Ozone TreatmentWhat is it? Ozone is an unstable molecule made up of three oxygen atoms. Because of its instability, ozone is one of the most powerful man-made oxidizers. Ozone treatment involves producing ozone and introducing it to untreated water, cleaning it quickly and thoroughly.
How does it work? Ozone can be produced in two ways, through corona discharge or through interaction with ultraviolet light. The corona discharge method requires additional components to neutralize the nitric acid and nitric oxide that are its by-products. Ultraviolet production of ozone has no by-products, requires much less maintenance, and can actually produce more powerful oxidizers than ozone in addition to the ozone.
Oxidizers? Just what is oxidation, and why is it important to water treatment? Oxidization is the addition of an oxygen atom to another molecule, and involves a loss of electrons. When an oxygen atom is combined with an organic compound, it “steals” an electron from that compound, making the compound unstable and neutralizing it. Ozone is an extremely aggressive oxidizer, and will react with other compounds until the supply of ozone has run out.
What are the benefits? Ozone will constantly work in a water supply to neutralize any contaminant that is susceptible to oxidization, such as viruses, bacteria, and organic chemicals that cause bad taste or odor. Ozone also flocculates some metals.
What is flocculation? To flocculate is to form into clumps, so ozone effectively “clumps” iron, sulphur, and manganese. These clumps can then be filtered out through physical filtration or the use of activated carbon.
Why does Exup use it? Ozone disinfects water quickly and thoroughly, has been used in commercial applications for years, and assists physical filters to work more effectively. On top of all that, ozone produces pure oxygen as a byproduct.
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