Ozone can be dispersed into water with two common methods, the venturi injector and the bubble diffusion. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages, as well as applications where they are most useful. Here is everything you need to know about using venturi injector and bubble diffusers with ozone.

Overview

Early ozone applications typically dissolved ozone in water using large tanks or basins and bubble diffusers. Ceramic diffusers were easy to find and the method of dissolving ozone in water was simple and effective. Mazzei Injector started making ozone-compatible venturi injectors in 1983 in response to the growing demand for ozone.

As applications expanded and grew more popular, additional methods of dissolving ozone into water were explored. As a result, the venturi injector reached the mainstream market in a market requiring the smallest water flows and the largest applications. Although there is still a place for the simple bubble diffuser yet today, it offers improved mass transfer efficiencies and a smaller footprint.

Advantages vs Disadvantages Of Venturi Injector Vs Bubble Diffuser

Bubble Diffuser Advantages

  • Easy to setup
  • Low energy – does not require water pumps or elevated water pressures
  • Simple, reliable operation long-term
  • Low cost
  • No moving parts

Disadvantages

  • Greater risk of water backing up into the ozone generator as the water is pressurized
  • Venturi can plug or become obstructed in contaminated water
  • Typically requires more energy than other options due to required pressure differential across venturi injector
  • Requires flowing, pressurized water

Venturi Injector Advantages

  • More ozone dissolved into water = less ozone off-gassing = safer environment
  • Easier to contain ozone gas and maintain a safe environment due to ozone off-gassing
  • Extremely efficient ozone transfer
  • Great option for pressurized water
  • Smaller tanks and overall footprint of system can be achieved

Disadvantages

  • Ideal tank/basin depth for effective ozone transfer is 18-24 feet deep
  • Diffusers can become plugged and may require periodic replacement
  • Ideal tank depths are not realistic in most applications causing this to be a less efficient transfer method.
  • Difficult to use in pressurized water flows

Design considerations in favor of Bubble Diffusers

  • Existing tanks or contact basins on-site whose height favors the bubble diffuser should be considered
  • Ozone off-gassing is more challenging to capture and manage with diffusers. If tanks are outside or have proper ventilation already in place, diffusers might be the best option for you
  • Clean water applications where low dissolved ozone levels are required are well suited for bubble diffusers as high levels of ozone transfer are not needed.

Examples of applications where Bubble diffusers may have an advantage

  • Well water applications with outdoor water holding tanks
  • Drinking water applications with large tanks or basins in place
  • RO water holding tanks
  • Bottled water applications

Design considerations in favor of Venturi Injectors

  • Varying water flow rates
  • Applications where pressurized water will have ozone gas added
  • A venturi injector is the ideal device for achieving high levels of dissolved ozone since there will be a high required transfer efficiency

Examples of applications where Venturi Injectors may have an advantage

  • New construction water treatment applications where tanks are not already in place
  • Applications where footprint is a concern and space are limited
  • Well water applications where ozone will be added to water under pressure
  • Sanitation applications where water is the carrier of ozone and high dissolved ozone levels are required