UV-C Basics

Ozone, (O3), sometimes called "activated oxygen", contains three atoms of oxygen rather than the two atoms we normally breathe. Ozone is the second most powerful sterilant in the world and can be used to destroy bacteria, viruses and odors. Interestingly ozone occurs quite readily in nature, most often as a result of lightning strikes that occur during thunderstorms. In fact, the "fresh, clean, spring rain" smell that we notice after a storm most often results from nature’s creation of ozone.  However, we are probably most familiar with ozone from reading about the "ozone layer" that circles the planet above the earth’s atmosphere. Here ozone is created by the sun's ultra-violet rays.  This serves to protect us from the ultra-violet radiation.

While ozone is very powerful, it has a very short life-cycle. When contaminants such as odors, bacteria or viruses make contact with ozone, they are destroyed completely by oxidation. In so doing, that extra atom of oxygen is consumed and there is nothing left...no odor...no bacteria...no extra atom, only oxygen.  Ozone reverts back to oxygen after it is used.

There are basically two methods of producing ozone...Ultra-violet 185 nm and Corona discharge.  Corona discharge creates ozone by applying high voltage to a metallic grid sandwiched between two dielectrics.  The high voltage jumps through the dielectric to a grounded screen and in the process, creates ozone from oxygen present in the chamber.  Ultra-violet (UV) light creates ozone when a wavelength of 185 nm (nanometers) hits an oxygen atom.  The molecule (O2) splits into two atoms (O), which combine with another oxygen molecule (O2) to form ozone (O3).

As soon as ozone is formed in the generator and dispersed in a room, some of it reverts back into oxygen. This step occurs by several processes including the following: - Oxidation reaction with organic material such as odors or smoke. Reactions with bacteria etc., which again consumes ozone by oxidation reactions. Additionally, ozone has a half-life, meaning that "residual" ozone created (extra ozone) will return to oxygen usually within 20-30 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, dust, and other contaminants in the air.  Therefore, ozone, while very powerful, doesn't last long.  It does its job and then disappears.

No. If ozone is applied properly it destroys (oxidizes) the source of the odor. However, in the case of mildew the odor will return if you are unable to get rid of the moisture that is the source of the mildew.

It eliminates the irritation caused by phenol gasses, by oxidizing them. Phenol gasses are the invisible part of tobacco smoke that causes discomfort to one's eyes and creates offensive odors. Ozone rids any environment of the effects of smoke completely, rather than merely filtering out the visible particles.

No, ozone will not remove the stains. Ozone will deodorize and help to decontaminate the problem but will not remove the actual substance.

No, ozone will not affect personal computers, fabrics or paintings.  The concentrations are not high enough even during shock treatments for long periods (> 30 days) of time.

Ozone should not be used in occupied work spaces or for any lung treatment. Applications using ozone should be applied according to safety guidelines to ensure the level of Ozone is not harmful to any occupants. Persons with Asthma will be affected by Ozone.

Ozone produced using ambient air is not a direct disinfectant. When supplied on oxygen and at 5 parts per million or ppm, only then is it recognised as disinfection,

There are a number of methods available, the most common being the Draeger tube. Residual ozone becomes apparent to sensitive humans in the range of 0.01 - 0.03 ppm, or well below the permissible levels for continuous exposure. As noted previously, this residual smell is ozone that has not been consumed by the odours and now remains in the air. It iss not safe to operate ozone in occupied workspaces.

We don't believe in using motion sensors due to their reliability. We aim to ensure there are many preventative failures avoiding any risk to people or poor maintenance. UV-C must be a long-term cost benefit.