HK1163732B - Device for a photochemical process - Google Patents

Description

Device for photochemical processes

Technical Field

The invention relates to a device for photochemical processes, for example for photocatalytic and/or photosynthetic processes, in particular for the cultivation and production of preferably phototrophic microorganisms or for hydroponic culture (Hydrokultivierung), wherein a reactor, in particular a bioreactor, is provided and wherein a reactor is provided in a meandering mannerThe reaction medium is introduced, for example, as an aqueous solution or suspension.

Background

A bioreactor for phototrophic microorganisms is known from DE 4134813 a1, which is made of glass or plastic. The culture medium is either pumped through the bioreactor or directed in a meandering manner through horizontally oriented webs towards the bottom. In addition, the turbulence-generating medium is positioned in the web. According to the method, carbon dioxide is introduced at the upper portion, and is operated using natural light or artificial light. The bioreactor is positioned at a right angle to the light source or tracks the light source.

Furthermore, bioreactors for phototrophic microorganisms or for photocatalytic processes are also known from GB 2235210A and DE 19644992C 1.

From EP 738686 a1, a photocatalytic wastewater treatment in a bioreactor is known, in which the liquid to be purified is guided through a plurality of webs made of transparent plastic. To regulate the temperature, a plurality of webs, which are usually translucent, may be used.

Furthermore, WO 98/18903 describes an active or passive temperature-controllable solar element made of a plurality of webs and at least three belts. The layers in the reactor are alternately used for photochemical or photosynthetic processes. The culture medium is thus guided in a meandering manner in the closed reactor via the sealed front horizontally oriented web to the bottom.

From WO 2008/079724 a2 a bioreactor is known through which a reaction medium flows horizontally, wherein the bioreactor is arranged in a basin.

Of course from, for example, Florian ManfredArchimedes screw pumps (Archimedes Schraube) and screw pumps according to DaVinci are also known from "Semi-automatic Generation of circuits and Fluid diagnostics for mechanical Systems" (the science at Munich. Univ.2006) ISBN 103-.

Furthermore, a slotted hydraulic screw pump and a generator for power production are known from DE 19507149C 2. A hydraulic screw pump for energy conversion is known from DE 4139134C 2.

Naturally, the hydrostatic balance is referred to as the hydrostatic paradox, also known as the pascal paradox. This is an apparent paradox which describes the phenomenon in which the fluid causes a vertical pressure at the bottom of the container which depends on the filling level of the fluid, while the shape of the container has no effect.

Containers open at the top and connected at the bottom, which are called interconnected tanks or interconnected pipes. The homogeneous fluid has the same level in these containers because air pressure and gravity have equal effects on the containers. In the case of heterogeneous fluids, the liquid column exhibits properties related to the liquid level, as opposed to its specific gravity.

As in some of the methods mentioned above, the transport of the solar reactor is typically performed by common pumping methods. This procedure causes stresses in the reaction medium, which are caused by high pressure, negative pressure, high acceleration or compression. Most phototrophic microorganisms, when subjected to this stress, lose their potential photosynthetic capacity. The cells are destroyed or damaged and/or they require time and/or metabolites for regeneration before the microorganisms can fully recover the processes that were imparted to them. Also, most photochemical processes reduce their potential photocatalytic capability under such stress, as the molecules are destroyed or damaged and/or require additional time and/or oxidizing agents before they can fully recover the process to which they were assigned.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to create a device of the above-mentioned type which on the one hand avoids the disadvantages mentioned and on the other hand, is easy and economical to produce due to its method of construction, and which can achieve a qualitative and above all quantitative increase in yield or output.

Said object is achieved by the invention.

The invention is characterized in that the reactor through which the reaction medium flows comprises at least one reactor element comprising two vertical or angled pipes or chambers connected at the bottom, whereby the upper reaction medium surface is preferably continuous, pressure-free and opposite to the surroundingsThe reaction medium is freely introduced into or discharged from the reactor and, due to hydrostatic pressure and level compensation, a stress-free flow of the reaction medium for the microorganisms is provided, and the reactor and its pipes or chambers, which are preferably made of transparent or translucent material, are arranged in a light-conducting liquid. By means of the present invention, it is for the first time possible to produce a device for photochemical processes, for example for photocatalytic and/or photosynthetic processes, in particular for the cultivation and production of preferably phototrophic microorganisms or for hydroponic cultivation, which meets today's demands in terms of construction costs as well as operation, in particular with regard to quality and operational safety.

