FAQS
Basic Knowledge of Ozone
Ozone is a form of oxygen that has three atoms per molecule rather than two atoms found in oxygen; it decomposes quickly and turns into regular oxygen? It was discovered in 1840 by Christian Friedrich Schonbein.
There are basically two methods of producing ozone…ultra-violet and corona discharge. Most equipment uses the corona discharge method, simulating in essence, lightning. Equipment utilizing UV was hard to find in the past because it was inefficient, expensive to operate, unreliable, and very costly to service compared to the corona discharge equipment available. In recent years the UV technology has improved enough to make it a viable alternative to the corona discharge systems.
Commercial ozone generators are designed for use in unoccupied spaces. Shortly after treatment the O3 will revert back to O2, leaving no vapors in the air or residue on surfaces. At the same time, ozone is powerful oxidizer and excessive ozone concentrations may cause mucus membrane or respiratory irritation, and can affect people with asthma. Several years ago, a concern developed when consumer air purifiers began to incorporate ozone and were marketed as around the clock units for homes and offices. The possibility of long term exposure for consumers resulted in a notice of caution by government agencies. Therefore, it is always best to use ozone in unoccupied spaces as recommended.
As soon as ozone is formed in the generator and dispersed in a room some of it decays back into oxygen. This step occurs by several processes including the following: Natural decay (or revision to oxygen) due to ozone chemical instability. Speeding up of the above process by the presence of such as walls, carpets etc. stimulating the decay process. Oxidation reaction with odor causing organic material, which removes ozone. Reactions with bacteria etc., which again consumes ozone by oxidation reactions. Additionally ozone itself has a half-life which means that “residual” ozone created (extra unneeded ozone) will return to oxygen within at most 30 minutes, in amounts equal to half its level. What this means is that after each subsequent 30 minute period there would be half as much residual ozone left at the end of the period as was present at the beginning of the period. This is similar to a geometric progression of 16-8-4-2-1. In practice the half-life is usually less than 30 minutes due to temperature, bacterial, and other contaminants in the air. Therefore, ozone while very powerful doesn’t last long…just does its job and disappears.
No! “Smog” is air pollution created by combustion polluters. While smog contains small amounts of ozone, it is largely composed of harmful chemicals such as carbon monoxide. In fact, smog and other pollutants may contribute to the damage of the ozone layer.
Ozone—Generally Acknowledged Agent for Sterilization
Ozone (O3) carries one more active oxygen molecule than oxygen molecule (600 times more active than chlorine), and it can effectively oxidize. Its oxidization is applied generally to sterilize, eliminate bacteria, remove toxic smells and discompose organic substances. Ozone is world-acknowledged effective sterilization agent. Its ability to sterilize is twice higher than chlorine. Furthermore, it will deoxidize to oxygen after sterilization, so it won’t leave any remains and cause second pollution. It is what chemical agent can’t manage to make. Ozone can spread very widely whereas ultraviolet can’t shine on shade region when sterilizing.
How Is Ozone Treatment Different from Air Filtration?
Air filters trap particles that are floating in the air onto a membrane as they are drawn into the filter. They normally do not have an impact on odors, but in some cases, certain gases can be trapped as well. An odor molecule must get passed through the membrane in order to be captured, so filters are unable to affect the source of the odors. Ozone generators on the other hand, send out O3 into the treatment area to oxidize and remove odors at their source.
How Is Ozone Treatment Different from Deodorizers?
Most deodorizers use a fragrance formulation to counteract odors combined with fragrances to help cover them up. The fragrances used in deodorization will normally leave some residue in the air and on surfaces. Some people find these fumes unpleasant, while those who are highly sensitive may have a reaction. Ozone, on the other hand, is designed to oxidize odors at their source. It usually dissipates less than an hour, leaving the air smelling fresh, with no residue. In fact, it will even eliminate the heavy smell that can linger from a deodorizer.
How is Ozone Different from Chlorine?
In the quantities needed for water purification, it has no noticeable odor, taste or color. It is not irritating to humans or equipment. Ozone purifies water and air very quickly and efficiently, 3,000 times faster than chlorine. Ozone leaves no by-products except pure oxygen. In contrast, chlorine leaves a chemical by-product called hypochloric acid and additional salts in water applications.
How does Ultraviolet Light Ozone Generation Work?
A special lamp gives off a specific wavelength of ultraviolet light which converts oxygen (O2) molecules into ozone (O3) molecules by splitting the oxygen molecules into individual oxygen atoms (O1) which then recombine with oxygen molecules to form ozone. This all occurs instantly inside the ozone chamber in the ozone generator.
How does Corona Discharge Ozone Generation Work?
Ozone is produced by passing air through a high voltage electrical discharge, or corona. A minimum of 5,000 volts of electricity is necessary to create the corona. Air or concentrated oxygen dried to a minimum of -60℃ dew point passes through the corona which causes the (O2) bond to split, freeing two (O1) atoms which then collide with other (O2) molecules to create ozone. The ozone/gas mixture discharged from the CD ozone generator normally contains from 1% to 3% ozone when using dry air, and from 3% to 6% ozone when using high purity oxygen as the feed gas.
