What is ozone?
Ozone is a naturally occurring compound in which three atoms of oxygen are combined to form the ozone molecule (O3). Elemental oxygen most commonly exists as two oxygen atoms (O2).
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How is ozone created?
Ozone is formed when energy from ultraviolet (UV) light or electrical discharge breaks the O2 bonds, forming single oxygen atoms which recombine with O2 molecules to form ozone. Ozone is created naturally in the stratosphere by short wavelength ultraviolet radiation. Ozone is most commonly produced for industrial use by high voltage electrical discharge (corona discharge). Pacific Ozone systems generate ozone by corona discharge.
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Why is ozone an effective oxidizer and disinfectant?
Ozone is an unstable molecule due to the weak bonds holding the third oxygen atom. This instability makes ozone a naturally powerful oxidizing and disinfecting agent. Oxidation occurs when ozone molecules come in contact with oxidizable substances, including microorganisms (viruses, molds, and bacteria), as well as organic and inorganic compounds (metal ions, plastics and rubbers).
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What is oxidation?
Oxidation is the interaction between oxygen molecules and the substances they may contact, from metal to living tissue. Oxidation produces chemical changes characterized by the loss of electrons. In ozone oxidation reactions, the unstable third oxygen atom is transferred, with a large release of energy, from ozone to the molecule being oxidized. The transfer of energy in oxidation causes the outer membranes of microorganisms to rupture. As ozone molecules enter lysed microorganisms, genetic material (DNA and RNA) is oxidized and destroyed. Organic molecules most often disintegrate as a result of oxidation, destroying their biological activity. Oxidation by ozone typically hydrolyzes inorganic molecules, causing them to become insoluble, and facilitating removal by filtration.
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How is ozone used?
Ozone is generally used as an anti-bacterial agent. Ozone is very effective at oxidizing and destroying organic and other compounds. Here are some typical applications for ozone:
Agriculture/ Produce/Food Processing
Fresh produce/fruit washing
Produce preservation
Equipment and surface sanitization
High-purity process water
Cooling tower water
Wine
Barrel washing
Equipment and surface sanitization
Tank clean-in-place (CIP)
Beverage
Product water preparation
Clean-in-place (CIP)
Tank, equipment sanitization
Bottle and cap washing
Bottled water preservation
Industrial
High-purity process water
Cooling tower water
Equipment and surface sanitization
Clean-in-place
Laundry
Improve disinfection
Cost savings: water, energy, labor
Cleaner, softer laundry
Extend linen life
Marine
Potable water/effluent, treatment
Process water
Ballast water, macrofoulant eradication
Seafood processing
System sanitization
Aquaculture
Incoming water treatment
Wastewater management/disinfection
System sanitization
Product Processing
Groundwater and Soil Remediation
Degradation and neutralization of organic contaminants
Oxygenation of target zone (accelerates bioremediation)
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I've heard that ozone is a pollutant. Is this true?
No. The use of industrial ozone does not contribute to atmospheric ozone or ground level pollution. Ozone is a naturally occurring molecule and is not a man-made pollutant, nor is it synonymous with smog, which — a common misconception. A small portion of atmospheric ozone descends to the Earth's surface. In addition, some industrial pollutants near the Earth's surface in combination with the sun's radiation will cause ozone to form. Since ozone can be easily measured, it has become a surrogate indicator for pollution. Ozone near the Earth's surface can cause breathing problems for persons with sensitive respiratory systems.
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How does the use of ozone affect the environment?
Ozone quickly and naturally decomposes back to oxygen; therefore ozone is considered environmentally friendly.
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Is ozone safe?
Ozone is safe when used properly. In fact, the FDA has approved ozone for drinking water treatment and food processing.
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Are foods processed with ozone organic and kosher?
Yes. The USDA has determined that organic foods that are processed with ozone may be labeled as organic. Similarly, ozone may be used in the processing of kosher foods.
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What are the suggested exposure limits to gaseous ozone?
Please see Pacific Ozone's Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
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What types of materials are ozone compatible?
Please see the Pacific Ozone Material Compatibility document.
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How is Pacific Ozone equipment different than other manufacturers?
Pacific Ozone utilizes a patented Floating Plate Technology to produce ozone. In addition, Pacific Ozone generators are air-cooled which results in less maintenance, lower power consumption, and ease of installation.
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What is "floating plate technology?"
Floating Plate Technology refers to Pacific Ozone´s patented reactor cell design. More Info
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Can ozone be used for medical purposes?
Although some people claim that ozone can be used to treat cancer or other illnesses, the FDA has not approved the use of ozone for medical purposes. Some applications have been developed to use ozone fogging to sterilize medical equipment.
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How much ozone do I need for my application?
The amount of ozone required to achieve desired results is dependent on several variables. For assistance in selecting the proper ozone equipment, please contact the Pacific Ozone sales department.
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If there is excess ozone, where does it go?
Any ozone that is not dissolved into solution should be passed through an ozone destruct chamber to return the ozone gas to oxygen, which can be safely returned to the environment.
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What is the half-life of ozone?
Ozone decays rapidly and must be produced on-demand at the site of application. Theoretically, the half life of ozone in water is approximately 30 minutes, which means that every half hour the ozone concentration will be reduced to half its initial concentration. For example, if you start with ozone in solution at 1 part per million (ppm), the concentration reduces by one-half every 30 minutes as follows: 0.5 ppm, 0.25 ppm, 0.13 ppm, 0.06 ppm etc. In practice, many factors can influence the half-life and result in shorter half-life in use. For example, temperature, pH, agitation, and the concentration of oxidizable substances in the water affect ozone stability and concentration.
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Is ozone available in bottles?
Ozone is very unstable and quickly decomposes to oxygen; therefore bottling ozone gas is not effective. Ozone must be produced and used on-site.
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Does ozone affect the pH of water?
Ozone has a neutral pH of about 7.0. Introducing ozone into water will not affect the pH of the water.
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Where can I find publications regarding ozone?
The International Ozone Association (IOA) has many papers and reports available.
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