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In the stratosphere, high-energy UV radiation from the sun splits diatomic oxygen that results in ozone formation.
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Fundamentally, UV generators mimic the natural process responsible for the production of the ozone layer in the earth’s outer atmosphere. UV ozone generators utilize UV light at 185-nanometer wavelength that shine on feed gas (air or concentrated oxygen) flowing through a suitable tube chamber. There are two principal technologies used to generate ozone: UV and corona discharge for commercial and industrial applications. In the end, ozone decomposes to diatomic oxygen, leaving no unwanted residual taste or odor. This process facilitates disinfection by disrupting and lysing cell walls, exposing the contents of the cell to further oxidation and inactivation.Īll common bacteria, viruses, molds, cysts and parasites can be destroyed by ozone in this manner. For example, the components of the cell walls of microorganisms can be oxidized and broken down by ozone. During the oxidation process, ozone-directly and through the highly reactive hydroxyl-free radicals-can break chemical bonds of organic compounds. This reaction yields three simultaneous processes: oxidation, disinfection and decomposition. Ozone delivers oxidizing power either directly or through the generation of hydroxyl-free radicals in the decomposition of dissolved ozone into water. Ozone is an unstable molecule due to the weak bonds holding the third oxygen atom, making ozone a naturally powerful oxidizing and disinfecting agent.
OZONE GENERATOR FREE
These free oxygen atoms combine with diatomic oxygen molecules to form ozone. Exposure to these high levels of energy causes a portion of the diatomic oxygen molecules to split into individual oxygen atoms. Ozone (O3) is created when diatomic oxygen (O2) is exposed to an electrical field or ultraviolet (UV) light.
OZONE GENERATOR SERIES
The series continues this month with a closer look at the second basic element: ozone generation. In the March 2008 issue of Water Quality Products, the IOA column discussed mastering the fundamentals of ozone and reviewed the four basic elements required to form fully functional ozone systems: oxygen/feed gas preparation, ozone generation, mass transfer and monitoring and control.