By means of the device according to the invention and the method on which it is based, a slight transport of the microorganisms can be achieved, thus preventing any damage during their production. By controlling the introduction of the reaction medium in the upper liquid zone, the flow rate of the reaction medium through the reactor element can be defined, assuming of course that the reactor element is filled with reaction medium. The reaction medium flows in a meandering manner through the vertically communicating reactor elements. The reactor elements are connected to each other in such a way that the inlet and outlet are positioned at the upper part. The reactor element is fully or partially open towards the upper part. This flow is achieved by using hydrostatic pressure compensation with minimal height loss throughout the reactor. Since the reaction medium in the biological solar reactor is conveyed predominantly in a pressureless and gravimetrically insensitive manner, the reaction process is impaired as little as possible.

In addition, the construction of this type of bioreactor requires minimal material costs, which increases economic efficiency.

As an example, the method according to the invention and the related invention or device (inlage) can be used in the following fields of use:

● photocatalytic purification of wastewater

● photosynthetic metabolism of C02 to oxygen by phototrophic microorganisms

● cultivation and production of phototrophic microorganisms for research purposes

● investigation of photochemical and/or photosynthetic Processes

● phototrophic microorganism culture and production for food and basic food materials

● cultivation and production of phototrophic microorganisms for the pharmaceutical industry

● cultivation and production of phototrophic microorganisms for fuel production and for fuels and base materials for power generation

● cultivation and production of phototrophic microorganisms for the basic materials of the chemical industry

● the cultivation and production of phototrophic microorganisms that emit usable gas (e.g., hydrogen) during the photosynthesis process.

Stress-free transport of the portable microorganisms can likewise be achieved by compensation with hydrostatic pressure as the reactor medium flows through the reactor element. In addition, an optimization of the energy, a defined light guiding ratio, an optimization of the space, a supply of additives, a defined temperature control, a targeted adjustment and an improved gas recovery can be achieved.

The temperature of the reaction medium can be controlled by means of the light-conducting liquid and also by means of the material introduced into the reaction medium, which should also be considered as a great advantage of the device according to the invention. Furthermore, the device according to the invention has the advantage that the light-conducting liquid can be used as a buffer for day-to-night temperature fluctuations when used in areas of inflammatory heat. As a result, the overall efficiency is improved.

The light-conducting liquid should preferably be as sterile as possible and, if necessary, have the density of seawater. It is fully conceivable that silicone oils can also be used.

According to a particular feature of the invention, the dividing wall of the reactor element is designed to be lower than the dividing wall between the pipes or chambers of the reactor element when two or more reactor elements are connected to the reactor panel, whereby an overflow is created when the liquid level in the reactor element is higher than the dividing wall between the reactor elements and can flow in a meandering manner through the reactor panelOr a communicating opening (kommunizierende)). The reactor element is designed as an interconnected vessel. By this series connection of reactor elements, the option of creating a defined flow path is provided.

The following parameters may influence the optimal length of stay in the entire reactor to accommodate relevant phototrophic microbial or photochemical requirements and to be consistent with the process results:

● flow rate

● Cross section of reactor element

● height of reactor element

● the amount and condition of the non-gaseous substance introduced; conditions, quantity, density and pressure of the gas blown in

● number of reactor elements connected with meander conductivity

● possibility of removing exhaust gas

● Process temperature

● length of stay and location of light facing

● stay long in the maturation and/or black boxes

In the ideal case, and if relevant constructional conditions are provided, a unique continuous transport of the medium from the inlet to the outlet is possible for the entire process, if necessary.

