GAS DETECTION - TOXIC, OZONE - STANDARD

What is Ozone?
Ozone (O₃) is a gas – the same ozone gas that is generated constantly in the Earth’s stratosphere when the Sun’s high-energy ultraviolet rays first encounter oxygen that makes up our atmosphere.

Some oxygen molecules (O₂) have ruptured, to form single oxygen species that are quite reactive.

When such active oxygen species encounter other oxygen molecules, the two species combine to form the very strongly reactive ozone molecule, O₃.

The molecule itself is a very strong oxidizing agent, and this oxidizing power makes it a very strong disinfectant.

Ozone can be applied either as a gas or in aqueous solution.

Microbial oxidation and subsequently disinfection can occur in both phases.

Reactions of all types occur much more slowly in the gas phase, particularly when the air to which ozone gas is applied is dry.

As the relative humidity increases, reaction rates of ozone increase rapidly.

What is the Commercial Availability of Ozone?
Commercial ozone gas must be generated on site.

It is not available in a cylinder because of its unstable nature.

Two types of ozone generators are available – corona discharge and ultraviolet radiation (185nm).

Corona discharge is a process by which electrical energy is passed between two closely positioned electrodes, thus creating a continuous silent electrical discharge – which generates ozone in the gas phase.

For UV radiation, high energy UV rays pass through surrounding air, generating ozone, but in much smaller amounts and concentrations than can be generated by corona discharge.