How Do Ozone Generators Work? Complete Guide to Ozone Production

You’ve probably heard about ozone generators if you are involved in water treatment, air purification or industrial cleaning. These machines are used to generate ozone gas as needed to destroy germs and odors. This guide takes you through the working of an ozone generator step by step and where you can find it today.

What Is Ozone?

Ozone is a gas consisting of three oxygen atoms. You are familiar with the gas you breathe, regular oxygen, as O2. One extra atom is added to that pair to make O3, ozone. This additional atom makes ozone unstable and very reactive.

These devices can be referred to as an ozone machine as well. If you are asking what is ozone machine or what is an ozone machine used for, it is simply equipment that produces ozone gas to clean air, water, or surfaces on contact.

Ozone is also found in nature. It was formed by a lightning storm. In the upper atmosphere, sunlight splits the oxygen molecules and creates the ozone layer that shields the earth from harmful UV rays. Waterfalls also generate a small amount of ozone when the water crashes and releases energy into the air.

Ozone is very reactive and comes into contact with bacteria, viruses and odor molecules and attacks them. Hence the use of ozone for clean air and water. However, ozone is a very unstable substance. It is not stable after it is formed, and cannot be stored in tanks like other gases.

How Do Ozone Generators Work?

Ozone generation is not so complicated when you think about decomposing mechanisms. The whole process is to use energy to break down oxygen molecules, then reunite them to a new form called “ozone.” Ozone generators all follow this basic set of processes, regardless of brand or size. Let’s explain each process in order to understand exactly what is happening inside the machine.

Step 1. Splitting Oxygen Molecules

All ozone generators make the same initial step. It sucks oxygen, from the air or from a pure oxygen tank attached to the machine. Pure oxygen tanks are used in many industrial systems because air only contains about 21% oxygen. Pure oxygen input will provide you with a more powerful, effective reaction.

The machine then uses high energy to hit the oxygen once it is in the generator. This energy may be electric or from ultraviolet light, depending on the type of generator. That energy is sufficient to separate the two oxygen atoms in an O2 molecule.

It isn’t easy to break this bond. The oxygen atoms prefer to remain together, so the machine must give them a big shock to separate them. When split, two single free floating oxygen atoms remain. These atoms do not live very long by themselves.

Step 2. Free Oxygen Atoms Bond to Form Ozone

As soon as one oxygen atom is freed, it searches for something to combine with immediately. It’s not sitting around. In the interior of the generator, there are still plenty of regular O2 molecules floating around, so the free atom rapidly bonds to one of these molecules.

If one oxygen atom combines with an O2 molecule, you will obtain three oxygen atoms bonded together. This new molecule is O3. The entire bonding process takes place in a very short time, almost instantaneously after the split.

This new ozone molecule is not a stable molecule. It is held together firmly enough to perform its function, but will eventually break down once more to become normal oxygen. This natural degradation is one of the reasons why ozone is beneficial as it does not create any kind of residue after reacting with germs or odors.

The ozone gas is expelled from the generator chamber after its creation. Then it either bubbles through water, goes into the air of a room or runs into any system you have in place for treating it.

The Energy Source Behind the Reaction

It takes a lot of energy to break the bond between the two oxygen atoms, as it is very strong. There are two main ways ozone generators use energy to accomplish their task.

One is electrical energy. In this technique, the generator passes a high voltage current through the oxygen causing a spark or continuous discharge. This can be thought of as a miniature version of lightning that occurs within the machine.

The second energy source is UV light. Some wavelengths of UV have enough energy to split the oxygen bond, as high in the atmosphere does sunlight. Special lamps are engineered to emit this particular wavelength, and are known as UV generators.

Electrical methods produce more oxygen molecules per second than UV light. That is why you will find that for larger jobs, electrical, or corona discharge systems are used, and for smaller, lighter jobs, UV systems are used.

Why Ozone Must Be Made On-Site

One thing to note about ozone: unlike other gases such as oxygen or nitrogen, you can’t purchase it in a bottle and store it for the future. Once ozone is produced, it begins to react with other chemicals. It can persist from a few minutes to a few hours depending on the temperature and humidity, before it reverts to normal oxygen.

This short life span makes it necessary for each ozone system to have its own built-in generator. There’s no easy way around it. Ozone cannot be shipped from a factory to your facility, as most of the ozone will decompose before it arrives.

This also requires the generator to operate at the proper time and location for the ozone. When ozone is used for water treatment, the ozone is injected directly into the water stream. When air is being treated, it is expelled directly into the area to be cleaned. There is no storage waiting to be used.

 

Ozone Concentration and Output Control

Not all jobs require the same amount of ozone. A small spa requires much less than the large industrial water treatment plant, so generators allow you to control the amount of ozone produced.

There are two main settings to control output: The first is that increasing the voltage or UV exposure time increases the amount of ozone generated per minute. Second, the type of gas that is being introduced also is important. Pure oxygen is used to make a noticeable amount of ozone, as air is mainly nitrogen, which does not convert to ozone.

