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What is Ozone? |
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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.
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How is Ozone produced? |
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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.
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How is Ozone used? |
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Ozone is now known to be one of the most powerful disinfectants and oxidants and kills microbial contaminates like E.coli, Listeria, Salmonella, Giardia and Cryptosporidium more effectively than conventional disinfectants like chlorine. In fact, ozone kills E.coli more than 3,000 times faster than chlorine, another popular but sometime ineffective disinfectant. When generated, it seeps into crevices, carpets, drapes, furniture, and under beds where normal air currents are minimal or non-existent. When the extra oxygen atom splits off from the ozone molecule, one of two things happen: disinfecting and oxidation. As a disinfectant, these atoms quickly destroy the bacteria, mold, mildew and the odors they cause when they come into contact ? and leave behind only oxygen. |
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Atoms Splits Off |
| Oxygen Molecules |
Activated Oxygen Molecules |
To Oxidize Pollutant |
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Is ozone safe? |
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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 BEYOK 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 BEYOK Air Purifier you should read the enclosed instructions enclosed with each unit carefully. Ozone can aggravate asthma.
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What is the right level of ozone? |
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The right level is when all the generated ozone is being used up accomplishing its job. However, this is difficult to obtain because it becomes a balancing act. Initially the machine's output is set high to get rid of the problem odor as quickly as possible. As this is being accomplished less ozone is required for the diminishing odor etc., thereby leaving some residual ozone in the air. If the machine output is not turned down after awhile then more residual ozone will be in the air. If there is a heavy smell of ozone, then there is more ozone present than is required to do the job. Simply turn the rheostat (output level control) down. This is a case where more is not considered better. Sales successes result when the dealer ensures that the results are what the customer expects. The most successful dealers usually install equipment on a trial basis and return to the trial location 24 hours later to ensure that residual ozone levels are not to high and that the customer knows how and when to regulate the machine to avoid a strong ozone smell.
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How can you tell the level of ozone? |
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There are a number of mechanical methods available, the most common and effective being the Draeger tube. Residual ozone becomes apparent to sensitive humans in the range of .01 - .03 ppm. Or well below the permissible levels for continuous exposure. As noted previously, this residual ozone is extra ozone that is not required to eliminate the contamination. Adjustment of the work time is all that is required.
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How long does the ozone last? |
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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 it's job and disappears.
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Where are these air purifiers used? |
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These air purifiers have been used for years by professional restoration companies to remove fire and flood odors. They are also found in major hotel chains, they use them to convert smoking rooms to nonsmoking rooms. Now you have access to this advance purifying technology to use in your home, office, basement or any other area you wish to sanitize.
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Where do I place the ozone generator in the room? |
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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!
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How often do they require purifier? |
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Under heavy duty use, or severely polluted areas BEYOK 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.
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