The ozone gas (O3) is composed of three oxygen atoms. As it degrades into free oxygen atoms or free radicals, the gas readily returns to its stable state, diatomic oxygen (O2). Ozone is a powerful disinfectant and oxidizer because of the free oxygen radicals, which can oxidize almost anything they come in contact with (including viruses, bacteria, organic and inorganic compounds). Clean room ozone treatment is the ideal solution to get rid of unpleasant odors from you clean room.

The oxidizer power of ozone is much higher than that of chlorine and hypochlorite, which are other common disinfectants. As a result of possible formation of carcinogenic by-products such as trihalomethanes (THM) during the process of disinfection, chlorine or hypochlorite usage has decreased significantly in many countries. Ozone disinfection, by contrast, leaves no harmful residue, and all of the residual ozone is soon converted back to oxygen. As a result, it is considered a non-toxic disinfectant.

Air Disinfection in Clean Room Using Ozone

In a recent study, ozone was tested in a clean room about 12m2 in size in order to determine its effectiveness in reducing airborne bacteria. Viruses, bacteria and spores are killed by ozone only at the high level needed to kill them, so the disinfection procedure was performed when humans, animals and plants were evacuated. A generator with an output of 1000 mg/hr was selected based on the size of the room. Using the ozone generator selected, high concentrations of ozone (0.5-5 ppm) can be maintained inside.

To ensure good distribution of ozone in the room, a circulation fan was installed. In order to begin the ozonation process, a remote device located outside was used to turn on the ozone generator after all windows and doors had been closed.

What is Ozone?

Oxygen in the form of ozone is very active. Oxygen molecules are broken down to oxygen atoms when they are exposed to a high-energy field.

 Ozone (O3) is then formed by the reaction between oxygen atoms (O) and oxygen molecules (O2). You can decompose ozone back to oxygen because this is a reversible reaction.

How does Ozone Work?

Oxygen, sometimes referred to as “Activated Oxygen”, operates in a similar way to Ozone (O3) because Ozone (O3) likes to dissolve and return to pure oxygen (O2). An additional atom of oxygen helps oxidize pollutants as well as destroy viruses, odors, molds, and bacteria. We have at our disposal one of the greatest purification elements for dealing with pollutants that are created by humans.

Is Ozone Found in Nature?

Lightning does create ozone. Ozone is a naturally occurring gas that is formed when lightning interacts with oxygen in the air. Fresh air is caused by the formation of ozone after a lightning storm. In its ozone-generating cells, one type of ozone generator mimics this natural process, known as corona discharges.

The stratosphere is home to ozone. In addition, the upper stratosphere is home to an ozone layer that protects the earth’s surface from harmful ultraviolet rays. Oxygen molecules are cleaved into oxygen atoms by UV radiation, and these oxygen atoms combine with each other to form ozone. In addition, UV rays cause the ozone molecules to break down into oxygen, starting the cycle all over again. Consequently, UV-type ozone generators mimic this natural process, absorbing the energy of UV rays that would otherwise harm the Earth’s surface.

Benefits of Clean Room Air Sterilization Using Ozone

Ozone, due to its high oxidizing power, is an ideal oxidant for water and air purification. Among its benefits are:

• Destroy viruses and bacteria 
• Precipitate heavy metals (such as manganese and iron) so that they can be filtered
• Eliminate colors from water (for instance, tannins that cause a yellowish color).
• Eliminate the smell of rotten eggs (caused by hydrogen sulfide) from the water
• Compounds that can easily be dissolved and filtered or that can be oxidized to form water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2)
• Eliminate bad odors from the air
• Chemical processes are eliminated by ozone fumigation
• Chemicals can be saved by ozone fumigation
• The room does not need to be cleaned before and after ozonation process
• Rooms do not need to be wrapped before ozone fumigation
• In comparison with other oxidation chemicals, ozone fumigation is more effective
• Operating the system is easy

Ozone generators are brought into the room and turned on to eliminate clean room odors. Doors and cabinets are opened. According to how severe the odors are, a treatment time is set. Afterwards, the area is vacated while the treatment takes place. Before reentering the space, give the O3 time to dissipate. There are many rooms with separate air conditioning units.

It is best to tape the return duct closed with plastic or paper, and to also close the supply vents, if there is a central system with a return vent in the room. Keeping O3 inside the room will allow it to carry out its work without flowing into other rooms. Upon entering the room, the next occupant cannot detect any odor from the last occupant. An ozone generator does not leave residual odors.   

Conclusion

Ozone can effectively eliminate bacteria and get rid of unpleasant odors in the clean room. Ozone can reduce bacterial numbers by over 90%. Ozone is generally more effective against viruses than bacteria, so it may be assumed all viruses are killed if large percentages of airborne bacteria are removed. Ozone has a powerful oxidizing power, making it a better disinfectant than UV radiation or HEPA filters due to its good penetration capacity.

Moisture, body odors, food, beverages, pets, and smoke contribute to the smells in hotels, dormitories, homes, offices, and other interior spaces. It is not uncommon for odors and fumes to get embedded in the carpet, furnishings, drapes, bedding or bathroom, as well as clinging to walls, ceilings and other surfaces.

Because all surfaces are not included in the general protocol, odors may return even after the room has been prepared. Since ozone targets the sources of odors, it is highly effective. It oxidizes the odors as it circulates around the room or facility. It will follow the same path the odors took to eliminate room odors, even to cracks and crevices. Ozone is a very active molecule, so it will penetrate deep into even the smallest of cracks and crevices.