According to a further feature of the invention, a light-conducting liquid is provided in the upper open container or basin surrounding the reactor, the inner surface of which is preferably designed to reflect light. It is well known that light is an absolute prerequisite for any photochemical process, such as a photocatalytic process and/or a photosynthetic process. The inner surface is thus designed as a reflector in order to provide optimal light for the bio-solar reactor.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a reflector is provided above the light-conducting liquid or above the container or basin, which guides light, preferably sunlight, into the light-conducting liquid, preferably at right angles to the surface of the liquid. This type of supplementary reflector adds to the light optimization for the process. The incident light radiation is likewise multiplied by the vertical introduction of the light into the liquid surface and the specular reflection of the inner wall of the container where necessary, as a result of which the process can be optimized.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, a light collector is provided for collecting the light that can be guided into the light-conducting liquid, which light collector is arranged in particular in front of the reflector. In this way it is also possible to achieve a suitable increase in the light supply for the process.

According to a special embodiment of the invention, a filter is provided before the light is guided into the light-conducting liquid, which filter is used, inter alia, for filtering wavelengths that are harmful for microorganisms. The process can be optimized with this type of filter being correlated.

According to another special embodiment of the invention, the light is guided into the light-conducting liquid in a pulsating manner (gepulst). The pulsed supply of light may also provide even better results depending on the requirements of the process.

According to a particular feature of the invention, the duct consists of a foil hose (foliens chlauch), in particular made of plastic, the end of which is tightly connected to the deflecting device. These foil hoses have a thin wall thickness and are available on the market at low cost. In the case of a liquid, the foil hose is not exposed to any forces that could cause potential damage due to the unpressurized liquid. Since the foil hose is not subjected to any stress in practice, a high life should be expected as a result.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the chambers interconnected in a meandering manner are formed by two films (folies) with parallel longitudinal welds, wherein the deflection is effected by a deflection device. The production of films welded in this way is also easily possible and inexpensive. Such a film with longitudinal welds allows a vertical and as low a resistance as possible flow of a suspension which is rich in microorganisms and nutrients for the cultivation of phototrophic microorganisms.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the steering means is a U-shaped pipe element with a preferably oval cross-section, which is connected to the chamber formed by the longitudinal weld. These deflection means achieve an upper/lower deflection of the suspension without allowing any contamination of the surrounding area by microorganisms. When installed for use in a thin film hose reactor, a single pipe made of plastic film is pulled tight over the end of the pipe and secured. For a longitudinally welded reactor, both sides are clamped to an oval camera tube.

According to a special embodiment of the invention, the preferably prefabricated deflecting device is a U-shaped pipe element having at least one hole for a cannula or a combined cannula having micro-holes for introducing liquid and/or gaseous additives into the reaction medium or for discharging gaseous process products at the bottom side of the reactor. These underlying turns make it possible to provide the microorganisms with at least liquid and/or gaseous nutrients. This introduction can be performed at each turn or at a distance, depending on the process being run.

In the above diversion, gases or other materials that accumulate in the process can be removed as the suspension is diverted by utilizing a gas line for venting excess gas or gases produced by the process, under conditions where the suspension is not contaminated by foreign organisms from the surrounding area.

According to an advantageous further development of the invention, the cannula is provided with a greater number of pores and/or pores of larger diameter in the region of the reaction medium flowing from below to above than in the region of the reaction medium flowing from above to below or in the direction of gravity. Thus, depending on the operation of the ultra-large pump, in a "gas lift effect", the liquid level in the pipe or chamber penetrating from bottom to top is raised compared to the pipe or chamber penetrating from top to bottom. In the case of a plurality of such units in series, the difference in level may result in the level at the end of the last tube or chamber being raised compared to the first tube or chamber and increasing the gas introduced in each riser if such a level rise is taken into account in the design of the reactor. Despite this increased introduction of the preferred gaseous additive, stress-free transport of microorganisms can be achieved.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the cannula has an external thread and/or an internal thread at both ends. For example, the gas lines are designed in such a way that they can be sealed off from the assembly by union nuts. At least one of these union nuts is provided with a connection for a gas line.

In addition, the gas line can be provided with a connection piece by its internal thread, which can then be screwed onto another gas line.

For replacement purposes, the union nut is unscrewed on one side, the connector is attached, and a new gas pipe is attached to the other end of the connector. The new gas pipe is used to push the gas pipe to be replaced through the assembly and thereby simultaneously take up its position. This ensures that the gas line to be replaced is pushed through the assembly with a new gas line with minimal loss of gas or liquid. This design allows the gas inlet unit to be maintained or modified without interrupting operation or with minimal process damage.

