Abstract: An improved photocatalytic method for removing organic contaminants from fluid or gas phases and a photoreactor design which allows exposure of photoreactive material to controlled periodic illumination. An improved method for improving the photoefficiency of a photocatalytic process comprising continuous illumination of the photocatalyst at a decreased light intensity.

Abstract: A photocatalytic slurry reactor is driven by solar or artificial ultraviolet illumination. A cylindrical ultraviolet lamp is suspended by an O-ring within a cylindrical reactor jacket, creating an annular region through which a photocatalytic slurry is pumped. An optional streamlined nose cone at the inlet end of the lamp reduces flow turbulence and increases flow velocity. A helical stainless steel wire wrapped about the bulb acts as a turbulence promotor to disturb the boundary layer for increased radial mixing. A three-electrode charging-arrangement may be used to regulate the charge of the solution. In another embodiment, a reactor uses a solar collection trough to focus solar rays on a C-shaped reactor jacket, the interior of which is provided with ridges or ribs to disturb the boundary layer.