phone Contact Us

Ozone Applications

Aircraft Water Disinfection AOP Agri-Food Processing Air Treatment Ammonia Removal From Water Aquaculture Aquatic Life Support Systems Beef (Red Meat) Processing with Ozone Biological Oxygen Demand Bottled Water Cannabis Car Wash Water Reclaim Systems Case Studies Case Studies: Force Main Treatment Case Study: Enhancing Fish Processing with Ozone Technology in Georgetown, Guyana Case Study: Ozone Water Disinfection System for Major U.S. Airline Case Study: Spice Warehouse Ozone Installation Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) Removal with Ozone Clean In Place (CIP) Concrete Cooling Tower Cyanobacteria and Toxin Removal with Ozone Dairy Farms Drinking Water E.coli O157:H7 Reduction with Ozone Flour Milling Force Main Treatment Grain Treatment Groundwater Remediation Hydroponic Greenhouses Lake Remediation Laundry Listeria Inactivation with Ozone Machine Coolant Tanks Municipal Water Treatment NOx removal with Ozone Nanobubbles Odor Control with Ozone Odor Removal Oxidize Tannins from Water with Ozone Ozonated Ice & Fish Storage Ozone Applications in Mining Industry Ozone Regulations in Food Processing Ozone Regulations in Organic Food Production Ozone for Mold Elimination Ozone in Air Applications Ozone in Seafood Processing Ozone use for Post-Harvest Processing of Berries Ozone use in Wet Scrubbers Ozone-Biofiltration Plastic Adhesion Pool & Spa Pork Processing with Ozone Resolution Concerning the Use of Ozone in Food Processing Shellfish Depuration Surface Sanitation Ultra-Pure Water Vertical Farming with Ozone Waste Water Treatment Water Re-use Water Treatment Well Water Treatment

Ozone Destruct FAQ's

Information and frequently asked questions on ozone destruct devices.

Ozone gas is O3, or three oxygen (O) atoms combined to create one molecule. Ozone is useful for a wide variety of disinfection and oxidation application. However, ozone gas, at high levels can be toxic and hazardous to health in the gas phase. Therefore a method to eliminate ozone may be necessary in some applications. As ozone is simply another form of oxygen it can be safely broken down to diatomic Oxygen (O2). Below are common methods of ozone removal and answers to questions on ozone destruction.

 

QUESTION: How is ozone safely destroyed?

ANSWER:

Ozone is commonly removed using the following methods:

  • Carulite-200 based ozone destruct unit – Carulite-200 is a hopcalite-type of catalyst using manganese dioxide and copper oxide. Carulite-200 is a true catalyst method of ozone destruction. 99.96% efficient at rated flow rates. Works well with dry ozone gas and humid gas such as off-gassed ozone from a water system. This is the most ozone destruction process used in ozone gas processes for high concentrations of ozone gas, either in dry processes or ozone off-gas from a water system. Carulite-200 is damaged by condensed water on the catalyst, VOC’s, acids and dust.

  • Carbon filter – Carbon reacts with ozone to form CO and CO2. In the gas phase, this reaction creates a high level of heat. Due the fact that carbon is a fuel source and air/oxygen is getting pushed through the carbon this is an extreme fire hazard. Use carbon with caution in gas phase reactions. Ozone dissolved in water can be safely removed with carbon filters but will consume the carbon filters quite rapidly.

  • UV-254 nm light – Ozone is destroyed at the 254 nm wavelength of UV light. (ozone is generated from UV light at 185 nm wavelength.)

    • In Air - The destruction of ozone efficiency in air is poor and similar to the efficiency of ozone generation from a UV light in air, a small percentage of the ozone will be reverted to oxygen in a UV light in the gas phase.

    • In Water – UV is very efficient at eliminating ozone in water. UV lights used for germicidal use using the 254 nm wavelength can be used to destroy ozone in water. To size the UV light properly, multiply standard flow-rate capacities for the UV light in water by 3x. This will achieve 90% reduction of ozone in water.

  • Thermal Oxidizer – Heat destroys ozone. Thermal oxidizers are used in wide variety of applications and industries to remove gas phase contaminates through combustion. The heat generated from a thermal oxidizer will also revert ozone to oxygen. This is typically not an efficient process from a capitol cost, or operating cost perspective. However, if a thermal oxidizer is already in place the ozone gas stream can be added to this for easy elimination of ozone gas.

