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Ozone is a triatomic allotropic molecule of oxygen having the chemical symbol O3 and a molecular weight of 47.998. When three oxygen atoms combine they are relatively unstable and highly reactive. The lack of stability gives ozone a property that allows it to react with free carbon and hydrogen atoms to form a more stable molecule. This process of oxidation is why ozone is used to eliminate carbon based forms of pollutants from water and sometimes air. The first full scale water treatment plant was installed in Oudshroorn, Holland in 1893 but the Bon-Voyage water treatment plant in Nice, France is considered the "Birthplace of Ozone for drinking water treatment" because ozone has been used there since 1906 to present day. The first U.S. plant was located in Niagara in 1903. The third U.S. installation was placed in Whiting, Indiana in 1940 and is still in operation today.
Ozone achieved wide acceptance in Europe and in the U.S. for water treatment until World War I, when inexpensive methods for chlorine generation were developed in the U.S. After the war the U.S. used chlorine as the primary method for water sterilization, while ozone is still widely used throughout Europe today. Ozone is very high in the oxidation chart, ranking above chlorine, iodine, and bromine. The only substance with a higher oxidation potential is hydroxyl radicals (OH) and fluorine (F). Ozone is 3,100 times more effective than chlorine for bacteria sterilization.
Air stripping methods transfer the pollutant to air and then into carbon beds. Carbon beds transfer the pollutant from air or water to the carbon, which must be treated as hazardous waste. Ozone breaks down chemicals to CO2, H2O, and O2. By breaking down these contaminants safely, there is less hazardous waste and non-conversion of the pollutants to another source.
Ozone can be used in conjunction with carbon beds to extend the life of the bed, reducing expensive hauling and repacking charges. Ozone will react with the absorbed pollutant particles of carbon causing further breakdown while increasing porosity, resulting in longer bed life.
Ozone is generated on-site, there is no storage nor purchasing of chemicals required. If a leak or breach occurs, ozone can be recognized at 20 part per billion while the threshold limit value over 8 hours is 100 parts per billion. An operator can easily identify a leak, find the source, and in the event he/she cannot repair the leak quickly, the generator can be shut down and all ozone generation stops. This feature provides enhanced safety over chlorination or hydrogen peroxide systems emergency spills.
Ozone is very effective in the reduction of organic materials such as phenols, pesticides, and solvents.
Ozone is non-selective. It will react with any oxidizable ozone concentration, reaction, and byproducts. This is beneficial if you have to treat a variety of pollutants in a waste water stream. Some chemicals can enhance ozone performance, such as hydrogen peroxide, bicarbonates, and even some nitrates.
Concerning industrial waste water treatment processes, ozone may be used as a chemical pretreatment or as the final polishing agent.
In many instances, ozone may be used to "change" a specific waste water characteristic, enabling the chemical coagulant to work more effectively. This is usually done to the oxidation of materials such as fats oils and greases (FOG), metals, Emulsifiers, and surfactants that may impede coagulation in the absence of ozone.
Earth Safe Ozone Toll Free: 866-646-0303 419-227-0303
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