Most commercial and industrial systems will have adjustable controls so you can set the appropriate output level for your job. If it is set too low, the treatment will not be effective. If it is set too high, it will consume more energy and may pose safety issues, particularly in occupied areas.

Types of Ozone Generators and How Each One Works

The first step is to understand how ozone machines work, which begins with understanding that there are three types of ozone machines available on the market. They all employ a different approach to dissociating oxygen and creating ozone.

How Corona Discharge (CD) Generators Work

The industrial and commercial ozone generators most commonly use corona discharge. You pass oxygen between two electrodes that are separated by a big voltage. This forms an electrical spark, similar to a small lightning bolt.

This discharge separates the molecules of oxygen as it passes through. Ozone is created when the single atoms combine with nearby oxygen. This shows how ozone generator works well at large scale, producing high ozone concentrations, which is why you see it in water treatment plants and industrial systems.

How UV Light Generators Work

UV generators include a special lamp that emits ultraviolet light at a certain wavelength. Like sunlight, the UV energy from this light can break oxygen molecules apart.

This method generates less ozone than corona discharge, and thus, you will usually find that UV generators are used in smaller residential units or lower output applications. They are easier to construct and are typically less expensive initially.

How Electrolytic (Cold Plasma) Generators Work

Electrolytic generators do it differently. You don’t split the oxygen in the air, but you dissolve oxygen directly in the water and then use electricity to initiate the reaction in the water.

This technique involves placing electrodes in the water. If an electric current is passed between these electrodes, water molecules are split at the anode, producing oxygen. Some of the oxygen is immediately transformed into ozone in the water. This is one of the most direct methods of introducing ozone to water without a separate gas transfer step.

Comparing the Different Types of Ozone Generators

Here is a quick comparison of the different types of ozone generators, showing how each one stacks up against the others.

Feature	Corona Discharge (CD)	UV Light	Electrolytic (Cold Plasma)
Energy Source	High-voltage electrical spark	Ultraviolet light	Electric current in water
Medium Used	Air or pure oxygen	Air	Water (dissolved oxygen)
Ozone Output	High	Low to Moderate	Moderate
Best For	Large-scale, industrial use	Small, residential use	Direct water treatment
Typical Use Case	Water treatment plants, industrial systems	Home air purifiers, small rooms	Pools, spas, water disinfection
Cost to Build	Higher upfront cost	Lower upfront cost	Moderate cost
Maintenance	Electrode cleaning needed	Lamp replacement needed	Anode coating replacement needed
Key Component	Electrodes	UV lamp	Titanium anode

How Electrolytic Ozone Generators Work With Titanium Anodes

The quality of the electrodes used is crucial for the production of electrolytic ozone. This is where titanium anodes come into play.

The Electrolysis Process Explained.

Two electrodes (anode and cathode) are immersed in water and connected to a power supply. If current is flowing, a chemical reaction occurs at the surface of the anode. The water molecules split and some of the oxygen formed is quickly converted to ozone as it is released from the water.

The most challenging component in this system is the anode. It should be able to withstand continuous electrical flow, ozone, water and chemicals.

Why Titanium Anodes are used in this process?

A material that can resist corrosion under such harsh conditions is required and titanium anode materials are appropriate. A natural layer of titanium oxide on the surface of the metal protects it from reaction with water, acids and oxidising agents such as ozone.

Titanium is not a source of harmful particles in the water like lead or graphite. It can also be coated correctly to allow it to conduct electricity efficiently, allowing the electrolysis process to continue for years rather than months.

Ti-Better produces titanium anodes that are specially designed for electrolysis processes such as the generation of ozone, disinfection of water and electrolysis in industry. You can check the titanium anode page for details on available sizes and specifications.

How Platinum and Iridium Oxide Coatings Improve Output

Ozone is not easily produced by pure titanium. The reaction must be catalyzed by having a coating on the surface that can accelerate the reaction and define the byproducts.

Platinum coated titanium anode options are suitable for general water electrolysis and hydrogen production applications, with good catalytic activity for splitting water molecules. Ti-Better provides platinized titanium anode products designed for such long-term use.

Coated titanium anodes, however, are excellent for oxygen evolution reactions, directly contributing to the generation of ozone during electrolysis. Under acid and highly oxidative conditions, these coatings are quite resistant. Complete specifications can be found on the iridium oxide coated titanium anode page.

The selection of the coating is determined by the water chemistry, desired ozone production and desired anode life between changes.

Major Applications of Ozone Generators

The use of ozone generators is becoming widespread in various industries due to their ability to disinfect and purify without leaving behind any chemical residue.

Water Treatment Plants

Here is how ozone generator works in water treatment: municipal and industrial facilities use it to disinfect drinking water, which includes killing bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Ozone does not exist as a residual as it returns to oxygen after use, unlike chlorine. This is precisely what many modern plants do with their electrolytic systems, using titanium anodes.

