How an Ozone Generator Works

You may have heard of an ozone generator, but you may not know how an ozone generator works. An ozone generator, or ozone machine, is a device that converts oxygen from various sources such as ambient air, dry air, or concentrated oxygen into ozone. Ozone generators produce ozone (O3) by adding energy to oxygen molecules (O2), which causes the oxygen atoms to part ways and temporarily recombine with other oxygen molecules. The ozone is then used for water disinfection and air purification. Ozone generators can come in small hand-held sizes, all the way up to large-scale industrial models that can produce several hundred grams of ozone each hour. Industrial ozone generators work very similar to ambient air units except they require very clean and very dry air or oxygen and have a corona cell specially designed to generate very high ozone concentrations.

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Ozone generators apply an electrical charge to the air that passes through. This splits apart some normal oxygen atoms into unstable single atoms, which bond with other oxygen molecules to form ozone. (Image not to scale.)

Once the ozone is produced it reacts with a pollutant, bacteria, virus, or mold, and breaks it down into less complex (and typically less harmful) molecules through a process called oxidation. Ozone that has not reacted with other molecules will decompose into oxygen over time. Ozonation destroys odors, and disinfects air, water, and other materials. It has even been approved by the USDA and FDA for use on food.

Although many manufacturers claim that ozone will render almost every contaminant harmless, it is important to follow safety guidelines, understand the structure of the contaminants, and have an ozone expert properly size the ozone generation unit.

Ozone Generation

The ozone generation process occurs naturally in the environment in one of two ways: Lightning strikes or Sunlight. After a thunderstorm, we probably all recognize the smell of ozone. The fresh, clean, spring rain aroma that we notice after a storm is most often a result from nature's creation of ozone. The second method is ultraviolet light from the sun. Through this method, oxygen in the presence of the sun&#;s UV light can be broken down and form into ozone.

Ozone generators recreate these processes in a controlled setting. This leads into two types of ozone generators: Corona discharge generators and UV light generators.

Corona Discharge

These machines create ozone by taking oxygen and forcing it forcing it through a high voltage metallic grid. The high voltage splits apart the oxygen molecules into single atoms. These atoms then attach to other O2 molecules in the air to form ozone (O3.)

A few advantages of using corona discharge are that it creates a consistent ozone output, it generates high ozone concentrations, it provides fast  organic (odor) removal, and it is ideal for water applications.

Ultraviolet (UV) Light

This process of ozone generation is similar to how the sun&#;s ultraviolet radiation splits O2 to form individual oxygen atoms. UV light changes oxygen into ozone when a wavelength at 254 nm (nanometers) hits an oxygen atom. The molecule (O2) splits into two atoms (O) which combine with another oxygen molecule (O2) to form ozone (O3). UV Light occurs naturally through the sun rays, but this process is considered to be less efficient than corona discharge, according to InterNACHI.

The advantages of using UV Light include a lower cost than corona discharge, it is simpler to assemble and use, and the ozone output using UV Light is less affected by humidity.

Types of Ozone Generation Feed Gas

Due to the instability of the ozone molecule, it has a short life. Therefore, it cannot be stored or transported. Ozone must be generated on-site. Depending on your specific application and/or limitations, ozone can be created from one of three sources: Ambient Air, Dry Air, or Concentrated Oxygen. Here is a breakdown of each option.

Ambient Air

Ambient Air refers to air that is available in the environment, whether it is indoors or outdoors. This source does not have a high concentration of oxygen, so it is used in machines that produce low levels of ozone.

Advantages:

• Free to use
• Readily available

Disadvantages:

• Requires regular corona cell maintenance
• Can cause electrical component failure due to dirt or insects that can get lodged in the corona cell or corona plate

Dry Air

Dry Air refers to air that has moisture removed so the dew point is -70° F or lower. This source will also produce low levels of ozone.

Advantages:

• Allows a consistent ozone output over time
• Reduces corona cell maintenance (very important)
• All dust and insects are removed
• Equipment is less expensive than concentrated oxygen

Disadvantages:

• Low concentrations result in low solubility in water
• Still results in some nitric acid production
• Systems are more complex than using ambient air

Concentrated Oxygen

Concentrated Oxygen refers to an oxygen supply, which is at least 90% pure, with moisture removed to a dew point of -100° F.

