What Is an Ozone Deodorizer?
An Ozone Deodorizer is a device that uses the deodorizing action of ozone to remove odors from a space.
Ozone has very strong oxidizing power, and when bacteria or odor-causing substances are present nearby, they are immediately oxidized and decomposed. Air purifiers are also available as devices that clean the air, but they differ in their mechanism of action.
Air purifiers use filters and activated carbon to remove particulates and odors from the air, making them only effective against nearby suspended matter. Ozone Deodorizers, on the other hand, not only decompose odors at their source, but are also effective against bacteria and viruses attached to desks, doors, and other surfaces.
Usage of Ozone Deodorizer
Ozone Deodorizers are used in all kinds of places such as hospitals, elderly care facilities, restaurants, and factories. It is characterized by its use not only for deodorization, but also for the removal of bacteria and viruses.
Principle of Ozone Deodorizer
Ozone Deodorizer uses the strong oxidizing power unique to ozone to decompose odors, bacteria, and viruses. Ozone consists of three oxygen atoms and is a substance that maintains a very unstable state.
Since the substance always has the characteristic of trying to move to a stable state, it releases one oxygen atom of ozone and tries to become oxygen. However, without a substance to pass the oxygen atom, the transition to the stable state is not possible. In fact, the substance that passes the oxygen is the source of bacteria and odor.
These substances receive oxygen atoms, and ozone is transformed into oxygen molecules. In this process, the bacteria and odor-causing substances are oxidized and decomposed. Although ozone in high concentrations is harmful to the human body, it can be operated extremely safely if the appropriate concentration is controlled. However, since the most appropriate Ozone Deodorizer depends on the application, the specification information must be confirmed.
The method of generating ozone includes the silent discharge method, electrolysis method, and ultraviolet lamp method. However, the silent discharge method is widely used in industrial applications.
Structure of Ozone Deodorizer
Most Ozone Deodorizers use an ozone generating principle called the silent discharge method, which consists of an electrode to which an AC high voltage is applied and a glass dielectric between the electrode and the dielectric.
Silent discharge is a discharge phenomenon that occurs when a dielectric is placed between parallel electrodes and AC high voltage is applied between the electrodes. When a silent discharge occurs, electrons are released into the gas, and when the released electrons collide with an oxygen molecule (O2), they dissociate into an oxygen atom (2O). When one dissociated oxygen atom (O) combines with one oxygen molecule (O2), ozone (O3) is formed. The chemical formula for this principle is the following two equations:
- O2 + e → 2O + e
- O + O2 + M → O3 + M
Types of Ozone Deodorizers
Ozone Deodorizers are available in small types for deodorizing the inside of cars and private rooms, medium types for deodorizing specific rooms, portable types for use at specific times, and central types for simultaneously deodorizing multiple rooms such as entire buildings.
Other Information on Ozone Deodorizers
Precautions for Use
Since incorrect use can lead to unexpected problems, the following two points must be confirmed:
1. Risk of corrosion due to high ozone concentration
Because ozone has a strong oxidizing capacity, there is a risk of corroding rubber, resins, and other materials in a highly concentrated ozone environment. However, there is no need to be concerned about the risk of corrosion in ozone deodorizers intended for use under manned conditions, because the concentration is not high enough to corrode materials.
2. Ozone has a peculiar odor
Because ozone itself has a peculiar odor, it is necessary to ventilate the room according to the environment in which it is used. Ozone equipment intended for use under unattended conditions generates highly concentrated ozone, which is harmful to the human body. Therefore, appropriate ozone equipment must be selected according to the intended use.