  • Aluminium Oxide (Alumina) AL2O3 can revert ozone to oxygen with a near catalytic reaction. The reaction is not as efficient as with the carulite-200 material using Manganese dioxide/copper oxide, therefore limited commercial use of Aluminium Oxide has been implemented. It is important to be aware of this potential reaction when considering materials that can and will be used in ozone systems as some aluminum components could destroy ozone gas.

 

QUESTION: What is an ozone destruct unit?

ANSWER:

An ozone destruct unit is any device that is used to safely revert ozone (O3) gas back to oxygen (O2). This may be part of an ozone treatment process where ozone gas is used for air or water treatment, or this may be for lower levels of ozone to make a room safe for occupancy.

Ozone gas is unstable and will naturally decompose to oxygen on it’s own. However, in many applications, it is advantageous to revert ozone back to oxygen more quickly.

An ozone destruct unit may also be referred to as:

  • Ozone Scrubber

  • Ozone catalytic converter

  • Ozone catalyzer

  • Ozone Eliminator

  • And potentially other names that all refer to safely reverting ozone (O3) gas back to oxygen (O2)

 

QUESTION: Why do we want to destroy ozone?

ANSWER:

Ozone gas at low levels is naturally found in our environment and safe. However, at high levels, ozone gas is unsafe to breathe and will cause adverse health effects. Ozone is regulated by OSHA in the workplace. Ozone levels near personnel should be kept 0.1 ppm for 8-hour work days, 0.3 ppm for 15-minute exposure times, and 1 ppm for any instant exposure.

Ozone gas is also very corrosive and will cause material compatibility issues with materials in the area, or downstream process. When the ozone process is complete it may be wise to revert the remaining ozone gas to oxygen safely.

 

QUESTION: What type of gaseous Ozone Destruct Unit is right for my process?

ANSWER:

There are a variety of factors to consider when determining what device and what configuration you should use. Below are a few of the most common factors to consider.

  • Will a High Concentration Destruct Unit or Ambient Air Unit be required?

    • High concentration is commonly referred to “Process Gas” destruct unit

    • High concentration = 1 ppm ozone or greater

    • Ambient = Less than 1 ppm ozone

  • Will the gas stream be Wet or Dry? Wet gas streams require a heater band and a specific design inside the destruct unit to eliminate the potential of moisture condensation on the destruct media.

    • Wet = Any air stream with the potential of condensation

    • Dry = Process gas streams with dry-air or oxygen feed-gas directly from an ozone generator

 

QUESTION: What is a High Concentration Ozone Destruct Unit?

ANSWER:

A high-concentration destruct unit will revert ozone (O3) gas back to oxygen (O2) in the gas phase at ozone concentrations above 20% by weight. These units will use Carulite-200 catalyst media in a stainless steel shell. Proper design will consider air-speed velocity past the catalyst material. When designed properly, an ozone destruction efficiency of 99.96% will be achieved at peak design flow.  Higher ozone destruct efficiencies are realized at lower flow-rates.

Oxidation Technologies builds the CDU-Series ozone destruct units to work with high-concentration applications. Take note of the Wet or Dry gas flow info below to determine what options may be necessary and how to size the unit properly.

 

QUESTION: What is an Ambient Air Ozone Destruct Unit?

ANSWER:

An ambient air ozone destruct unit is designed for operation in rooms, enclosures, or any space where ozone gas in the ambient air is unsafe and must be eliminated. These units will have fans built-in to flow air through the device and will be rated by the air-flow created by these fans. Ozone destruction efficiency of 90% is typical with ambient air destruct units. Meaning, 90% of the ozone gas passing through the unit is destroyed.

Oxidation Technologies builds the CDA-Series Ozone destruct units to be used with Ambient Air

 

QUESTION: What happens to the ozone gas within the destruct unit?

ANSWER:

This will vary depending upon style.

  • High Concentration Ozone Destruct Units using Carulite-200 Catalyst Media will revert Ozone gas (O3) to Oxygen (O2) through a true catalytic process. This is a true catalytic reaction requiring no consumables. This is an exothermic reaction, the destruct unit will have a temperature increase as ozone is catalyzed.