Advantages:

• Allows a consistent ozone output over time
• Eliminates corona cell maintenance (very important)
• Virtually all moisture is removed
• Ozone output is typically doubled (2x) vs. using dry air
• Higher concentrations means very soluble in water

Disadvantages:

• More expensive than dry air systems since more equipment is required
• Systems are more complex than using dry air (need compressor and oxygen concentrator)

Using concentrated oxygen typically provides 2x-3x the output of dry air, and 4x-6x the output of ambient air. It is important to remember that ozone generator output decreases as dewpoint (moisture content) increases. Click here for more information.

Types of Ozone Generation Systems

As discussed earlier, there are two methods of ozone generation, UV light and corona discharge. However, ozone generators can also be separated by another characteristic, aqueous versus gaseous ozone.

Aqueous Ozone Systems

Aqueous ozone generators are systems that inject gaseous ozone into water. The ozonated water can then be applied to surfaces for disinfection or circulated in water systems. The applications are almost endless from food disinfection to clean-in-place (CIP) processes to wastewater treatment.

Compared with methods such as chlorine or UV disinfection, ozone is more effective at eliminating viruses and bacteria, while requiring very little contact time, thus reducing the overall treatment time while simultaneously leaving no chemical residues. Due to the high oxidation potential, ozone effectively degrades microbes and viruses, causing cell membrane rupture and decomposition of essential biomolecular components. This leaves the water clean and free of microbes and viruses.

An important criterion for many water treatment applications is there are no harmful by-products from ozone use. As ozone decomposes, it reverts to oxygen. Ozone treatment also inhibits regrowth of micro-organisms, provided that other processes have reduced particulates in the wastewater.

Gaseous Ozone Systems

Gaseous ozone generators can be used in a wide range of air treatment and odor mitigation applications. Ozone is circulated through the air to treat airborne contaminants, as well as contaminants that may be resting on exposed surfaces. By using ozone and its oxidation process, you can efficiently reduce or completely remove airborne odors and contaminants.

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It is important to follow safety guidelines and regulations of ozone systems. Ozone shock treatments should be conducted in unoccupied spaces or by a professional ozone service partner like Ozone Solutions. Continuous ozone circulation at low treatment levels should only be conducted after consulting with an ozone professional, such as Ozone Solutions. This is to ensure that equipment is rated for continuous use, and that the proper safety mechanisms are in place to keep ozone levels within the acceptable threshold.

For more information on the right ozone generator for your needs, contact us today.

Ozone generators are popular air-cleaning devices that have become more widely used since the COVID-19 pandemic created awareness of the need for cleaner air in occupied spaces. However, ozone has been known to have detrimental health effects on humans when exposed to specific concentrations for extended periods. Therefore, when considering ozone generators for air cleaning, realize they must be operated with great care as ozone generating electronic air cleaners can emit unsafe ozone levels.

What Are Ozone Generators?

Ozone Generators are a type of air purification system that produces Ozone (O3) to help reduce the presence of airborne contaminants. Ozone's highly reactive composition of three Oxygen atoms allows the molecules to attach to airborne organic contaminants to oxidize and eliminate them. There are both good and bad forms of ozone:

Stratospheric ozone, or &#;good ozone,&#; is found in the atmosphere between 6 and 30 miles above the Earth&#;s surface. The ozone layer shields us from harmful UV radiation from the sun. Ozone at the ground level, or &#;bad ozone,&#; is an air pollutant harmful to our health. Ozone generators typically produce &#;bad ozone.&#;

Are ozone generators safe?

Unfortunately, no. The EPA has denounced these devices and cites several scientific studies showing they can be harmful to health and ineffective at removing indoor air contaminants. That is why no federal agencies have approved ozone generators for use in occupied spaces.

How Does an Ozone Generator Work? 

Ozone is composed of three atoms of oxygen, hence O3. Two atoms from the oxygen we breathe; the third can detach from the ozone molecule, reattach to molecules of other substances, and change their chemical composition.

Ozone generators harness that chemical reaction by filtering oxygen (O2), then using an electrical charge to break apart oxygen molecules, encouraging them to reform as oxygen and ozone.

There are two methods used to generate ozone: 

• Silent corona discharge: This method is an electric discharge that encourages the molecules to split (as mentioned above). When the molecules reattach, they form ozone or oxygen. This method produces more ozone and is more efficient than an ultraviolet generation.
• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation: This method is like the process of stratospheric ozone creation. These ozone generators use ultraviolet radiation to split oxygen molecules apart. However, this method is less effective than silent corona discharge. 
  

