What is ozone?

Ozone is one of the most powerful oxidants available, destroying bacteria, viruses, mold and mildew in air, water and diverse applications almost instantly and more efficiently than any other technology.

Ozone’s molecular structure is three oxygen atoms (O3).

How is the ozone product?

Ozone can be produced artificially by an ozone generator according to the same principles that occur in nature; by UV light (ozone layer) or by corona discharge (lightning).

In both methods the bonds between oxygen molecules are broken forming oxygen radicals (O), which connect with other oxygen molecules (O2) to create ozone (O3).

The corona discharge method is preferred for ozone production due to its prolonged efficiency and lower production costs.

An ozone generator uses either ambient air or pure oxygen to create ozone.

The benefit of using pure oxygen is that higher concentrations of ozone can be achieved more quickly.

Applications requiring high ozone concentrations will therefore favour the use of an oxygen concentrator, which separates pure oxygen from the air.

How does ozone work?

Ozone destroys pathogens and odours by an oxidation process: one of the three oxygen atoms reacts and splits from the ozone molecule to oxidize matter with inherent oxidation demand.

In so doing, the ozone molecule is transformed into oxygen. Any excess ozone is stable for a short time before decomposing back into oxygen.

The most common ozone applications include air and water purification as well as applications where ozone can fully or partially replace disinfectants.

As opposed to most chemicals, ozone is safe to use.

Why is ozone a green technology?

Ozone is a green technology with many environmental benefits.

It reduces our dependence on traditionally used, harmful chemicals such as chlorine and eliminates their hazardous disinfectant by-products (DBPs).

The only by-product created by ozone applications is oxygen which is reabsorbed into the atmosphere.

Ozone’s ability to disinfect in cold water also saves energy.