Method for chemical reactions using high intensity radiant energy and system therefor

摘要

An apparatus for accomplishing photochemical reactions includes a series of reaction chambers and a heat exchanger. When the apparatus is employed for the production of hydrogen and hydrogen peroxide from water or water vapor, cold water is initially passed through the heat exchanger to cool the output gases; and then the water is further heated and turned to steam, prior to supplying it to the reaction chambers. The elongated photochemical reaction chambers are connected in series, with the water vapor being coupled to pass successively up one elongated reaction chamber, down the next and so forth. Each reaction chamber is provided with a central gas discharge device for producing characteristic output radiation at various lower frequencies. Enclosing the elongated gas discharged tube is a reaction zone or reaction chamber; and between the gas discharge tube and the reaction zone are arrangements including a metallic film, such as aluminum, which is highly transmissive to short wavelengths but which reflects the lower frequencies initially radiated by the gas discharge tube. Various arrangements including resonant cavities, a slotted shield, or coherent radiating material may also be provided to facilitate shifting of the lower frequencies from the gas discharge device to higher frequencies which will pass through the metallic coating, to irradiate the reactant with ultraviolet radiations.