Investigation of Ozone Loss Rate Influenced by the Surface Material of a Discharge Chamber

Decay characteristics of ozone concentration in oxygen in a chamber with three types of wall material (stainless steel, copper, and aluminum) are measured using the 254 nm photoabsorption method. Effective lifetimes of ozone are estimated from decay curves of ozone concentration. These values depend on the wall material: They are largest for stainless steel and smallest for aluminum. The relationship between effective lifetime and gas pressure is investigated precisely to determine three values. The equivalent diffusion coefficient of ozone in oxygen and the reflection coefficient of ozone at the wall correspond to the loss rate of ozone at the wall. The collisional loss (quenching) rate coefficient of ozone in oxygen is also determined.     

Influence of Ozone Application Methods on Efficacy of Ozone Decolorization of Pulp Mill Effluents

This study statistically examined the impacts of ozone application methods on the two representative types of pulp mill effluents. To facilitate statistical evaluation, the experiments were designed as paired block experimental series, and the pooled experimental errors in each block were used for t-test and ANOVA analysis.

Two different ozone application modes were investigated using two specially designed ozone reactor systems. System I consisted of a two-phased reactor which introduced the total amount of ozone to the wastewater in single instance with proper mixing. System II provided ozone to wastewater at a desired rate by controlling the flow and concentration of the ozone/oxygen gas mixture in a once-through flow mode.     

Characterization of the ozone zero phenomenon by infrared spectroscopy

The presence of a small amount of nitrogen in the feed gas is necessary to generate ozone efficiently out of oxygen. Operating an ozone generator with ultra-pure oxygen for extended periods results in highly deteriorated ozone generation efficiency. In extreme cases, when the nitrogen levels in the feed gas are in the lower ppm range, the efficiency of the ozone generation process even drops to zero. In this article, we present our results concerning the correlation between the N₂O₅ concentration in the off-gas and the ozone generation efficiency. After the ozone generator is run for a well-defined amount of time with an oxygen–nitrogen mixture, the N₂ supply is shut off, and the behavior of the system is monitored by near-infrared spectroscopy. Different surface materials lead to different temporal behavior of both the nitrogen oxide levels and the ozone concentration after shutting down the nitrogen supply. The measurements show a good correlation between the evolution of ozone generation efficiency and the changes of the N₂O₅ concentration in the off-gas.     

Productivity and Efficiency of Ozone Synthesis in Coplanar Discharge Arrangements

In order determine the potential of coplanar discharge arrangements with short electrode distances for the production of ozone, a numerical model of the discharge behavior has been developed. The temporal and spatial distributions of the discharge parameters e.g. those of the field strength, the densities of the charged particles in the gas region and on the dielectric surface and that of the energy release reveal that the ozone production results from the electron phase of the discharge. Quantitative data of the productivity and efficiency of the ozone yield in a certain system are presented, which are in agreement with experimental results.     

Experimental Study of Ozone Generation by Negative Corona Discharge in Mixtures of N2 and O2

Ozone generation by negative DC corona discharge in N₂-O₂ mixtures has been experimentally investigated using a coaxial wire-cylinder corona reactor operating at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The experiments have been carried out under different gas flows (15 cm³ min^?1 to 200 cm³ min^?1) and gas compositions (5% to 90% of O₂), and the effect of these parameters on the corona current, the ozone density and the efficiency of the ozone generator have been analyzed. The global rate coefficients for ozone formation and destruction have also been evaluated, and their values compared with those reported by other authors. The maximum efficiency for ozone production was found in gas mixtures with oxygen content about 70–80%.     

Ozone Storage Oriented to Power Load Leveling

This paper investigates the ozone storing properties of silica gel. There are three kinds of storing technologies for ozone at present: First, ozone gas is stored at high pressure in a gaseous state. As ozone is used, it is discharged from the container. Second, silica gel (which stores ozone at low temperatures) is able to adsorb ozone. When the silica gel is heated, ozone becomes detached. Third, silica gel that is stored under high atmospheric pressure can adsorb ozone. To detach ozone, the atmospheric pressure is reduced.

It has been found that it is unnecessary to change the temperature and pressure inside the container when removing ozone from silica gel. This means that ozone can be detached from silica gel using very little energy. This system is proposed for storing ozone in industry, and this system is effective for Power Load Leveling.     

Ozone decomposition on glass and silica

Ozone decomposition on glass and silica surfaces is studied by means of non‐porous particles in a fixed bed (sand, glass bead, crushed glass bead, silica). Influences of gas velocity, particle diameter and reactor volume are investigated. Ozone is produced by a silent discharge generator. A model considering the geometric characteristics of material is used so that the ozone decomposition rate per unit of surface area is identified. The decomposition reaction is represented by means of an apparent first‐order kinetic constant. The high dependency of the apparent kinetic constant on the surface area, for given flow rates, suggests that the ozone decomposition mechanism is not simple. Due to the values of the apparent first order kinetic constant, the existence of catalytic species produced by the ozone generator, as well as excited ozone and/or oxygen species, are considered, by means of several models, to explain the experimental results.     

