What is ozone?
Ozone (O₃) is a triatomic form of oxygen. It contains three oxygen atoms instead of the two found in ordinary oxygen (O₂). The third atom makes ozone unstable and highly reactive, allowing it to oxidize microorganisms, odors, metals and organic compounds.
Ozone must normally be generated at the point of use because it naturally decomposes back into oxygen and cannot be stored economically for long periods.
Key properties
How ozone is generated
Commercial ozone systems use electrical energy to transform an oxygen-containing feed stream or suitable water into ozone. The correct technology depends on feed quality, required purity, output, application and maintenance strategy.
Corona discharge
Electrical discharge converts oxygen into ozone for gas or dissolution systems.
PEA electrolysis
Electrochemical ozone generation for suitable water-based applications.
PEM electrolysis
High-purity electrolytic ozone using a proton-exchange membrane cell.
AAOP
Ozone is combined with catalytic pathways to generate highly reactive oxidants.
How ozone works
Treatment performance depends on how much ozone reaches the target, how well it mixes, the ozone demand of the process and how long an effective residual remains available.
CT and mass-transfer efficiency
Residual concentration multiplied by effective contact time.
The fraction of generated ozone actually transferred into the process.
Generator output alone is not the treatment result. CT, MTE, hydraulic mixing, ozone demand and reactor design must be evaluated together.
Applications
Safety and application limits
Design for controlled exposure
Ozone is a strong oxidant. Systems must prevent unintended accumulation, control off-gas and comply with applicable workplace, indoor-air, process and environmental requirements.
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