Ozone can be used for a variety of reasons. The primary reason is disinfection, particularly for Giardia and Cryptosporidium inactivation. Secondary benefits include color removal, oxidation of metals, sulfides, and taste and odor reduction. It is important to accurately determine the primary need for and the secondary benefits of an ozone system. These findings will guide many of the design parameters.
Heat is produced as a byproduct of ozone generation.
This reaction takes place inside of a water-cooled stainless steel vessel known as an ozone generator. Voltages in the generator range from 8,000 to 20,000 volts. Varying the applied voltage regulates the amount of ozone produced. The most common feed gases used are either conditioned ambient air or oxygen. Control of an ozone system is complex - a high degree of instrumentation reporting back to a programmable logic controller or computer.