Water Treatment by Ozonation

Posted by Pure Aqua, Inc. on Jun 10th 2013

Pure Aqua, Inc. designs and assemble complete ozone generators and ozone water treatment systems for commercial, residential and industrial water treatment purposes. Applications range from treating swimming pool water to food processing water and bottling applications.

Ozonation

Ozone is a strong oxidizer and can be particularly effective for water and waste water treatment with less than 1% organic content. It is sometimes used as a pretreatment method, or to disinfect wastewater after biological treatment. It oxidizes a wide range of organics, can destroy cyanide wastes and phenolic compounds, and is faster acting than alkaline chlorination. And, unlike chlorine, ozone doesn't generate toxic ions in the oxidation process.

Ozone is the triatomic form of oxygen formed naturally during lightning strikes and anytime an electric arc is formed. It is a very unstable compound and must be produced at the same time it is needed, usually by ultraviolet excitation and corona discharge. It isn't effective in treating slurries, sludges, solids, organic solvents, or tars.

Before use, consider the possibility that ozone will oxidize other stream components that didn't need treatment. Excess ozone, (that is, ozone not consumed in the reaction) must be catalytically decomposed since release isn't permitted

Ozone Water Treatment Systems
Ozonation has recently gained popularity as a treatment alternative in the United States after regulatory agencies placed restrictions on the disinfection by-products, especially levels of tri-halomethane (THM).

Ozonation is an established and proven disinfection alternative as well as a peroxidant for the control of THM precursors. It also has the benefits of:

Oxidation and volatilization of organics
Control of algae and associated compounds
Destabilization (microflocculation) of certain types of turbidity
Removal of color-causing compounds
Oxidation of iron and manganese
Very short disinfection times
Partial oxidation of organics for subsequent removal by microorganisms.

Ozone Generator Selection
Ozone is generated by passing a high voltage alternating current (6-20 kV) across a dielectric discharge gap through which oxygen gas is injected. Setting aside the sales pitches from manufacturers, most practical generators are either low (50-60 Hz) or medium (200-1000 Hz) frequency. Medium frequency generators are generally considered better performers. It is often helpful to contact Pure Aqua in similar applications to finalize the selection of an ozone generator.