Ozone Applications
How long do I need to run my ozone machine to kill odors?
Generally 3 to 10 hours will kill most odors with a properly sized machine for the area being treated. We specify the coverage that can be treated for each of our machines.
How Is Ozone Beneficial in Removing Odors?
Ozone is very effective because it will circulate throughout an area and eliminate odors at their source. It actually oxidizes odors as it encounters them, whether they are in the air or on surfaces. These include odors from tobacco smoke, food and beverages, body sweat, animals and pets, garbage, remodeling and many more odor producing substances. It will also follow the same path that the odors took into soft fabrics and oxidize them on contact. Unlike deodorizers, it does not leave a smell or residue in the facility, which some people find objectionable. The treated area becomes free of odors.
How Does Ozone Handle Tobacco Smoke?
It eliminates the irritation caused by phenol gasses, by oxidizing them. Phenol gasses are the invisible part of tobacco smoke that causes such discomfort to one’s eyes and create the offensive odors. Ozone rids any environment of the effects of smoke completely, rather than merely filtering out some of the visible particles like an “electronic air cleaner”.
Will Ozone Remove Stains and Nicotine Build Up?
No, ozone will not remove the stains or nicotine build up. Ozone will deodorize and help to decontaminate the problem but will not remove the actual substance.
Yes. Ozone is excellent at killing smoke odors.
I have a restaurant, how can I use ozone to kill my cooking odors?
It is usually less problematic to deodorize the restaurant at night, while it is unoccupied, so it is odor free at the start of each day. We have several restaurants using our PT101-2K since it can be microprocessor controlled, but the management takes care not to let the ozone level get too high and annoying to any of the guests. In such an application, not being able to smell the cooking odor or the ozone is an ideal scenario.
Can I get rid of the odor in hockey gear with ozone?
Yes, and it is probably the only thing that does.
Just put the ozone machine and your gear in a small closet, shut the door and let it run for several hours. You can also put your hockey gear in a plastic bag and direct the ozone output of our machine into the bag, getting the ozone concentration up as high as possible.
We are a new car dealer, can ozone deodorize our trade-ins?
Yes, ozone is great at killing smoke and other odors. It doesn’t just cover up the odors, it kills them for good. For 1 to 3 hours inside the car and then shampoo and clean as usual.
How long do I run my ozone machine in my car?
Generally 3 hours is sufficient to kill most odors in vehicles, overnight for mold issues. Let the car air out for an hour or so and check to see if the problem still persists, if so repeat the treatment. If you’re detailing your car, make sure you run the ozone before you shampoo the carpets, as the humidity from the wet carpets can damage the ozone generator.
I hear a lot about ozone being used to kill human scent for hunters. Does that really work?
Yes. Ozone is becoming the newest weapon to get an edge in the woods. We offer a machine to deodorize your clothing and hunting gear prior to entering the woods for the hunt. We will soon be offering a new product to be used during the hunt to keep the hunter invisible to the nose of the deer or turkey.
Can ozone be used to clean out my heating and AC duct work?
Yes, set it near a cold air return so the ozone can be drawn into the duct work when the heating or AC fan is turned on. It will deodorize and kill mold and bacteria in the duct work in a surprisingly short time.
How Should Olive Oil Be Ozonated for?
The average time, dependent on the type of ozone generator one is using, is about 3 weeks. Once olive oil is completely ozonated, it will actually turn into a nearly clear, gel substance. The smell of ozone being emitted from the olive oil will be noticeable.
According to research conducted by Hulda Clark, ozonated olive oil may be utilized anywhere from as little of 20 minutes to 12 hours of ozonation. Clark recommends the use of partially ozonated olive oil for internal use, as a part of a liver cleansing program and in order to remove PCB’s from the body (by taking 2 tablespoons of partially ozonated olive oil three times a day for 2-3 weeks).
Partially ozonated olive oil maintains the properties and characteristics of olive oil, prized as a fantastic skin conditioner. Since the ozone within the olive oil is still reacting, using partially ozonated olive oil may provide an additional stimulating effect on the skin, and such a formulation, if used shortly after ozonation, makes an excellent general skin conditioner.
However, please keep in mind that partially ozonated olive oil does not compare with fully ozonated olive oil for true therapeutic purposes.
How is Ozone Used for Water Purification? Will Ozone Affect the Air We Breathe?
The amount of ozone produced by an ozone generator is insignificant to the normal atmosphere we live in. When dissolved in water, ozone is extremely safe. Excess ozone quickly converts back to oxygen. Note: do not breathe concentrated ozone gas.
How Should Olive Oil Be Ozonated for?
The average time, dependent on the type of ozone generator one is using, is about 3 weeks. Once olive oil is completely ozonated, it will actually turn into a nearly clear, gel substance. The smell of ozone being emitted from the olive oil will be noticeable.