The replacement of the gas lines may perform the following functions in the components of the photobioreactor or in the entire plant:

● for maintenance

● changing the flow rate

● changing nutrient solution

● adapting nutrient solution to life span of phototrophic microorganism

● fighting diseases

● cultivation of microorganisms

● extermination of part or all of microorganisms

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, an archimedes screw pump or a screw pump according to the da vinci or a super-large pump is provided inside the reactors and between the reactors for conveying the reaction medium. With this design, one or more tubes or webs are helically wound around the axis with a single or multiple bearings and securely mounted using any technical method, such as screwing, gluing, etc. The associated tube or web is open at both ends. The transport element is aligned and supported in such a way that the bottom end of the tube or web scoops the reaction medium out of the container.

However, the tube or web is only immersed in the reaction medium to the extent that the tube end or web is exposed above the outer surface of the reaction medium on each revolution.

By slow rotation in the direction of the helix, which does not result in any significant centrifugal forces, the reaction medium in the lower half of the relevant tube or web is transported to the upper end of the screw pump under compensation with hydrostatic pressure. At each rotation, the liquid contained in the upper half-turn is released and falls into a container positioned at a higher level than the original container. By alternately completely or partially closing the delivery device, leakage and/or discharge of gas can be prevented.

According to a particular feature of the invention, a cover is provided on the container or the tub, for example a dome (Kuppel) made of transparent or semitransparent material, for example a glass dome, in which the device is arranged, in the type of closed structure (Bauweise) for the apparatus (inlage). In this way, the advantage is provided that evaporated liquid can be recovered when used in so-called hot areas due to the closed construction method.

Drawings

The invention will be explained in more detail on the basis of exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. These figures show that:

FIG. 1 is a bioreactor consisting of tubes,

figure 2 is a top view according to figure 1,

figure 3 is a side view according to figure 1,

figure 4 is a bioreactor consisting of a web,

figure 5 is a top view according to figure 4,

figure 6 is a side view according to figure 4,

figure 7 is a schematic view of a pipe,

figure 8 is a schematic diagram for the "gas lift" effect,

figure 9 is an apparatus for photochemical processes in a basin,

figure 10 is a schematic view of a light guide,

figures 11 and 12 are steering devices for the foil hose,

figures 13 and 14 are turning devices for longitudinally welded films,

figure 15 is a schematic view of a device made from multiple webs,

figures 16 and 17 are steering devices for the device according to figure 15,

fig. 18 and 19 are views illustrating the introduction of an additive in the middle portion of the foil hose.

Detailed Description

According to fig. 1-3, a reactor, in particular a bio-solar reactor 1, comprises at least one reactor element 2, which is formed by two bottom-connected vertical pipes 3. An inlet 4 and an outlet 5 are provided at the upper edge of the reactor. For the assembly of the bio-solar reactor 1, a plurality of reactor elements 2 are connected in series, whereby the outlet 5 is always connected to the inlet 4.

This type of biological solar reactor 1 is used for methods of photochemical processes, such as photocatalytic processes and/or photosynthetic processes, in particular for the cultivation and production of preferably phototrophic microorganisms or for water cultivation. For its operation, the biological solar reactor 1 is filled with a reaction medium 6, for example an aqueous solution or suspension. During operation, the bio-solar reactor 1 is fed only through its first inlet 4. The flow conductance or flow direction of the reaction medium 6 is performed in a vertical, preferably vertical direction, once from top to bottom and from bottom to top in the reactor element 2. If a plurality of interconnected reactor elements 2 are connected in series, the reaction medium 6 flows through the reactor in a meandering manner. The introduction or supply and removal of the reaction medium 6 into the biological solar reactor 1 is preferably carried out continuously without pressure and free from the surroundings via the upper reaction medium surface or close above the upper liquid level or in the upper liquid area of the reaction medium 6.

The reactor elements 2 are thus connected to each other in a meandering manner like the interconnecting duct 3, whereby the inlet 4 and the outlet 5 are positioned at the upper part. The reactor element 2 is fully or partially open towards the upper part, as required.

Due to the hydrostatic pressure compensation and the level correction, a flow of reaction medium 6 is generated by feeding reaction medium 6 at inlet 4. For this method, this means that a stress-free flow of the reaction medium 6 is produced for the microorganisms. In this way, a free flow is achieved between the individual reactor elements 2 without any additional energy having to be supplied.

