Last Updated on June 18, 2020 by MakeThingsReal
Ozone is a powerful oxidant, one of the most powerful in existence, it has three atoms, the third atom which is a volatile oxygen atom is capable of oxidising any organic material, and it is used to destroy contaminants. Ozone is a pale gas with a strong smell, and it is formed from dioxygen through atmospheric electrical discharges and ultraviolet lights. It is used in an ozone purifier to filter contaminants in the air.
It is present in the earth stratosphere and available in low concentrations all over the atmosphere except the ozone layer, The region that takes in a significant part of the sun’s ultraviolet UV radiation.
Because of the oxidation capabilities of an ozone purifier, it has a lot of commercial and industrial applications. However, it can be quite dangerous to plants and animals above specific concentrations. The Ozone layer prevents harmful ultraviolet rays from reaching the surface of the earth, but when close to ground level, it is a pollutant and a respiratory hazard.
The most significant use of Ozone is in the production of synthetic lubricants, pharmaceuticals, bleaching, elimination of harmful microorganisms in water and air through an ozone purifier, organic compounds. A lot of drinking water systems eliminate bacteria in water with an ozone purifier other than chlorine as it does not remain in the water after treatment.
An ozone purifier is used in industrially to eliminate insects in grain and bacteria on food; it is also used for removing moud spores and yeast from the air in food processing plants, it is used for disinfecting things in care homes and hospitals and swimming pools.
An ozone purifier is also used as an antichlor in chlorine bleaching and manufacture chemical compounds through chemical synthesis. It is used to age rubber samples and to eliminate water-borne parasites in water treatment plants.
How it works
The ozone gas, through its third oxygen atom oxidises organic contaminants when they are exposed to it. The oxygen atom adheres to the contaminants and eradicates them leaving behind oxygen molecules. It does not remain in the air or leave residual chemicals which is why it is preferable to other chemicals that act as oxidants.
You can generate ozone through ultraviolet (UV) radiation and silent corona discharge. Generating it through UV radiation is akin to the way it is created in the stratosphere while the silent corona discharge is akin to the way it is generated in lightning.
Mercury is utilised in the UV generation process but it can be problematic, the corona discharge process on the other hand is more productive and makes more ozone.
This method uses a unit with an oxygen source, gas dryers, a generator, a torch destructor, dust filters and a contact unit. The electrical discharge which is similar to lightning produces the ozone from the cleaned oxygen. The oxygen splits and emits single molecules which attach to the oxygen (O2) and creates the third, volatile atom 03 which is released into the room.
Ozone purifier
These Ozone purifier generators have industrial and medical applications; they are used to purify water, detoxify cyanide waste, bleach wood pulp, eliminate bacteria, odours and viruses). These applications maintain strict standards for using and manufacturing the Ozone purifier generators . However, ozone use on a more personal level such as in homes and devices is not advisable and is potentially dangerous. It is a pollutant and it can cause respiratory hazards so when used in enclosed spaces, one must follow public health standards that show the amount of ozone that is safe to use around humans.
These standards are usually exceeded when an ozone generator produces ozone to kill viruses and bacteria.
Ozone purifier generators are only useful under these conditions;
When a room, building or area is sealed off with no humans, plants or animals during treatment, then it can be used at high levels.
When the source of contamination is removed as well and the area treated with ozone, if the source is not removed, the effect of the treatment is only temporary.
It is ineffective when used with chlorinated hydrocarbons like plastics and vinyl
It can kill the spores in the moud but not the toxins they emit, and it can only eliminate spores on surfaces so it cannot be used to clean moudy furniture.
Its effect in treating a building cannot be estimated as it is not possible to know all of the components of the building. It is advisable to conduct a trial.
When you are treating materials that react with oxygen, ozone will only make it worse.
It is advisable to air an are that has been treated with ozone because unknown toxins may have been released during the ozonating process
Naturally, ozone does not remain in the air, but in some cases, the odour persists for some time after treatment.
The use of Ozone purifier generators for treatment and purification is controversial, and there are reasons why it should be avoided.
The generators may not be effective after all
Although manufacturers claim that ozone eliminates nearly all chemical contaminants in the home, some research shows that for this to happen, the chemical reaction process may take a long time, months or years.
It also shows that for ozone to be effective, its usage has to exceed the maximum amount set by public health standards.
The chemical reaction is potentially harmful
There are side effects of the ozonation process that one must be aware of, the chemical reactions of ozone can produce toxic by-products.
The Ozone purifier generators do not eliminate particulates
Dust and pollen do not fall under the spectrum of things that can be removed by ozone; these particles are primarily responsible for allergic reactions.
Exposure levels cannot be estimated
The exact concentration of ozone created by Ozone purifier generators cannot be determined because of the variety of factors involved. The concentration of ozone used in small or enclosed spaces tends to be higher especially if produced with powerful devices. Some other factors affect the concentration levels like the furnishings and materials in the room that can react to ozone and the level of ventilation.