Ozone and Health

Just as ozone reacts with organic material in the air, it can react with organic material in our bodies, leading to health problems. When inhaled, ozone directly affects our lungs and respiratory system. It can cause airway hyper-responsiveness, including shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. In addition, if you have a lung condition, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, ozone can exacerbate it. Potential health risks from ozone include: 

• Decreased lung function.
• Aggravated asthma.
• Throat irritation and cough.
• Lung tissue inflammation.
• Higher susceptibility to respiratory infection.
• Chest pain and shortness of breath.
  

Long-term ozone exposure happens when you inhale ozone for more than eight hours a day over weeks and months. This type of exposure has been linked to the risk of hospitalization for asthma and numerous respiratory-related conditions. 

Ozone-Generating Devices

When it comes to ozone-generating devices, there are rules and guidelines for how much ozone can be emitted by a product and how long workers can be exposed to certain amounts. Here are some recommendations for human exposure to these devices (see the Clean Air Act):

• The EPA&#;s national standards for ozone (which fall under National Ambient Air Quality Standards per the Clean Air Act) is an indoor ozone concentration of 0.070 ppm for 8 hours over an annual period. 
• Recommendations from NIOSH suggest that 0.10 ppm should never be exceeded. 
• Additionally, OSHA requires that workers not be exposed to an average concentration of 0.10 ppm for 8 hours.
• Finally, the FDA limits some indoor medical devices to no more than 0.05 ppm. 
  

Risk factors are largely determined by the ozone concentration, the duration of exposure, the activities during exposure, and pre-existing conditions (like asthma). 

Ozone Generators vs. Ionizers

Ozone generators are often lumped in with ionizers. However, while ionizers are also air-cleaning devices, they work by electrically exciting ions in the air, encouraging them to latch onto air particles, which eventually get collected by the device. 

Ionizers are known to remove pathogens and viruses, but they are not effective at eliminating odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Since many odors are VOCs, including tobacco smoke, pet smells, and mold growth, ionizers will not work if you need to remove odors or these types of particles. 

The EPA&#;s Take on Ozone-Generating Air Cleaners

There is great debate about air cleaning devices such as ozone generators and ionizers, the health effects of these devices, and whether the indirect or direct ozone output can be harmful. The EPA took this to heart, especially since there is much material&#; primarily produced by manufacturers&#;that claims ozone is not necessarily harmful to your health. 

After conducting a study, the EPA came to several conclusions about ozone generators, including:

1. The chemical reaction that ozone needs to be effective requires months or years to take place. Therefore, unless you have an ozone generator running for a long time in a building with no inhabitants, its usefulness is questionable. 
2.  Once the ozone can react, there is a chance that the chemical reaction will produce irritating products. For example, in a study that mixed ozone with chemicals in a new carpet, ozone reduced the smell and presence of some substances, but it also produced aldehydes, which can be toxic.
3.  Ozone does not remove particles from the air, but ionizers do. However, ionizers are said to not be as effective as HEPA filters at removing particles like smoke, pollen, and mold (although they can latch onto viruses and pathogens). 
4. When ozone generators are used at a level deemed healthy, they are not effective at reducing odors. 
   

Are Ozone Generators Worth It?

Ozone generators are not a safe choice for cleaning the air in occupied spaces or home environments. However, the device can be helpful when used in uninhabited areas for a long time, such as cleaning up natural waste. The room should be as closed off as possible for the generator to work and ventilated before the space is reoccupied. 

Since ozone exposure can have harmful health effects, companies need to be careful how the devices are used. In addition, ozone generators can take months to work. Therefore, if you are looking to improve the indoor air quality of your business by running it overnight, it will be a waste of time and money. 

How Do Ozone Generators Compare To Other Air Purification Technologies

Want to learn more about ozone generators and how they compare to competing electronic air purification technologies? Then visit our most recent blog "The Difference Between Hydroxyl Generators, Ozone Generators, And Bi-Polar Ionization."

Finding the Right Air Cleaner for Your Business

When it comes to your inhabited workplace, ozone generators do not fall under best practices for indoor air quality. Even if manufacturers say the device does not produce ozone in hazardous amounts, do your research and try to identify how much ozone the device emits. You will also need to pay attention to the square footage the device was tested in compared to the size of your space. If a very large room is required to run the ozone generator effectively, smaller businesses may not be feasible. 

Instead, opt for a multi-stage air cleaner that does not produce ozone, or if it does, it is generated indirectly and in small amounts. It would be more advantageous&#;and safer&#;to get an air purifier that can operate while people are in your building. You can also take advantage of additional filters (like HEPA filters), UV-C light technology for killing viruses, and activated carbon filters for removing VOCs. Contact us to get started with a customized plan to clean your air effectively and safely.

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