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Introduction to Ozone and Key Considerations for Ozone Generators

2021-05-10

Introduction to Ozone and Key Considerations for Ozone Generators

Ozone is a toxic, corrosive gas that can intensify combustion. It is heavier than air and oxygen (and can accumulate near the ground or in confined spaces), has a pungent odor, and is highly unstable. Below are the human physiological responses associated with various ozone concentrations. While there aren't overly strict requirements for using an ozone generator, it's important to ensure that the room is properly sealed during disinfection and that no one remains inside. After disinfection, it’s best to wait at least one hour before re-entering, and then open doors and windows for ventilation. The higher the humidity in the air, the better the disinfecting effect; however, most household ozone generators lack air-conditioning systems to control humidity, so high humidity can reduce the ozone generator’s output. If the air humidity falls below 40%–50%, the ozone’s disinfecting effectiveness will be significantly diminished. For ozone generators, once the ozone concentration reaches above 2.5 parts per million, running the device for half an hour is sufficient. Ozone is a trace gas present in Earth’s atmosphere. It forms when oxygen molecules in the atmosphere are split into individual oxygen atoms by solar radiation, and these oxygen atoms subsequently combine with nearby oxygen molecules to form ozone molecules containing three oxygen atoms. More than 90% of the ozone in the atmosphere is located in the upper atmosphere, or stratosphere, between 10 and 50 kilometers above the Earth’s surface—this is precisely the atmospheric ozone layer that humanity needs to protect. A smaller portion of ozone molecules lingers closer to the ground, yet they still play a role in blocking ultraviolet radiation to some extent.

Hazards may arise due to improper use, inadequate maintenance, material replacement, and other factors. The sources of danger associated with ozone generators include oxygen, ozone, mechanical wiring, electricity, and air pressure—among which oxygen and ozone are particularly prone to causing hazards. However, when ozone is used as a feed gas, its ability to support combustion and accelerate burning (especially when its concentration in the air exceeds 25% by volume) poses significant risks. Therefore, if ventilation is poor, there are leaks in internal or external pipelines, or oxygen-containing systems are opened, the oxygen concentration could rise to dangerous levels. An elevated oxygen concentration significantly increases the risk of fire. For this reason, open flames are strictly prohibited; oilcloth is not allowed; and equipment that comes into contact with oxygen must be kept free from oil and grease.
 

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