions in a ventilation system in which high flow rates are typical. Glass tubes show a low-pressure drop which reduces the energy demand of the ventilator, and additionally, they provide a large exposed surface area to allow interaction between indoor air contaminants and the photocatalyst. Furthermore, the performance of a range of P25-loaded sol-gel coatings was investigated, based on their adhesion properties and photocatalytic activities. Moreover, the UV light transmission and photocatalytic reactor performance under various operating conditions were studied. These results provide vital insights for the further development and scaling up of multi-tube reactors in ventilation systems which can provide a better comfort, improved air quality in indoor environments, and reduced human exposure to harmful pollutants.
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J.V.W. acknowledges the Agentschap Innoveren and Ondernemen for a PhD fellowship.
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Responsible editor: Suresh Pillai
Highlights
• Substrates for PCO reactors in ventilation systems were selected based on permeability and exposed surface area.
• In-depth characterization of coated glass tubes as suitable substrate for PCO.
• High acetaldehyde conversion efficiencies are shown at a range of operating conditions.
• The feasibility of the technology for HVAC applications was validated in an air-tight climate chamber.
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van Walsem, J., Roegiers, J., Modde, B. et al. Integration of a photocatalytic multi-tube reactor for indoor air purification in HVAC systems: a feasibility study. Environ Sci Pollut Res 25, 18015–18026 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-018-2017-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-018-2017-z