The reaction medium 6 moves through the reactor in a meandering manner with minimal loss of liquid height to compensate for the difference in liquid level between the inlet 4 and the outlet 5.

An alternative design for a bio-solar reactor 1 is shown according to fig. 4-6. The bio-solar reactor 1 comprises a web or a plurality of webs 7. In the design described, the reactor element 2 comprises two preferably rectangular vertical chambers 8 formed by a web or webs 7 formed by an open-bottomed partition wall 9. At the upper edge of the reactor an inlet 4 for introduction or supply and an outlet 5 are provided. In the exemplary embodiment according to fig. 4 two reactor elements 2 have been connected together.

If two or more reactor elements 2 are connected together, their partition walls 10 are designed to be lower than the partition walls 9 between the pipes 3 or chambers 8 of the reactor elements 2. As a result, overflow or communication openings are created when the liquid level in the reactor elements 2 is higher than the dividing wall 10 between the reactor elements 12. In this way, energy consumption is minimized since pumps can be largely omitted between the process steps and a random number of identical or different process steps can be coupled to one another at the same flow rate level.

The individual reactor elements 2 can be designed to be transparent or translucent or, if desired, also opaque. Glass or uv-transparent plastic, such as plexiglass, can be used.

The bio-solar reactor 1 is filled and operated similar to the design of fig. 1-3.

With respect to the light radiation incident on the reactor element 2, which will be described in more detail later, an inclined reactor is shown according to fig. 6. Although the reactor is inclined at an angle, the reaction medium 6 flows once from top to bottom or in the direction of gravity, and from bottom to top or in the direction of antigravity.

According to fig. 1 and 4, at the bottom side of the reactor, in the turning area of the reactor medium 6, at least one introduction inlet 11, e.g. a controllable valve, is provided for introducing additives 12, e.g. nutrient liquids or gases and/or oxidants and/or active substances and/or dissolved substances or gases, continuously or in batches, which is preferably performed during the process.

According to the method, the reaction medium 6 is optionally for CO before entering the reactor₂Or other gases are saturated. During the residence in the reactor, the saturation is concentrated and/or CO is fed according to the requirements of the process₂Or other gases.

CO in the reaction medium 6 due to the stable growth of microorganisms during the photosynthesis process₂By continuous and/or sequenced CO₂Is compensated for.

The reduced efficiency in the reaction medium due to stable reactions in the photochemical process can be compensated for by the introduction of additional reactive gas in a continuous and/or batch-wise manner.

According to fig. 7, the additive can be thoroughly mixed and equally distributed in the reaction medium 6 by introducing the additive at the bottom end of the liquid column via inlet 11.

The introduction of additives 12, such as fluids and gases, also optimizes the supply of light, since all molecular or phototrophic microorganisms are guided well into the light region of the light-submerged reactor element 2 close to the outer wall, as indicated by the arrows 13, due to the turbulence generated in the reaction medium 6.

The introduction of fluids and gases creates turbulence in the reaction medium 6, whereby another advantageous result is obtained, namely the continuous cleaning of the inner reactor surfaces by the rising of gas bubbles.

Furthermore, the reaction medium 6 can also be heated or cooled by the defined introduction of fluids and gases. The introduced additive 12 can thus be used to control the temperature regulation of the reaction medium 6.

According to fig. 8, the liquid and/or gaseous substances or additives 12 are introduced into the deflection region of the reaction medium 6 on the bottom side. In a special embodiment of the reactor, a larger amount of liquid and/or gaseous substances or additives 12 is introduced in the region of the reaction medium 6 flowing from below to above or in the direction of the countergravity than in the region of the reaction medium 6 flowing from above to below or in the direction of the gravity. Thus, as previously described and according to the operation of the ultra-large pump, in a "gas lift effect", the liquid level in the pipe or chamber that passes through from bottom to top is raised compared to the pipe or chamber that passes through from top to bottom. In the case of a series connection of a plurality of reactor elements 2, the difference in the liquid levels may result in a rise in the liquid level at the end of the last pipe 3 or chamber 8 compared to the first pipe 3 or chamber 8, and the introduced gas in the respective rising pipe 3 may be increased if such a rise in the liquid level is taken into account in the design of the reactor. Despite this increased introduction of the preferred gaseous additive 12, stress-free delivery of microorganisms can still be achieved.

