Ozone is an allotropic form of oxygen; each molecule contains three atoms of oxygen instead of the standard two. Ozone is a powerful disinfectant and has been used commercially for the treatment of potable water since 1904.

Ozone is formed naturally in the atmosphere, as a colourless gas giving a very pungent odour. It is the ozone formed by lightening discharges during a thunderstorm which gives the air its characteristic fresh and clean smell afterwards. An ozone smell can also be detected around office copy machines and laser printers. In fact, ozone in air can be readily detected by smell at concentrations as low as 0.01ppm.

No persistent chemical or disinfectants in bleed. Ozone breaks down to oxygen

In the same way that ozone is formed naturally by the discharge of electricity during a thunderstorm, large quantities of ozone are produced in the modern electrical ozone generator. This method of ozone generation is called corona discharge. A high voltage is passed across a gas stream containing oxygen. The energy of the high voltage splits an oxygen molecule (02); into two oxygen atoms (0) - which recombine with ordinary molecules of oxygen (02) to form ozone (03).

To improve the performance of the ozone generator, pure oxygen can replace the ambient air thus providing a greater percentage of oxygen in the airstream.

Ozone can also be formed in the proximity of certain types of ultra violet lamps; however this will only produce ozone at low concentrations. Since ozone is highly reactive and has a short half-life, it is very difficult to store and transport. Ozone must therefore always be generated on site for immediate use.

Ozone is the most powerful oxidizing agent permitted for use at this time (only fluorine is stronger - its use is banned in most countries).

As an oxidizing agent it is 51% stronger than chlorine and has a kill rate of 3.125 times faster Ozone readily oxidizes organic material in bacterial membranes which weakens the cell wall and leads to cell rupture causing immediate death of the cell.

Ozone oxidizes most organics and reduced many inorganic materials to a lower state that is more biodegradable. Some organic materials can be completely oxidized to carbon dioxide and water.

Ozone kills all bacteria, viruses, spores, mould, mildew, fungi, amoebae and cysts. The amount of ozone, the concentration of ozone, the composition of the host environment and the contact time of ozone with the organism all play a role in calculating the level of ozone required to destroy each type of organic growth.

The maximum permissible continuous exposure limit to ozone in air is 0.1ppm averaged over an eight-hour work shift. It is possible to detect ozone by smell at levels as low as 0.01ppm. With sufficient concentrations of ozone, irritation of the eyes, dryness of the throat and cough may be experienced. Ozone is a potentially toxic material and the exposure limit guidelines must always be adhered to. 24 hour exposure limit for 0.05 PPM, 8 hour exposure limit for 0.1 PPM & Short-term exposure limit for 0.3 PPM.

A properly installed ozone system will dissolve a high proportion of the ozone dosed into the water with the intention of building a residual level. As ozone can be detected at levels ten times smaller than the current Health & Safety Guidelines, any escaping ozone in an enclosed area can easily be detected and the necessary action taken to remedy the situation.

All Envirogreen Ozone Systems operated under vacuum, eliminating the risk of leakage of high concentrations of ozone.

The temperature and humidity of the air and the chamber where ozone is made is very important in maximizing ozone output. The cooler and dryer in the air are grater then the ozone output. Most Envirogreen Ozone Systems are therefore fitted with hair dryers and water cooler to pre-treat and condition the air feed.

Ozone has a neutral pH (about 7.0) so it does not affect the pH of the system's water Ozone has no calcium or alkalinity, and has no dissolved solids; therefore it will not affect the water's balance.

Ozone does remove trace amounts of dissolved metals such as iron manganese and copper by oxidizing them to their highest oxidation state. They will then precipitate out of the water and should be removed by filtration.

When ozone is injected to properly designed ozone water treatment system there is very little ozone which is not dissolved. The ozone layer is located in the lower stratosphere between altitudes of 9 and 19 miles. What does escape would be like a drop in the ocean and would never reach this region.

The simplest form of ozone detection is smell. At very low level of O.O1ppm ozone can be detected by the human sense of smell. For a more accurate form of detection, several manufacturers promote devices that can detect ozone by means of light detraction or drop test chromatography.

There are methods for continuous ozone detection by means of Reduction and direct ozone determination (Amperometric cell).

Ozone detection methods are very similar in design to other oxidizing biocide monitors such as chlorine or bromine.

No. Ozone, when correctly applied, has been proven to maintain uniformly low corrosion rates, similar to and frequently better than systems treated with traditional chemicals. Documented test data available.

Typically mild steel corrosion rates will be less than 3 mpy and yellow metal corrosion rates from 0.01 to 0.5 mpy. These figures have been confirmed by independent testing in the UK and the USA.

Ozone is listed as an oxidizing biocide in L8 and has been formally tested by the DoE who confirmed the effectiveness as a biocide without the need for secondary biocide or dispersant.

Ozone has been used directly for controlling bacteria levels in drinking water for around 3-4 years in the India and Envirogreen by Technology for 4 years. The technology originated in the USA and Germany and has been applied successfully for over20 years.

In many cases ozone can provide a complete replacement to chemical dosing of cooling systems. However, should a cooling system require additional chemicals in the form of scale or corrosion inhibitors, then they must be compatible with ozone.

Phosphonates, phosphates and other organic chemicals traditionally used are readily broken down by ozone. Their use can therefore give rise to problems such as using up available dissolved ozone and producing bi-products, which affect the water quality. Water wise can provide a full range of compatible inhibitors and scale prevention system where necessary.