According to research conducted by Hulda Clark, ozonated olive oil may be utilized anywhere from as little of 20 minutes to 12 hours of ozonation. Clark recommends the use of partially ozonated olive oil for internal use, as a part of a liver cleansing program and in order to remove PCB’s from the body (by taking 2 tablespoons of partially ozonated olive oil three times a day for 2-3 weeks).
Partially ozonated olive oil maintains the properties and characteristics of olive oil, prized as a fantastic skin conditioner. Since the ozone within the olive oil is still reacting, using partially ozonated olive oil may provide an additional stimulating effect on the skin, and such a formulation, if used shortly after ozonation, makes an excellent general skin conditioner.
However, please keep in mind that partially ozonated olive oil does not compare with fully ozonated olive oil for true therapeutic purposes.
Yes, if the concentration of ozone is high enough. A reputable study that we have looked at shows that it takes an ozone concentration of approximately 100 ppm to kill bed bugs. That is a lot of ozone and most machines being offered on the internet for that application are not powerful enough to reach that concentration in a normal size bedroom. The effectiveness of ozone for this application is further hampered by the bed bug’s mobility. If at all possible the bed bug will leave the ozone environment as the concentration builds and becomes more annoying to the bed bug. But if you use a large enough machine, let it run long enough to get the concentration above 100 ppm and make sure the bed bugs cannot escape, the ozone can offer a 100% kill.
Does ozone kill cock roaches and small rodents?
Yes, if they can be contained in the ozone environment and not escape to safety.
Yes
Use & Maintenance
How long do I need to run my ozone machine to kill odors?
Generally 3 to 10 hours will kill most odors with a properly sized machine for the area being treated. We specify the coverage that can be treated for each of our machines.
Where Do I Place The Ozone Generator in The Room?
If you are using ozone for air purification it is recommended that the ozone purifier be placed high up, on the other side of the room. This is so the ozone machine can clean the air between you and it.
The idea is to purify the air, not breathe the ozone directly out of the machine. Placing the unit high in the room helps disperse the ozone throughout the room more evenly. Ozone is naturally heavier than air so it will naturally sink towards the ground. Using a slow moving fan, like a ceiling fan, can also help to disperse the ozone in the room.
If the ozone generator is going to be used in an unoccupied room in the shock treatment mode to kill mold, bacteria, or odors the unit should be placed at least table height or higher.
Oxygen is O2, but Ozone is O3 so it will naturally sink to the floor. You can even place the unit higher than a table if possible.
We recently read on one ozone site to place the ozone generator on the floor. Nothing could be more wrong.
Never place the ozone generator on the floor!
How Often Do They Require Purifier?
Under heavy duty use, or severely polluted areas SIHON air ozone generator should be inspected every 2 to 3 weeks for fine dust or oily residue collecting on surfaces of generator unit or plates. Light duty use requires cleaning every 2 to 6 months depending on severity of pollution.
NOTE: If a fine dust or oily residue appears, it is time to follow the recommended cleaning procedures.
IMPORTANT NOTE ON OZONE: It is not necessary that you even smell the sweet smell of ozone (compared to fresh country air following a thunderstorm) for it to be effective. Even roses are an objectionable odor to some people, when in excess.
Can I run my machine in cold temperatures?
Yes, it will not affect the machine and ozone will still be produced.
Why should I not run my ozone machine in high humidity?
You should not run your machine in high humidity because it can cause arcing inside the machine and destroy it, voiding your warranty.
Ozone Safety
Yes, but as with anything, moderation is the key. Ozone in very high concentrations can be irritating to mucous membranes and the respiratory system. The SIHON Air Purifier produces safe and moderate amounts of ozone, but we recommend you set the square feet dial properly. The three different models equate approximately to the size of space to be purified. Before using the SIHON Air Purifier you should read the enclosed instructions enclosed with each unit carefully. Ozone can aggravate asthma.
Can I stay in my home while the ozone is running?
Yes, you normally can, as long as there is a closed door or equivalent between you and the ozone. But, if the ozone is still annoying to you, treat the house while you are away.
Can I treat my basement or crawl space while I remain upstairs in the house?
Yes, ozone is heavier than air, so it will tend to stay in the basement. If you smell ozone upstairs and it is offensive to you, either close off any heating or AC return vents in the basement, or try running the machine while you are away. Many of our machines are equipped with timers just for that reason.
When Purchase
What size ozone machine do I need?
We specify the area of coverage for each of our machines. Those ratings are differentiated for treatment of either odors or mold.
Why don’t you use a bigger fan?
Ozone production has nothing to do with the size of the fan. It is determined by the area of the ozone plates and the voltage of the transformer used to produce the ozone. The fan is used merely to help get the ozone out of the machine into the room where it can more readily mix with the ambient air. For all practical purposes the same amount of ozone would be produced in the ozone machine whether it had a fan or not.