According to fig. 9, the reactor through which the reaction medium 6 flows comprises at least one reactor element 2, which comprises two vertical or angled pipes 3 or chambers 8 connected at the bottom. A plurality of these reactor elements 2 are connected in series into a reactor panel 13. The reactor panels 13, which are preferably connected to one another in series, are arranged in a frame-like manner, almost parallel to one another, and are preferably installed securely in the reactor, in particular in the biological solar reactor 1. The bio-solar reactor 1 and its reactor panels 13 are arranged in a light conducting liquid 14. The light-conducting liquid 14 may be provided in a basin or container 15.

Above the upper reaction medium surface, the reaction medium 6 is preferably introduced continuously into the reactor or discharged therefrom without pressure and freely with respect to the surroundings. The flow of reaction medium 6 is stress-free for the microorganisms due to hydrostatic pressure and level compensation.

In fact, contrary to what is shown in the figures, the reactor panels 13 are naturally connected in series in the bio-solar reactor 1 and the introduction or removal is performed in one place.

The upper side of the respective reactor panel 13 is either provided with a float or is fixed suspended from above so that the upper edge of the reactor does not dip below the upper edge of the surrounding liquid and thus provides an open upper situation.

The bottom side of the reactor panel 13 is designed in such a way that it allows the light-conducting liquid 14 to be suspended almost vertically due to its own weight or due to additional weight.

As already mentioned, the supply of light to the surface of the reactor panel 13 of the bio-solar reactor 1 is of great importance. To create this prerequisite, a light-conducting liquid 14 is provided in an upper open container 15 or basin surrounding the reactor, the inner surface 16 of which is preferably designed to reflect light.

A cover, for example a dome made of transparent or translucent material, for example a glass dome, may be provided over the container 15 or basin provided with the biological solar reactor, for the closed type of construction of the plant.

In order to improve the light conditions for the bio-solar reactor even further, a reflector 17 is provided according to fig. 10 above the light-conducting liquid 14 or above the container 15 or basin, which guides light, preferably daylight 18, into the light-conducting liquid 14, preferably at right angles to the liquid surface. In order to collect the light which can be guided into the light-conducting liquid 14, a light collector (not shown) can be arranged in front of the reflector 17. Likewise, a filter may be provided prior to directing light into the light-conducting liquid 14, particularly for filtering wavelengths harmful to microorganisms. The light may also be directed into the light-conducting liquid 14 in a pulsating manner.

According to fig. 11 and 12, the pipe 3 consists of a foil hose 19, which is produced in particular from plastic and has a thin wall. The ends of these foil hoses 19 are tightly connected to a deflection device 20. The preferably prefabricated deflecting device 20 is a U-shaped pipe element with at least one opening 21 for a cannula 23 or a combined cannula 24 with micro-openings 22 for introducing liquid and/or gaseous additives 12 into the reaction medium 6 or for discharging gaseous process products at the bottom side of the reactor.

According to fig. 13 and 14, an alternative for forming the reactor panel 13 is shown. The chambers 8 interconnected in a meandering manner are formed by two films 25 provided with parallel longitudinal welds 26. Steering is performed again by the steering device 27. The deflector 27 is a U-shaped pipe element with a preferably oval cross-section, which is connected to the chamber 8 formed by the longitudinal weld.

According to fig. 15, a bio-solar reactor 1 made of a plurality of webs 7 is shown. In this embodiment the device is designed as a compact device, whereby the steering means 28 are tightly connected with the upper and lower ends of the web 7. The reactor may be provided with a siphon 29 before the inlet 4 and/or after the outlet 5. As a result, the reaction medium 6 can be fed to the first reactor element 2 pressureless or pressureless via the siphon 29. The reactor is provided at its bottom side with a cannula 23 for introducing the additive 12. On its top side, an additional cannula 30 is provided for removing gaseous process products, such as oxygen, preferably during the process. These cannulas 30 are provided on the surface of the reaction medium or on the upper side of the reactor element 2. In order to remove these gaseous process products, collecting means may be provided which are arranged above the liquid level of the reaction medium 6 or above the upper side of the reactor element.

