Tech Tip: How to Dissolve Ozone into Water for Maximum Efficiency

Ozone is a powerful oxidizer commonly used in water treatment, surface sanitation, and produce washing. However, in most applications, ozone must first be dissolved into water to be effective. Since ozone is naturally produced as a gas from oxygen, dissolving it into water efficiently requires the right equipment and understanding of solubility principles.

Because ozone generation requires equipment and electricity, every gram of ozone produced has a cost. To maximize effectiveness and minimize waste, it is crucial to dissolve as much ozone as possible into water while minimizing losses due to off-gassing.

What Affects Ozone Solubility in Water?

The ability of ozone to dissolve into water depends on three key factors:

1. Ozone Concentration
2. Water Temperature
3. Water Pressure

Understanding these factors will help optimize ozone dissolution for the best results.

1. Ozone Concentration: Higher Concentration = Higher Solubility

The concentration of ozone in gas form plays a significant role in how much ozone can be dissolved into water. Higher concentrations of ozone (measured in % by weight or g/m³) result in better solubility, meaning more ozone will stay in the water instead of being lost to the air.

Key takeaways:

• Ozone generators that produce higher concentration ozone (e.g., from oxygen rather than air) will dissolve ozone into water more efficiently.
• Ozone production in grams per hour (g/hr) is not as important as ozone concentration. Look for systems with higher % by weight or g/m³ values.

2. Water Temperature: Colder Water Dissolves More Ozone

Water temperature has a major effect on ozone solubility. Colder water holds more ozone, while warmer water causes ozone to off-gas more quickly.

Key takeaways:

• If working with small volumes, adding ice cubes can help increase dissolved ozone levels.
• Cooler water (below 15°C or 59°F) will hold significantly more ozone than warm water (above 25°C or 77°F).

3. Water Pressure: Higher Pressure Improves Ozone Dissolution

Increasing the pressure of water enhances ozone dissolution by physically forcing the gas into the liquid. This is why many ozone injection systems use venturi injectors or pressurized contact chambers.

Key takeaways:

• For bubbling ozone into water, use taller columns—the water at the bottom of the column will be under higher pressure, improving ozone absorption.
• For venturi injection systems, ensure that the contact tank operates under pressure to maximize ozone retention in water.

Optimizing Your Ozone Injection System

To get the best results from your ozone system:

• Use a high-concentration ozone generator (preferably with oxygen feed gas rather than air).
• Keep water as cool as possible to increase ozone solubility.
• Maintain water pressure in the contact tank or injection system.

By understanding and applying these principles, you can dissolve ozone into water more efficiently—maximizing its effectiveness while minimizing waste.

Have questions about optimizing your ozone system? Contact us today for expert advice!