A Study of Ozone Formation on the Surfaces of Electrodes

It had been previously thought that ozone production occurred in gaseous space, especially the space between electrodes. However, based on our research, we believe that may only be one of the ozone-producing processes. In this study, we aimed to confirm that a third body, which is present at the interface between oxygen gas and a metal electrode, works to compose ozone. Ozone was not observed in pure oxygen (400x10^?6 Nm³/min flow rate) when electrical discharge was supplied after approximately 6 months. The concentration of ozone increased (approximately 0.07 ppm) when nitrogen (approximately 20x10^?6 Nm³/min flow rate) was added to a gas-mixing chamber. A third body was required to produce ozone when an oxygen molecule and an oxygen atom collided. The same phenomenon was observed on the surface of a copper anode. A simulation confirmed this. Using an industrial ozone generator which utilized ceramic dielectrics and expanded metal electrodes, an increase in the temperature of the cooling water led to a proportional decrease in ozone concentration. After changing from the titanium electrode to a nickel electrode and an antimony electrode, we observed the difference in the enthalpy changes which were calculated using van't Hoff's formula. The antimony electrode increases the efficiency of the ozone generator to produce ozone. We have come to believe that ozone can be composed on the surface of a metal electrode.     

Research Note: Measurement of Ozone via an Indirect Gas Chromatography Method

Gas chromatography was used to measure the ozone concentration in oxygen produced by an ozone generator. In this indirect method, the ozone reacts with the coating of the capillary column and produces carbon dioxide, which is then detected. The primary methods of calibration for this technique were based on a wet-chemistry process and absorption of ultraviolet light. This finding also is important if the primary reason for using gas chromatography is detection of carbon dioxide, as artificially high readings of carbon dioxide would be measured in the presence of ozone. The method was tested for ozone concentrations of 3–70?mg/L but the method should also be applicable to higher concentrations.     

Ozone Yields from Oxygen Irradiated at 193 nm

The use of ArF laser radiation at wavelength 193 nm to generate ozone from various pressures of oxygen gases was investigated. Kinetic results were interpreted from molecular spectroscopy and dynamics points of view. The 193 nm radiation can dissociate both oxygen molecules and ozone to produce oxygen atoms. This is an essential process in ozone generation. In this investigation, we focused on the mechanisms that ozone dissociates into three oxygen atoms or vibrationally excited oxygen molecules. The above mechanisms imply a potential process to improve the efficiency of ozone generation.     

On the Performance of Ozone Generators Working with Dielectric Barrier Discharges

The parameters, which determine the performance of ozone generators, are efficiency and maximum ozone concentration. The efficiency from oxygen has been found to be nearly independent on the kind of barrier discharge arrangement (volume, surface, coplanar), while the ozone concentration saturation level depends on the specific design of the generator. These phenomena are explained with features of the discharge process and the properties of chemical reactions, respectively. The importance of a limit in the energy density of the discharge is highlighted.     

Experimental Investigations On Production Of Excited Ozone Species From A Silent Discharge Ozone Generator

Ozone decomposition kinetics are investigated together with the influence of energy input to an ozone generator. Decomposition is considered in a solid bed reactor, a gas phase reactor and a bubbling reactor. Ozone is produced at the same concentration and gas flow rate using two methods: 1) from the generator at a higher power giving higher ozone concentration, then ozone is diluted by oxygen before entering the decomposition reactor, and 2) at a lower power without dilution.     

Optimizing an Intermediate Ozone System Used for Primary Disinfection at a 55 MGD Surface Water Treatment Plant

The Henrico County VA Water Treatment Facility has been in operation since April 2004, making use of intermediate ozone for primary disinfection to take advantage of both the disinfection and DBP benefits. Since the summer of 2007 the staff at the Henrico WTF has embarked on an optimizing journey with their ozone system. This paper overviews the significant milestones accomplished on this journey as well as ongoing improvements. Optimizing efforts to reduce operating costs while achieving disinfection goals included: Staff training workshops; Automating ozone data collection and access; Operating system at optimum ozone concentration; Selecting optimum contactor sampling locations and number of contactors; Overcoming minimum gas flow limitations; Solenoid contactor sampling system issues and improvements; Disinfection calculation constraints; Excessive buildup of liquid oxygen (LOX) tank pressure. Each of these items is discussed following an overview of this 55 MGD surface water treatment facility.     

