What Is an Ozone Generator?
An ozonator or ozone generator is a device that produces gaseous ozone used for deodorization, sterilization, and infection control. Ozone is a gaseous allotrope of oxygen, comprising three oxygen atoms. It is volatile, decomposing into oxygen at room temperature, has a specific gravity 1.54 times that of air, and is about ten times more soluble in water than oxygen.
Ozone offers robust effects like sterilization, deodorization, decolorization, and oxidation, with its oxidizing power second only to fluorine. However, ozone is toxic and has a distinct odor, potentially harmful to humans at certain concentrations.
Uses of Ozone Generators
Ozone generators are used to remove mold, bacteria, viruses, and organic matter due to their high oxidizing properties. They find applications in water treatment, as ozone is highly soluble in water and effective in sterilization and deodorization. These devices are commonly utilized in industries like water & sewage treatment, medical facilities, residential areas, food manufacturing processes, and for the treatment and storage of food raw materials.
Principle of Ozone Generators
Ozone generators produce ozone using discharge, ultraviolet, and electrolysis methods. The most common industrial method is the silent discharge method, a type of discharge method. There are three main types:
- Discharge Type: Oxygen is converted to ozone by electrons in a discharge filled with an oxygen-containing gas. It includes silent discharge, corona discharge, and creepage discharge types, each used in various applications.
- Electrolytic Decomposition Type: This method produces ozone by electrolyzing water with a polymer electrolyte membrane. It generates highly concentrated ozone but is unsuitable for large-scale production.
- Ultraviolet Method: Ozone is generated by irradiating oxygen-containing gases with ultraviolet rays. This method has lower efficiency and is used for small-scale sterilization.
Hazards of Ozone Generators
While effective in sterilization, ozone generators can be hazardous, especially when used outside their intended scope, potentially increasing ozone concentration to harmful levels. Commercial ozonators produce significantly more ozone than residential ones, so choosing the appropriate model based on the usage environment is crucial.
Points to Note When Introducing Ozone Generators
It is essential to distinguish between commercial and residential ozone generators, considering factors like ozone production amount, air volume, and usage environment. Unknowingly using a commercial-grade ozonator in a home setting can lead to dangerously high ozone concentrations, highlighting the importance of selecting a suitable model for the intended use.