FAQs for Ozone Systems

Ozone is a naturally occurring compound in which three atoms of oxygen are combined to form the ozone molecule (O3).

Ozone is formed when energy from ultraviolet (UV) light or electrical discharge forms single oxygen atoms which then combine 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.

Ozone is an unstable molecule under ambient conditions 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).

Oxidation can be defined as the chemical interaction of oxygen-containing molecules with the substances they may contact, living organisms to metals. 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. In disinfection, the transfer of energy via oxidation results in the rupture (lysing) of the outer membranes of microorganisms. As ozone molecules enter lysed microorganisms, genetic material (DNA and RNA) is oxidized and destroyed.  With respect to the treatment of metal-containing substances, oxidation by ozone typically hydrolyzes inorganic molecules, causing them to become insoluble, and which facilitates removal of the oxidized metals by filtration.

Ozone is often used as an anti-microbial agent. Ozone is very effective at oxidizing and destroying organic and other compounds. Here are some typical applications for ozone water treatment:

Agriculture/ Produce/ Food Processing
Fresh produce, fruit washing and sanitizing, Meat and seafood sanitization, Produce preservation, Equipment and surface sanitization, Seafood processing, and High-purity process water

Aquaculture
Incoming water treatment, Wastewater management and disinfection, System sanitization, Product processing

Beverage
Product water preparation, Product water production, Clean-in-place (CIP), Tank, equipment sanitization, Bottle and cap washing, Bottled water preservation, Source water treatment, Equipment and surface sanitization

Commercial Facilities & Datacenters

Industrial
High-purity process water, Cooling tower water, Equipment and surface sanitization, Clean-in-place, Textile Manufacturing, Cooling and boiler water treatment

Laundry
Improve disinfection, Cost savings: water, energy, labor, Cleaner, softer laundry, Extend linen life

Ozone is often used as an anti-microbial agent. Ozone is very effective at oxidizing and destroying organic and other compounds. Here are some additional applications for ozone water treatment:

Marine
Potable water/effluent, treatment, Process water, Ballast water, macrofoulant eradication, Seafood processing, System sanitization

Pharma & Biotech
High-purity water sanitization, Tank and system sanitization, Product water production, Clean-in-place (O3-CIP)

Product Processing
Groundwater and Soil Remediation, Degradation and neutralization of organic contaminants, Oxygenation of target zone (accelerates bioremediation)

Wine
Barrel washing, Equipment and surface sanitization, Tank clean-in-place (CIP)

Ozone quickly and naturally decomposes back to oxygen; therefore, ozone is considered environmentally friendly. [1]

Ozone is safe when used properly. In fact, the FDA has approved ozone for drinking water treatment and food processing. [2] [3]

Yes. The USDA has determined that organic foods that are processed with ozone may be labeled as organic. [4]

Please see the material safety data sheet.

Please see the ozone material compatibility document.

Yes! Ozone can be a sustainable solution. With the help from Evoqua’s Pacific Ozone™ system expertise Evoqua customers have experienced reducing annual power and water consumption, reducing annual process downtime, reducing annual maintenance hours, in addition to reducing product loss due to quality*.

_{*With different processes and designs in the factories, these results may vary. Results are dependent on the incumbent solution when considering ozone as an alternative and again are contingent on the facility's operational practices and facility design}

Evoqua’s Pacific Ozone Systems use an innovative floating plate technology to produce ozone which allows us to be very compact without compromising the efficiency of our ozone generators. In addition, our generators are air-cooled which results in less maintenance, lower power consumption, and ease of installation.

Our fully integrated system incorporates all the required elements to generate, measure and control ozone residual. With Evoqua Ozone systems, all you need is air, water, and electricity to increase the efficiency and safety of your process.

There are many advantages of using ozone disinfection, here are a few:

• Repeatable performance: simple and proven
• Sustainably generated on-site
• No chemical transportation or storage
• Highly effective treatment
• Increases the uptime of your operations. (Typical sanitization cycles are reduced by 30% to 75%)
• Saves energy as no hot water is required
• Reduces OPEX and increases RO
• Integration made simple
• Minimal maintenance
• Ozone can be removed instantaneously in the water by UV at 254 nm

We have a dedicated team ready to help answer any questions you may have about ozone water treatment. Here are just a few of the dedicated professionals who would love to connect on how ozone is right for your application:

Connect with Don Lanini on LinkedIn.

Connect with Jackie Schramm on LinkedIn.

_{[1] Ozone: A Natural Phenomenon | WQP (wqpmag.com)}

_{[2] CFR-2012-title21-vol3-sec173-368.pdf (govinfo.gov)}

_{[3] CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 (fda.gov)}

_{[4] Technical Report on Ozone (usda.gov)}

_{[5] eCFR :: 7 CFR 205.605 -- Nonagricultural (nonorganic) substances allowed as ingredients in or on processed products labeled as “organic” or “made with organic (specified ingredients or food group(s)).”}

_{For more information on disinfection performance and validation, click here.}