Swimming Pools and Spas

Ozone systems can help to decrease the amount of chlorine required in pools and hot tubs. Ozone is a bactericidal and algicidal agent, reducing chemical usage and skin irritation for swimmers. The electrolytic process mentioned above is used by many pool ozone systems.

Industrial Wastewater Treatment

In factories, ozone is used to decompose complex pollutants in waste water, before it is released or re-used in production. Ozone may be useful for industries that process chemical or organic waste that cannot be removed by other treatment methods.

Air Purification Systems

If you are curious how do ozone generators work to clean the air, they treat unoccupied rooms to combat smoke odors, mold spores, and other airborne contaminants. The corona discharge or UV systems are usually employed instead of the water-based electrolytic systems.

Safety Considerations

Ozone is a potent oxidizer, and there are risks associated with its oxidizing power that must be carefully managed.

Ozone Exposure Risks

Exposure to high concentration of ozone gas causes irritation of your eyes, throat, and lungs. Exposure, even at low levels, over time can exacerbate asthma and other respiratory diseases. It is for this reason that air treatment ozone generators should be operated in an empty room.

Safe Handling in Industrial Systems

Proper containment, monitoring sensors and trained staff are necessary to operate industrial ozone systems safely. Never override safety interlocks on the ozone generation equipment, as leaks can accumulate rapidly in a closed area.

Ventilation and Ozone Destruction

The majority of systems have an ozone destruct unit that converts residual ozone to oxygen prior to exit from the system. Good ventilation also removes any residual ozone from the treated areas prior to re-entry.

Advantages and Limitations of Ozone Generators

Each purification method has its advantages and disadvantages, and ozone is no exception.

Effective Oxidation and reduced chemical applications.

Ozone is capable of removing a broad spectrum of contaminants without a chemical residue. This is appealing to facilities looking to reduce chlorine and other harsh chemicals.

On-Site Ozone Production

You can produce ozone at the point of use, eliminating the need to store, transport or handle hazardous chemicals in bulk. This makes it safer and decreases reliance on the supply chain.

The compatibility of energy, maintenance, and materials.

The electrical power input needed for the ozone generator also increases the operating costs. Over time, parts of the electrode and lamp become worn and must be replaced periodically. Using long-lasting materials such as coated titanium anodes in electrolytic systems helps to reduce the frequency of maintenance cycles and maintain a stable output.

How to Choose the Right Ozone Generator

Match Output to Your Application.

The amount of ozone produced is significantly less for a small hot tub than for a municipal water plant. If you want to know how to use ozone generator equipment correctly, start by matching the correct size to the amount of water or air you need, rather than choosing the largest one possible.

Consider Water vs Air Use

Electrolytic or corona discharge is generally preferred for water treatment applications, and UV or corona discharge is used in air treatment applications, which are specifically designed for ozone delivery in the gas phase. Choose a system designed for your type of media.

Check Electrode and Material Quality

If it’s an electrolytic system, inquire about the material of the anode and the type of coating applied. A good coating on the titanium anode will last much longer than a low-quality one, and will save you replacement costs and downtime over the long term.

FAQ’s

In simple terms, how do ozone generators work?

They break oxygen molecules into oxygen atoms using electricity or UV light. The free atoms then combine with oxygen to create ozone gas.

What are the methods of producing ozone for water treatment?

Electrolytic systems with titanium anodes are frequently employed in water treatment, in which an electric current is passed through water, generating ozone directly in the water.

How well do ozone generators work, and how do you set one up correctly?

When properly sized for a space or water volume, ozone generators are very effective. Properly setting up one requires matching the output to the application, installing the proper ventilation or water contact time, and following the electrode or lamp maintenance schedule as recommended by the manufacturer.

How effective are ozone generators at killing bacteria?

Ozone has a strong oxidizing power and is highly effective against bacteria, viruses, and parasites, at similar contact times, often more effective than chlorine.

What is the safe way to operate an ozone generator?

Do not allow people, pets or plants to enter treated area while the system is operating. Do not return until adequate ventilation time has elapsed and if possible, use a system that includes an ozone destruct unit.

Why is it that other electrode materials do not work as well as titanium anodes?

Titanium is more resistant to corrosion in water and ozone environments than lead or graphite and will not introduce harmful particles into the water being treated.

How long do titanium anodes last in ozone generators?

Titanium anodes can be used for years without end, and with the correct coating and maintenance, can last much longer than uncoated or lower grade electrode materials.

Conclusion

Ozone generators convert normal oxygen into a potent water, air and industrial waste cleaning agent. There are advantages and disadvantages to Corona discharge, UV light and electrolytic methods, and the quality of the electrodes will influence the performance of the system. The proper titanium anode can improve output and life for electrolytic systems. Call Ti-Better today to discuss the options for titanium anodes for your ozone generation project.