Global Solutions Enterprise

Ozone's germ killing via oxidation effect

Ozone is one of the best disinfectant and purification substances known to science. It occurs naturally and is composed of three atoms of oxygen, weakly bonded together. When this bond breaks, a free atom of oxygen is available to neutralize unwanted substances in a process called oxidation. Ozone is proven to have a much higher disinfection potential compared to all other methods of disinfection. ​This action is non-specific and selective to microbial cells; it does not damage human body cells because of their major antioxidative ability. 

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Ozone oxidises organic material in bacterial membranes. The weakened cell wall leads to cell rupture causing immediate death of cell. In contrast to other oxidising and non oxidising biocides including chlorine, must be transported across cell membrane before attacking genetic or enzymatic reactions. Therefore, substantially less biocidal efficacy. It is also for this reason, ozone is capable of destroying bacteria , algae and biofilms without risks of resistance build up or immunity.

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Ozone is often referred to as nature’s disinfectant.

• Generated from sunlight, ultraviolet rays and lightning

• Nature’s way of controlling bacteria growth within the environment

• Has distinctive sweet odor similar to the smell after summer rain storm

• Most effective in killing viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites

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In fact, many people notice that ozone has a distinctive sweet odor, similar to the smell after a summer rainstorm likely because lightning is one way ozone is produced in nature. 

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Ozone, Natural Disinfectant's Applications

With its powerful and a kill ratio of 99.9% on many harmful viruses and bacteria, ozone treatment can be used in many different markets for a variety of applications. Ozone is nature’s way of controlling bacteria growth within our environment. Ozone has been proven to have a much higher disinfection potential compared to all other disinfectants available for use today. It can effectively kill viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites, including those causing food spoilage or human diseases. Just about anywhere there is a need for clean water, sanitization, or pure air, there is a use for ozone.

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Proper use of  Ozone technology is safe. 

Unlike other water treatment processes, oxidation is a natural, chemical-free process that produces zero wastewater and leaves behind oxygen molecules like the ones in the air we breathe. Ozone destroys microorganisms quickly and effectively without leaving harmful residue in treated food or processing water. Therefore, ozone is safer and environmentally friendlier than most other antimicrobials. For example, ozone kills bacteria 3,125 times faster than chlorine.

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Ozone treatment can be used for a wide variety of applications. Commercial uses of ozone include purification of drinking water, sterilization of medical instruments and devices, decontamination of fresh produce, and food preservation. Ozone also is useful in removing odors, and not just in drinking water.

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Ozone can also be generated via man made method such as ozone generator. An ozone generator produces ozone by passing oxygen or dry air through a high voltage electrical field or corona. Ozone cannot be stored and transported like other industrial gases because it quickly decays into diatomic oxygen, and must therefore be produced on site.

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"Residual" ozone produced will return to oxygen within 30 minutes, in amounts equal to half its level. What this means is that after each 30 minute period, there would be half as much residual ozone left at the end of the period as compared at the beginning of the period. In real life, the half life is usually less than 30 minutes due to temperature, dust, and other contaminants. Therefore, ozone's powerful antimicrobial effectiveness does not last long. It does its job and then disappears back into safe oxygen.

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Ozonation also increases the dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration of the discharged wastewater. The increase in DO can improve the oxygen content of the receiving body of water.

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Ozone coupled with carbon filters

Carbon filters can be used very effectively with ozone generators. Carbon filters remove large particles such as lead, copper and other sediments from turbid water. Ozone gas is injected into the filtered water, naturally killing bacteria to produce the purest form of water. This water can be used for many applications such as decontamination of produce, countertops and other surfaces, baby bottles, and of course for drinking.

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Not all Ozone generators are the same.

Optimal concentration of ozone is critical to ensure effectiveness and safety.  Ozone is safe if used correctly. However, high concentrations of ozone can cause health problems if proper safety measures are not taken. It is important to select generators approved by FDA, NSF or EPA to ensure safety for users.

 

When choosing a generator, it is important to know how much ozone the unit will deliver, generally measured in milligrams per hour or (mg/hr). If the manufacturer does not list the unit's output, chances are the output levels are low and inconsistent (and most likely an ineffective tool). 

 

The main parts of a corna discharge ozone generator:

(1) Transformer

(2) High voltage or high frequency electrode

(3) Insulating material

(4) Low voltage (ground ) electrode

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Given ozone's unstable nature, the proper selection of compatible insulating materials to ozone is also important. 

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Many generators have designs that may require a technician to service or be sent in to the manufacturer. Plate cleaning and replacement is very important in extending the life of your investment, and should be affordable for the user. Ozotech offers cost effective solutions.

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