This course will provide comprehensive coverage of the principles that govern photochemical reactor behavior.  The course begins with a presentation of the historical foundations of photochemistry and photochemical reactors.  It continues with presentations of the fundamental theories that explain photochemical reactions and the dynamic behavior of photochemical reactors.  The fundamental physics that govern the behavior of sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation are then presented.  Numerical and experimental methods that are used to characterize, quantify, and validate the performance of photochemical reactors are then explored.  The course concludes with examinations of the most common applications of UV radiation, including disinfection of water and wastewater, direct photolysis, advanced oxidation and reduction processes, and UV disinfection of air and surfaces.

Students will learn fundamental principles of photochemistry and photochemical processes that are in common use.  These fundamental principles will be used as a foundation to explore the behavior of photochemical reactors and methods used to evaluate and predict their behavior, including analytical and numerical methods.  Applications of UV radiation will be explored, including disinfection of water and wastewater; chemical transformations by direct photolysis, photooxidation, and photoreduction processes; and disinfection of air and surfaces.  The focus in this class will be on fundamental concepts, so as to prompt their application in a wide range of settings, encourage questions and discussion, and to promote creativity.  It is anticipated that the course will include students from a wide range of geographic and experience backgrounds.  The course will be conducted in a manner that promotes exchange of ideas from people in different locations and with different backgrounds.

The chemical N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is a potent carcinogen that has been found in many water supplies.  NDMA can be degraded effectively by exposure to UV₂₅₄ radiation.  Estimate the nominal dose of UV₂₅₄ radiation required to accomplish 1 log₁₀ unit of NDMA degradation.

 

SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes the disease COVID-19.  Like all coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2 is highly susceptible to inactivation by germicidal UV radiation.  Compare SARS-CoV-2 control by conventional air exchange and using a system that includes a conventional air exchange system augmented with an upper-room UV germicidal irradiation (UR-UVGI) system.