Ignitability measurements with the cone calorimeter

The Cone Calorimeter is a new-generation instrument developed primarily for making rate of heat release measurements. This instrument, containing a uniform and well-characterized irradiance source, was also seen to be useful for making measurements of radiant ignition on materials. Data have now been collected for a wide range of illustrating the performance of similar materials in other apparatuses. Finally, for a selected material, Douglas fir particle board, a detailed comparison with an ignition model has been made.     

Simulation of UV photoreactor for water disinfection in Eulerian framework

A novel computational fluid dynamic (CFD) modeling procedure was developed in order to simulate ultraviolet (UV) photoreactors in the Eulerian framework. In this procedure, the governing equations of radiation distribution, mass conservation, momentum conservation, and species mass conservation are solved together in order to determine the radiant energy field, velocity field, and the concentration profile of microorganisms at steady state conditions. The general method presented can be employed to derive the volumetric inactivation rate and the theoretical efficiency of a UV photoreactor. The integrated CFD model of UV photoreactor performance was successfully evaluated with experimental biodosimetry results. The verified procedure can be applied to the simulation and design optimization of UV photoreactors with different geometries and operating conditions.     

Investigation of factors impacting the in-service degradation of aerospace coatings

The impact of in-service environmental stressors on the durability of exterior decorative aerospace coating systems was investigated using accelerated weathering for a high-gloss polyurethane-based monocoat with and without clearcoat. Color, gloss, surface roughness, hardness, and chemical composition changes were studied by varying UV irradiance, temperature, thermal extremes, particulate matter, and acid environment while using constant moisture condensation conditions. The use of a clearcoat was found to enhance the resistance to gloss loss regardless of the stressors applied; however, the clearcoat system also produced a larger increase in hardness under all experimental conditions and a larger color shift for all stressors except for the particulate matter and particulate matter combined with acid. A correlation between color shift and chemical degradation was established by monitoring changes in amide and carbonyl functional groups as a function of UV irradiance, temperature, and thermal extremes. The particulate matter, with or without acid was found not to affect chemical degradation, but produced large color shifts for both coating systems and some loss of gloss at high radiant exposures for the clearcoat system. For the accelerated tests studied here, only the highest UV irradiance and temperature level, with or without additional stressors, produced changes in the clearcoat relative to the monocoat system without clearcoat that correlate with in-service performance observations.     

Development of an improved radiant heat source for fire testing

The development, construction, and testing of a gas-fired radiant heat source for use as part of a fire test method is described. The unit has been shown capable of operation over extended periods at surface temperatures yielding radiance corresponding to that of a black body at 935 °C. This permits a 60% increase of specimen irradiance over that possible with a burner previously used, without modifying the specimen–burner configuration factor. One such application of this burner allows operation with specimen irradiance levels at 5 W cm^?2 or for short periods at levels approaching 7 W cm^?2 at higher temperatures. This performance is achieved while maintaining effective spatial separation between specimen and heat source. This assists in avoiding imposition of vitiated air near the surface of a burning specimen. Some performance data are provided on its behavior when supplied with natural gas. The unit can burn propane but only with a significant reduction of thermal output.     

CFD modelling for a TiO2-coated glass-bead photoreactor irradiated by optical fibres: Photocatalytic degradation of oxalic acid

Computational fluid dynamics coupled with the radiant transport equation was used to simulate oxalic acid photodegradation in a TiO₂-coated glass-bead photoreactor irradiated by end-emitting optical fibre (EEOF) or side-emitting optical fibre (SEOF) bundles. Light irradiance distributions in the photoreactor were modelled for specular, partially specular and diffusive reactor wall reflectivities with specularly reflective reactor walls best representing the experimental data. The light irradiance distribution for the SEOF bundle was found to be more uniform along the fibre length than for the EEOF bundle. Under the experimental radiant power input (108 mW) the EEOF and SEOF bundles exhibited similar oxalic acid photodegradation rates. However, the developed model demonstrated that at incident radiant power more than ten times greater than the experimental power used, a uniform light distribution gave faster oxalic acid photodegradation with the relative improvement of the SEOF bundle over the EEOF bundle increasing with increasing radiant power. This was attributed to increased electron-hole recombination in photocatalytic surfaces close to the EEOF tip, induced by the increased light irradiance in this region. The model also demonstrated a constant light irradiance profile along the length of a SEOF bundle giving an improved photocatalytic performance when compared to linear or exponentially decaying light profiles.     

