Ozone Generator
Ozone Generator Classification
Currently, ozone generators are classified into three main types based on the method by which ozone is produced: high-voltage discharge, ultraviolet irradiation, and electrolysis.
This type of ozone generator uses a high-voltage current of a certain frequency to create a high-voltage corona electric field, causing an electrochemical reaction within or around the field to produce ozone.
1. Based on the high-voltage frequency of the generator, there are three types: industrial frequency (50-60 Hz), medium frequency (400-1000 Hz), and high frequency (>1000 Hz). Industrial frequency generators have largely been phased out of the market due to their large size and high power consumption. Medium and high frequency generators, with their advantages of small size, low power consumption, and high ozone production, are currently the most commonly used.
2. Based on the gas feedstock used, there are two types: oxygen-based and air-based. Oxygen-based generators typically use oxygen supplied by oxygen cylinders or oxygen concentrators. Air-based generators typically use clean, dry compressed air as their feedstock. Since ozone is produced by oxygen, and the oxygen content in air is only 21%, the ozone concentration produced by air-based generators is relatively low. Oxygen from bottled or oxygen concentrators has a purity of over 90%, so oxygen-based generators produce higher ozone concentrations.
3. Based on the cooling method, ozone generators are classified into water-cooled and air-cooled types. Ozone generators generate a large amount of heat during operation, requiring cooling. Otherwise, the high temperature will cause ozone to decompose while it is being produced. Water-cooled generators offer excellent cooling performance, stable operation, no ozone attenuation, and long-term continuous operation, but they are complex in structure and slightly more expensive. Air-cooled generators offer less than ideal cooling performance and significant ozone attenuation. High-performance ozone generators with overall stable performance are typically water-cooled. Air cooling is generally only used for mid-range and low-end ozone generators with low ozone production. When selecting a generator, choose a water-cooled type whenever possible.
4. Dielectric materials include quartz tubes (a type of glass), ceramic plates, ceramic tubes, glass tubes, and enamel tubes. Ozone generators manufactured using a variety of dielectric materials are currently commercially available, with varying performance characteristics. Glass dielectrics are one of the earliest materials used in artificial ozone production, offering low cost and stable performance, but they suffer from poor mechanical strength. Ceramic is similar to glass, but difficult to machine, limiting its use, particularly in large ozone generators. Enamel, a new dielectric material that integrates both the dielectric and electrodes, offers high mechanical strength and allows for high precision machining. It is widely used in large and medium-sized ozone generators, but its manufacturing cost is relatively high.
5. Ozone generators are categorized by structure into two types: gap discharge (DBD) and open. The DBD generator's characteristic is that ozone is generated in the gap between the inner and outer electrodes. This ozone can be collected and output for use at a higher concentration, such as in water treatment. In an open generator, the electrodes are exposed to the air, and the generated ozone diffuses directly into the air. Due to its lower ozone concentration, it is generally used only for air sterilization in smaller spaces or for the disinfection of small surfaces. A DBD generator can be used in place of an open generator, but the cost of a DBD generator is significantly higher than an open generator.
(2) Ultraviolet Ozone Generators
This type of ozone generator uses ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength (185nm) to irradiate oxygen molecules, breaking them down and producing ozone. Due to the bulk of the UV lamp, low ozone production, and short lifespan, this type of generator has a limited range of uses and is commonly found in dishwashing cabinets.
(3) Electrolytic Generators
This type of ozone generator typically produces ozone by electrolyzing purified water. This type of generator can produce high-concentration ozone water, is low-cost to manufacture, and is simple to use and maintain. However, due to drawbacks such as limited ozone production, short electrode life, and difficulty collecting ozone, its scope of application is limited. Currently, this type of generator is only used on certain small devices or in certain locations, and is not yet capable of replacing high-voltage discharge generators.