The concentration of ozone in the output gas of an ozone generator is as important as the amount (usually measured in grams per hour) of ozone produced by the generator. Ultraviolet ozone generators usually produce concentrations of between 0.01% and 0.1% by weight, while the corona discharge systems can produce between 0.5% and 2% using dried air or in excess of 6% when oxygen-enhanced feed gas is used. Concentration is so important because it directly affects ozone's ability to become soluble in water, and it must be soluble to before it can react with water borne contaminants. For example, given a water temperature of 77† F, an ultraviolet ozone generator producing a 0.1% concentration will yield a solubility level of just 0.35mg/L. At the same water temperature, a corona discharge ozone generator producing a 1.5% concentration will yield a solubility level of 5.29mg/L (Stover et al., 1986)

[Back to Ozone White Papers]