A finite model for the prediction of the UV radiation field around a linear lamp

A finite model was established to predict the radiation field around a line lamp treating contaminated air, taking into account the effects of the radius of the lamp and sleeve, as well as other physical parameters. Both irradiance and fluence rate could be calculated, and the model was validated with measured data and by comparison with a conventional extense source volumetric emission (ESVE) model. Diffuse and specular emissions for a line lamp were compared, showing that diffuse emission is more appropriate for a low pressure mercury UV lamp. Refraction by the lamp sleeve can induce a 12% increase in fluence rate near the sleeve, while reflection causes a 7% decrease. When the attenuation coefficient of a gaseous chemical is less than 0.04 m^?1 the error due to ignoring its light absorption is less than 1%, within a distance of 0.2 m from the lamp.     

An Improved UV/Ozone Oxidation System

Several modifications were made to a commercial UV-ozone stripper/cleaner in an effort to improve UV/ozone technology. Heating of the sample platform was done with radiant heaters instead of a resistance neater. Quartz infrared heat lamps and a metal ribbon radiant heater significantly shortened the heating-cooling cycle relative to a resistance heater; the lamps also heated the sample platform uniformly. With the radiant heaters, samples of different thickness could easily be processed. A cold cathode UV grid lamp provided more uniform illumination of the sample support platform than did the standard hot cathode spiral lamp. The grid lamp also reached steady state power output sooner than the spiral lamp. A polymeric membrane was found to be an effective diffuser for ozone/oxygen mixtures and there was no apparent degradation of the membrane due to exposure to UV/ozone. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the membrane diffuser would prevent any particles larger than 0.2 μm (the average membrane pore size) from entering the UV-1 reaction chamber. The performance characteristics of the modified system are presented.     

Premixed gas combustion stabilized in fiber felt and its application to a novel radiant burner

Premixed gas combustion stabilized in a unique ceramic fiber felt has been investigated. Our aim was to better understand the flame structure and flame stabilization mechanisms in the porous felt medium in order to develop a new radiant burner. A novel recuperative radiant burner was designed and constructed. A flame stabilizes near the downstream interface of the porous medium that is an excellent selective thermal emitter. The burner was developed for use as a gas-fired light source. The combustion performance of the burner at various operating conditions and the effect of heat recuperation are presented. Combustion modes on the fiber felt were examined carefully. An optimal flame structure for the premixed gas combustion is attained and the flame stabilizes in the porous fiber felt at radiant mode combustion over a wide range of firing rates. The burner emits desired spectral radiation and generates fairly intense light at the conditions of heat recuperation. The light radiant burner could be used as an alternative low-glare light source in an integrated heat and light system in which the light is distributed through light pipes.     

EVALUATION OF UV DOSE IN FLOW-THROUGH REACTORS FOR FRESH APPLE JUICE AND CIDER

High absorptivity and turbidity interfere with the UV disinfection of apple cider. Three different configurations of flow-through UV reactors were evaluated to overcome this interference. Two approaches were employed: use of an extremely thin film UV reactor and increasing the turbulence within a UV reactor. Multiple-lamp UV reactors including the thin-film laminar flow “CiderSure” (8 lamps) and turbulent flow “Aquionics” (12 lamps) and annular single-lamp “UltraDynamics” reactor were studied. UV disinfection performance in laminar and turbulent flow reactors was compared by evaluation of UV dose delivery. UV fluence rate (irradiance) distribution was calculated using the multiple point source summation method. E. coli K12 was used as a target bacterium in a bioassay, and the log reduction per one pass was determined for each UV reactor. Finally, the UV decimal reduction dose (D₁₀) was calculated by dividing the average UV fluence by log bacterial reduction per pass. Variations of the UV decimal dose were observed with various designs of UV systems. The least inactivation of E. coli K12 but the highest UV decimal reduction dose, ranging from 90 to 150 mJ/cm², was observed in the Aquionics UV reactor in apple cider with apparent absorption coefficient (a) of 5.7 mm^-1. The lower value of UV decimal reduction dose of 7.3-7.8 mJ/cm² was required for inactivation of E. coli K12 in malate buffer and apple juice in the annular single-lamp UltraDynamics reactor. However, the decimal reduction dose for E. coli K12 in apple cider was significantly higher, about 20.4 mJ/cm². Similar UV decimal reduction doses from 25.1 to 18.8 mJ/cm² for inactivation of E. coli K12 were observed in the thin-film 'CiderSure' UV reactor in apple cider with identical absorption coefficient. Mathematical modeling of UV irradiance can improve the evaluation of UV dose delivery and distribution within the reactors.     

Artificial daylight for measurement of optical properties of materials

Radiometric properties of materials for lighting and building have to be known in the UV, visible, and IR regions of the spectrum. Radiometric and photometric properties can be measured with spectrometers independent of the spectral power distribution of the irradiating source used for measurement provided there is sufficient radiant energy available at all measured wavelengths. However, for luminescent materials a precise simulation of the reference illuminant has to be used for measurement, otherwise the measured characteristics are meaningless.     