Basic Parameters of Coplanar Discharge Ozone Generator

Coplanar discharge is a new type of barrier discharge, and has some advantages for high-concentration ozone generation. In this article, basic parameters of coplanar discharge are clarified by experimental and theoretical approaches. Coplanar electrodes consist of many pairs of line electrodes printed on a glass plane, and are covered with dielectric layer. The discharge properties, ozone diffusion process, and surface reaction are discussed. Finally, the scaling rule of a coplanar discharge ozone generator is demonstrated by fabrication of a 3 kg/h ozone generator.     

The Effect of SF6 on Ozone Generation using Dielectric Barrier Discharge

This paper reports the results of an experimental study of effect of SF₆ on ozone generation within a Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) fed by both pure oxygen and dry air. The chemical reaction mechanisms relevant to the process of ozone generation (and destruction) are discussed. The experimental results show the oxygen source should avoid the presence of SF₆ but the addition of a small amount of SF₆ in an air discharge can improve ozone concentration and ozone produce efficiency.     

Using Circular Conduits in Ozone Injection

Dissolved oxygen is the amount of oxygen dissolved in water corresponding to an important water quality parameter in rivers, streams, and lakes. Hydraulic structures can increase dissolved oxygen levels by creating turbulent conditions where small air bubbles are carried into the bulk of the flow. A gated conduit is a hydraulic structure that can be used efficiently in aeration and oxygen transfer. The subatmospheric pressure between the upstream and downstream of the gate is the reason for the air injection. Ozone is an unstable gas comprised of three oxygen atoms, and it can be used for water treatment. Ozone is thermodynamically unstable and spontaneously reverts back into oxygen. Ozone has been widely accepted as an effective disinfectant and a chemical oxidant. In this study a series of experiments was conducted to determine the ozone injection performance of circular conduits. Results showed that circular conduits are very effective for ozone injection.     

Surface Modification of Polycarbonate by Ultraviolet Radiation and Ozone

The effect of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the presence of ozone as a surface treatment for polycarbonate is examined in regards to changes in the wettability, adhesion, and surface mechanical properties. Standalone, 175-µm-thick films of a commercially available polycarbonate were exposed to UV radiation from sources of different power with various treatment times in the presence of supplemental ozone. Significant decreases in the water contact angle were observed after exposure to UV radiation in the presence of ozone. After several variations in the experimental setup, it was determined that the change in water contact angle is a function of the UV irradiance and the work of adhesion follows a master curve versus UV irradiance. Nanoindentation experiments revealed that the modulus of the top 500 nm of the surface is increased following UV exposure, attributable to surface cross-linking. Adhesion tests to the surface (conducted by a pneumatic adhesion tensile test instrument) showed little change as a function of UV exposure. Analysis of adhesion test failure surfaces with X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) showed the locus of bond failure lay within the bulk polycarbonate and the measured bond strength is limited by the bulk properties of the polycarbonate and/or the creation of a weak boundary layer within the polymer.     

An AM1 Study of Decomposition of Ozone on a Cu(110) Surface

The decomposition of ozone on a Cu(l10) surface has been studied using AM1 method. O₃ probably adsorbs on Cu(l10) to decompose into a molecular oxygen and an adsorbed atomic oxygen species, an adsorbed atomic oxygen reacts with O₃ to form an O₄ ^-intermediate, and O₄ ^- decomposes into two oxygen molecules. Intermediates, O₃ ^-, O₄ ^- and O₂ ^- are presumably involved in this process. Adsorbed atomic oxygen species are concluded to be stable on a Cu(l10) surface and to have low reactivity to O₃, which agrees with the experimental results in literature.     

Simulation of Ozone Synthesis in Oxygen- and Air-Fed Surface Discharge Arrangements

Surface discharge (SD) arrangements are used in commercial ozone generators like conventional arrangements with a gas gap. While in oxygen the characteristics of the ozone production are comparable in both arrangements, the efficiency of ozone production from air is significant lower in SDs. From experimental results it is believed that high temperatures in the discharge cause this “poisoning” of air-fed SD ozone generators. To clarify this, the ozone synthesis from air near atmospheric pressure is investigated with the help of a two-dimensional self-consistent modeling of the discharge development and the relevant plasma-chemical reactions. The temperature in the discharge area is determined from energy densities of electrons and ions and included in the relevant chemical reaction system. The results show a significant temperature increase in front of the metallic surface electrodes combined with an increased concentration of nitrogen oxides.     

Ozone Synthesis and Decomposition in Oxygen-Fed Pulsed DBD System: Effect of Ozone Concentration,Power Density,and Residence Time

The process of ozone production in pure oxygen was studied. It was shown how the ozone concentration changes along the discharge gap, both during its generation and decomposition processes. The effect of ozone inlet concentration, power, and gas residence time on ozone concentration was analyzed. It has been shown that concentrated ozone is easily decomposed at very low discharge powers, i.e., when the increase of the average gas temperature in the gap is negligibly small. It was hypothesized that the most intense decomposition takes place in the microdischarge channels, because the process of gas heating in the gap begins inside them.