What is Ozone and How Does it Work?

Ozone, or O3, is the tri-atomic form of oxygen. Stated simply, it is a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms. In nature, ozone is formed by reactions involving ultraviolet rays or by the electrical discharge of lightning. Our units use a plasma block corona discharge to make ozone.

Behind fluorine and hydroxyl radicals, ozone has the third highest oxidation potential at 2.07 (see chart below). During its short “lifespan,” ozone is very reactive. The third molecule in O3 is bonded very loosely. It will break away, leaving pure oxygen, O2, and the single atom, O.

Ozone is the most powerful broad spectrum microbiological control agent available. It is 51% more powerful on bacterial cell walls and kills bacteria 3,100 times faster than chlorine.

• Ozone kills 99.99% of all known bacteria and viruses including Legionella, Salmonella and E-Coli.
• Ozone eliminates the use of hot water and conventional sanitizer and is extremely effective as a disinfectant at relatively low concentrations.
• Ozone is a very “green,” environmentally friendly, technology which conserves natural resources and virtually eliminates all chemical usage.
• Ozone greatly reduces Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD).
• Ozone has full FDA-approval for direct-food contact application and extends the shelf life of food products.
• Ozone is generated on-site, eliminating the transporting, storing, and handling of hazardous materials, and thus making it very inexpensive to produce an unlimited supply.
• Ozone permits recycling of wastewater.
• Ozone will reduce your operating cost.

For more information regarding ozone and its effects, please visit The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency http://www.epa.gov/ozone/.

Interested in more details about Ozone? Download our ozone fact sheet (PDF format).