Photocatalytic degradation of air pollutants — From modeling to large scale application

Indoor as well as outdoor air quality and their limiting values remain a major problem to our present-day society.This paper addresses the modeling of the decomposition process of nitrogen monoxide (NO) on reactive concrete surfaces under the controlled exposition of a UV source. Within this model the external mass transfer of the pollutant and the internal molecule diffusion-reaction were considered. A first-order kinetics equation is derived with respect to the NO concentration and a site-competitive adsorption between NO/NO₂ and water molecules, resulting in a dependence of the reaction kinetics on the relative humidity. Using the proposed model, a reaction rate constant k and an adsorption equilibrium constant K_d can be derived which describe an active paving stone accurately. Experimental results from a self-developed photoreactor with continuous flow mode were used to validate the proposed kinetic expression. Furthermore, the effect of variations in process conditions such as irradiance and relative humidity on the two constants k and K_d is investigated. All modeling work provides a sound foundation for the translation of this process to real outside conditions. In this regard an upcoming project in a Dutch city is described in brief.     

Calibration and Uncertainty Analysis of an Optical Emission Spectrometer Measuring the Absolute Spectral Radiant Exitance of UV Signatures

An optical emission spectrometer (OES) was designed and constructed to detect the absolute spectral radiant exitance of UV signatures for a wavelength range of 240 nm to 440 nm. Using a directly heated graphite black body furnace operating at a temperature of 3000 K, the spectral response of the OES in the UV range was calibrated. To evaluate the performance of the OES system, the emission spectra of molecules were measured in a butane flame and the absolute emissions of the UV signatures were calculated. The uncertainty of the absolute measurement of the UV signature was analyzed by considering various uncertainty budgets, and the total uncertainty of the OES was found to be 1.66 %.     

Surface Modification of Polycarbonate by Ultraviolet Radiation and Ozone

The effect of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the presence of ozone as a surface treatment for polycarbonate is examined in regards to changes in the wettability, adhesion, and surface mechanical properties. Standalone, 175-µm-thick films of a commercially available polycarbonate were exposed to UV radiation from sources of different power with various treatment times in the presence of supplemental ozone. Significant decreases in the water contact angle were observed after exposure to UV radiation in the presence of ozone. After several variations in the experimental setup, it was determined that the change in water contact angle is a function of the UV irradiance and the work of adhesion follows a master curve versus UV irradiance. Nanoindentation experiments revealed that the modulus of the top 500 nm of the surface is increased following UV exposure, attributable to surface cross-linking. Adhesion tests to the surface (conducted by a pneumatic adhesion tensile test instrument) showed little change as a function of UV exposure. Analysis of adhesion test failure surfaces with X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) showed the locus of bond failure lay within the bulk polycarbonate and the measured bond strength is limited by the bulk properties of the polycarbonate and/or the creation of a weak boundary layer within the polymer.     

Simulation of conversion profiles within dimethacrylate thick material during photopolymerization. Validation of the simulation by thermal analysis data. Application to the synthesis of a gradient structure material

In a previous paper, a new synthesis method of gradient structure materials from a homogeneous system of monomers was described. These materials were made in two steps. The first one consisted in creating a photopolymerization gradient in methacrylic double bonds under UV exposure thanks to the decay of UV light intensity through the sample thickness. The second one consisted in setting the obtained gradient by a thermal crosslinking reaction. Here, we focussed our attention on the first step, i.e. the creation of the conversion gradient. The knowledge of this gradient is of fundamental importance to predict the final properties of the material. Unfortunately, the measurement of this parameter all over the thickness during the photopolymerization is impossible because no suitable technique is available. A numerical simulation based on the general heat equation transfer was developed on a dimethacrylate model system to calculate this conversion gradient. To describe the true conditions of kinetic experiments, some necessary parameters were measured, like conversion, reaction rate, spectral irradiance of the Hg vapour lamp, dimethacrylate spectral absorbance. The validation of the model by comparison between numerical simulation and experimental temperature results was checked. Finally, influence of physical and chemical parameters on the conversion gradient was discussed.     

An experimental facility for determination of steady flame spread rate of materials employing the Quasi-stationary flame front technique

An experimental facility based on the Quasi-stationary Flame Front Technique for determination of steady flame spread rate of materials at discrete levels of external radiant heat flux was developed. The method employs an external radiant heat source in front of which an element of a specimen of the material is positioned at a location corresponding to the desired level of external radiant heat flux. A specimen movement assembly, which can be operated manually, was designed for moving the specimen towards the stationary external radiant heat source such that the flame front could be maintained quasi-stationary. The experimental technique employed is simple in operation yet is capable of yielding reliable flame fornt displacement–time data. In the paper the design considerations of the experimental facility, details of its components, calibration and typical experimental results obtained are presented.     

