Solar collectors versus lamps : a comparison of the energy demand of industrial photochemical processes as exemplified by the production of ∈-caprolactam

The energy demand of photochemical synthesis of epsilon-caprolactam, a monomer used in nylon manufacture, was profiled for conventional lamo-driven and solar energy-based concepts. Exploitation of solar radiation for photochemical production of caprolactam featured a fourfold lower electric current demand and an eightfold lower cooling energy demand relative to an equivalent conventionally operated route. The solar-based process would also allow specific emissions of 1.5-2.5 tons of carbon dioxide/ton of caprolactam to be avoided.