Many methods exist for measuring and quantifying the performance of ozone generators. Depending on the intended application for an ozone generator, the way in which its performance may be measured may vary. In this article, we will explain some of the terms and methods used to quantify the performance of ozone generators.

Quantifying ozone production requires measuring and testing the performance of the ozone generator. Choosing an ozone generator for a specific application is primarily based on the ozone production. It is critical to review and understand this information prior to purchasing an ozone generator.

Here are some important terms used to describe the performance of ozone generators, along with their meanings:

Ozone Output

  • g/hr = grams per hour

The ozone output value is presented as a mass over time value, which indicates the amount of ozone generated over a certain period of time. According to this conversion, this value is derived from ozone concentration and feed-gas flow rate:

  • ((LPM x 60) x 0.001) x g/m3 = g/hr

Normally, the g/hr of ozone produced by the ozone generator will increase as fed-gas flow increases through the ozone generator. Here’s an example:

It should be noted that this value only indicates overall ozone production. No information is given about the concentration of ozone gas or the amount of flow required to produce this product. The ozone produced by two identical generators does not necessarily equal the ozone produced by two different generators. For instance, see the following examples.

  1. ((20 LPM x 60) x 0.001) x 100 g/m3 = 120 g/hr ozone output
  2. ((80 LPM x 60) x 0.001) x 25 g/m3 = 120 g/hr ozone output

Two ozone generators are shown in this example and are both producing 120 g/hr of ozone. The oxygen flow required in the example number 2 to produce the 120 g/hr of ozone is 80 LPM compared to only 20 LPM for the ozone generator. Moreover, low concentrations of ozone are less soluble in water than higher concentrations. This would not be a cost-effective solution in the long run.

lb/day Ozone Output:

  • lb/day = pounds per day – unit for ozone production – 1 lb/day = 18.89 g/hr ozone 

kg/hr Ozone Output:

  • kg/hr = kilograms per hour –unit for ozone production – 1 kg/hr = 1,000 g/hr ozone

 mg/hr Ozone Output:

  • mg/hr = milligrams per hour –unit for ozone production – 1,000 mg/hr = 1 g/hr ozone

Ozone Concentration

The ozone concentration measures how much ozone has been produced from the feed-gas produced by the ozone generator. In ozone concentrations, the mass of ozone at a given time may be depicted as percent by weight, g/m3, or any other unit of measurement.

Feed Gas

Oxygen or air may be the feed gas for the ozone generator. In order to determine which gas was used and what gas must be used to achieve the same result, it is important to understand oxygen purity and dew point of the air.

In general, oxygen is two times more effective than air for producing ozone. Considering dry air only contains 20 percent oxygen, ozone generators fed with 90 percent oxygen produce 2 to 5 times as much ozone as those fed with air.

Flow-rate

It is required to give the gas flow-rate to demonstrate the required flow-rate to achieve the reported ozone concentration and calculate production. In addition to SCFH and LPM, you may also use other flow units. The flow of gas represents a volume of gas over a period of time.

Power Consumption

To show electrical power consumed for ozone production, the consumption should be shown in Watts, or Kilowatts (KW). By considering the amount of electrical power used, you can see how efficient the generator is.

Power Setting

By displaying the power setting of the ozone generator, the range of ozone production can be demonstrated with different adjustments on the dial or via a remote control. Indicators such as percentages or specific indications on the dial could be used.

Bottom Line

Different ways can be used to measure the performance of ozone generators, depending on the application. In one application, a g/hr measurement of ozone output may be relevant, while a g/hr measurement of ozone concentration might be more relevant. You need to understand what these terms mean and what metrics are most important to you.

To compare ozone generators, make sure that the metrics used are the same. Ozone generators might produce the same amount of ozone per hour, but if one requires twice as much oxygen or twice as much electricity to produce the same amount of ozone, they aren’t comparable. Comparisons and selections must be based on comparable metrics specific to your ozone application.