EVALUATION OF UV DOSE IN FLOW-THROUGH REACTORS FOR FRESH APPLE JUICE AND CIDER

High absorptivity and turbidity interfere with the UV disinfection of apple cider. Three different configurations of flow-through UV reactors were evaluated to overcome this interference. Two approaches were employed: use of an extremely thin film UV reactor and increasing the turbulence within a UV reactor. Multiple-lamp UV reactors including the thin-film laminar flow “CiderSure” (8 lamps) and turbulent flow “Aquionics” (12 lamps) and annular single-lamp “UltraDynamics” reactor were studied. UV disinfection performance in laminar and turbulent flow reactors was compared by evaluation of UV dose delivery. UV fluence rate (irradiance) distribution was calculated using the multiple point source summation method. E. coli K12 was used as a target bacterium in a bioassay, and the log reduction per one pass was determined for each UV reactor. Finally, the UV decimal reduction dose (D₁₀) was calculated by dividing the average UV fluence by log bacterial reduction per pass. Variations of the UV decimal dose were observed with various designs of UV systems. The least inactivation of E. coli K12 but the highest UV decimal reduction dose, ranging from 90 to 150 mJ/cm², was observed in the Aquionics UV reactor in apple cider with apparent absorption coefficient (a) of 5.7 mm^?1. The lower value of UV decimal reduction dose of 7.3–7.8 mJ/cm² was required for inactivation of E. coli K12 in malate buffer and apple juice in the annular single-lamp UltraDynamics reactor. However, the decimal reduction dose for E. coli K12 in apple cider was significantly higher, about 20.4 mJ/cm². Similar UV decimal reduction doses from 25.1 to 18.8 mJ/cm² for inactivation of E. coli K12 were observed in the thin-film ‘CiderSure’ UV reactor in apple cider with identical absorption coefficient. Mathematical modeling of UV irradiance can improve the evaluation of UV dose delivery and distribution within the reactors.     

The effects of photocrosslinking parameters on films made from mixtures of maleate and vinyl ether functional oligomers: a factorial model

Two and three level factorial modeling has been used to determine the effects that photocrosslinking parameters such as ultraviolet (UV) dose and peak irradiance (peak lamp intensity) have on the tensile strength, surface hardness, secant modulus, elongation and relative conversion of films made from mixtures of maleate and vinyl ether (MA/VE) functional oligomers. The photoinitiator concentration and average molecular weight per unsaturation (WPU) used in the mixtures were also varied in an attempt to optimize film properties. The factorial models indicate that a binary interaction exists between UV dose and photoinitiator concentration. Small changes in peak irradiance and WPU did not show any measurable effect on the studied responses. The three level factorial model suggests that the optimal photoinitiator concentration for these mixtures is 3.0 to 3.5% (post-mass basis).     

UV/H2O2氧化联合CaO吸收脱除NO的传质-反应动力学

在实验室规模的光化学反应器中,基于实验研究﹑动力学理论以及双膜理论,研究了UV/H₂O₂氧化联合CaO吸收(UV/H₂O₂-CaO工艺)脱除燃煤烟气中NO的传质-反应动力学。分析了NO吸收的传质-反应过程,明确了NO吸收过程的主要控制步骤和强化措施,测定了关键的动力学参数,推导了NO吸收过程的理论模型。结果表明:在实验范围内,NO吸收速率随着NO浓度的增加几乎呈线性增加。随着H₂O₂浓度和CaO浓度的增加,NO的吸收速率均呈现先增加后变缓的趋势。UV/H₂O₂-CaO工艺脱除NO是一个拟一级快速反应过程,强化气相主体扰动﹑增加气液接触面积和提高NO分压可有效提高NO的吸收速率。NO吸收速率方程的计算值和实验值具有较好的一致性。     

A batch LED reactor for the photocatalytic degradation of phenol

Photocatalytic degradation of phenol by titanium dioxide illuminated by one light emitting diode (LED) in a batch photocatalytic reactor is reported in this paper. The effect of catalyst loading, catalyst type, phenol–hydrogen peroxide ratio, pH, initial phenol concentration and irradiance by applying pulse width modulation (PWM) was studied. The effect of the beam width on photocatalytic degradation of phenol is also included in this paper as is the use of different type of reflectors outside the reactor. With both an LED beam width of 120° and optimal chemical conditions of 10 ppm phenol concentration with a hydrogen peroxide–phenol molar ratio of 100 and pH of 4.8, a degradation rate of 42% was achieved after 4 h. Decreasing the beam width to 40° raised degradation to 87%.In order to study the irradiance distribution and its effect on the reactor performance, experiments were conducted incorporating various catalysts loading, reactor heights and beam widths. The irradiance was measured for different amount of catalyst loading ranging from 0.17 to 1.8 g L⁻¹at different reactor heights. The results are compared with optimal catalyst loading measurement to assess the correlation between phenol degradation and irradiance distribution. The UV LED in combination with titanium dioxide is appropriate for water treatment to degrade organic pollutants at low concentration.