According to fig. 16 and 17, a deflecting device 28 for the solar bioreactor 1 is shown, consisting of a single component, which is produced from the web 7. Each web 31 is thus adapted to the inner shape of the associated web 7. The cannula 23 for introducing the additive 12 is integral.

According to fig. 18 and 19, a foil hose 19 is shown, whereby the additive can also be introduced along the height, e.g. half the height, of the foil hose 19. The foil hose 19 can thus be separated at its half height and a plastic connector 32 is provided to connect the two parts. The plastic connector 32 has a line 33 provided with micro-holes for introducing the additive 12.

With regard to the cannula 23, it must still be mentioned that an external thread and/or an internal thread is provided at both ends. For replacement purposes, the union nut is unscrewed on one side, the connector is attached, and a new gas pipe is attached to the other end of the connector. The gas pipe to be replaced is pushed through the assembly with the new gas pipe and thereby occupies its position at the same time. This ensures that the cannula 23 to be replaced is pushed through the assembly with a new gas line 21 with minimal loss of gas or liquid. This design allows the gas inlet unit to be maintained or modified without interrupting operation or with minimal process damage.

For stress-free transport of the reaction medium 6, an archimedes screw pump or a screw pump according to da vinci or a super-large pump can be provided inside the reactors as well as between the reactors.

Claims (19)

1. An apparatus for photochemical processes in which a reactor is provided and into which a reaction medium is guided in a meandering manner, characterized in that the reactor through which the reaction medium flows comprises at least one reactor element which comprises two vertical or angled pipes or chambers which are connected at the bottom, wherein the reaction medium is introduced into or discharged from the reactor continuously, pressureless and freely with respect to the surroundings above the upper reaction medium surface and, as a result of hydrostatic pressure and liquid level compensation, stress-free flow of the reaction medium for microorganisms is provided, and the reactor and its pipes or chambers made of transparent or translucent material are arranged in a light-conducting liquid.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the dividing wall of the reactor element is designed lower than the dividing wall between the pipes or chambers of the reactor element when two or more reactor elements are connected to a reactor panel, whereby overflow or communication openings are created when the liquid level in the reactor elements is higher than the dividing wall between the reactor elements and can flow through the reactor panel in a meandering manner.

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that a light-conducting liquid surrounding the reactor is provided in an upper open container, the inner surface of which is designed to reflect light.

4. A device according to claim 3, characterized in that a reflector is arranged on the light-conducting liquid or on the container, which reflector guides the light into the light-conducting liquid at right angles to the liquid surface of the light-conducting liquid.

5. A device according to claim 4, characterized in that a light collector is provided for collecting the light that can be guided into the light-conducting liquid, which light collector is arranged in front of the reflector.

6. A device according to claim 4, wherein a filter is provided for filtering wavelengths harmful to microorganisms before the light is directed into the light-conducting liquid.

7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein light is directed into the light-conducting liquid in a pulsating manner.

8. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the pipe consists of a foil hose made of plastic, the ends of which are tightly connected to the deflection means.

9. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the chambers interconnected in a meandering manner are formed by two films with parallel longitudinal welds, wherein the deflection is effected by a deflection device.

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the diverting means is a U-shaped pipe element with an oval cross-section, which is connected with the chamber formed by the longitudinal weld.

11. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that the diverting device is a U-shaped pipe element having at least one hole for a cannula or an integrated cannula having micro-holes for introducing liquid and/or gaseous additives into the reaction medium or for discharging gaseous process products at the bottom side of the reactor.

12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that the cannula has a greater number and/or diameter of micropores in the region of the reaction medium flowing from bottom to top than in the region of the reaction medium flowing from top to bottom or in the direction of gravity.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein the cannula has an external thread and/or an internal thread at both ends.

14. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that a cover is provided on the container for the closed type of construction of the apparatus in which the device is arranged.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reactor is a bioreactor.

16. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reaction medium is an aqueous solution or suspension.

17. The device of claim 14, wherein the cover is a dome made of a transparent or translucent material.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the dome is a glass dome.

19. The device of claim 17, wherein the container is a tub.