  • Carbon based destruct units used with air or water will react O3 to CO and CO2 and over time deplete the carbon material.

  • UV light will disassociate the Ozone (O3) molecule to create Oxygen (O2), however within this reaction in the presence of water or water vapor the reaction may create Hydroxyl Radical (-OH). UV is commonly used to create high amounts of Hydroxyl Radical which is referred to as an Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP).

 

QUESTION: What is the catalyst material used in the CDU-Series Destruct Units?

ANSWER:

Carulite-200 is used as the destruct media in all CDU-Series and High Concentration Ozone Destruct Units. Carulite-200 is a hopcalite-type of catalyst using manganese dioxide and copper oxide. Carulite-200 is a true catalyst method of ozone destruction. 99.96% efficient at rated flow-rates. Works well with dry ozone gas and humid gas such as off-gassed ozone from a water system.  Carulite-200 performs well in both dry and humid gas streams but should be protected from:

  • Condensed water
  • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
  • Acids
  • Dust contamination

 

QUESTION: Can I get an SDS (MSDS) for Carulite-200?

ANSWER:

Yes link here – Caulite-200 Safety Data Sheet

 

QUESTION: How long will Carulite-200 last? Does it require replacement?

ANSWER:

Although Carulite-200 is a true catalyst (not consumed in the reaction), it gradually degrades due to dusting, contamination, or poisoning.

  • Typical service life: ~1 year under normal conditions.

  • Recommended maintenance: Replace annually to maintain performance and safety.
    Catalyst life may be shorter in humid or contaminated gas streams.

 

QUESTION: I have a high-concentration Ozone Destruct Unit, can I buy replacement Catalyst?

ANSWER:

Yes we sell Carulite-200 in 1 lb increments and offer quantity discounts. Link here – Carulite-200 for sale

 

QUESTION: Can I build an ozone destruct device from PVC or another plastic to save costs?

ANSWER:

NO. The catalytic reaction with ozone and Carulite-200 is exothermic, meaning heat is generated. The heat can rise high enough to melt and potentially burn PVC materials. PVC is flammable and you are flowing air/oxygen through this device to continue to feed this flame with an oxygen source. NEVER use any potentially flamable material to house Carulite-200.

 

QUESTION: I have a high-concentration destruct unit, the material inside looks like carbon, can I replace it with carbon?

ANSWER:

NO. Carbon is flammable. This will eventually create a fire inside the destruct unit that may create hazards at the discharge of the exit. Never use carbon to destroy ozone in the gas phase at ozone levels above 1 ppm.

 

QUESTION: My Carulite-200 Catalyst got wet, do I need to replace it?

ANSWER:

Replacement of the catalyst material is the simplest solution and offers the highest level of confidence moving forward.

However, it can sometimes be recovered.

  • Remove it from the destruct unit.

  • Bake in an oven at 500°F (260°C) for several hours until completely dry.

  • Allow to cool before reuse.
    This process may also remove some VOC or dust contamination. However, for reliability, replacement is usually easier and safer.

 

QUESTION: Is Carulite-200 safe to handle?

ANSWER:

Yes. Carulite-200 is not classified as hazardous, but it is a fine granular powder. Use normal PPE for dusty materials — gloves, eye protection, and a dust mask or respirator if handling large quantities.

 

QUESTION: How do I dispose of Carulite-200?

ANSWER:

Carulite-200 is not a hazardous waste substance and can be disposed of in landfills. However, if the Carulite has been poisoned with toxic or hazardous materials, proper disposal criteria of those materials should be followed.

 

QUESTION: What destruction efficiency can I expect from Carulite-200?

ANSWER:

Properly designed ozone destruct units achieve ≥99.96% destruction efficiency at maximum design flow-rate.  Lower flow-rates will achieve higher destruction efficiencies.  Achieving 100% ozone destruction efficiency is reasonable if lower flow-rates are used. 

 

QUESTION: What are the criteria of a well-designed destruct unit?

ANSWER:

When using Carulite-200 both linear velocity of the gas and contact time with the catalst and gas need to follow the criteria below.  In addition moisture may not condense on the catalyst, therefore depending upon the humidity level of the gas stream a heating device and water trap may be required.

  • Linear velocity 2.2 ft/sec (0.66 m/sec
  • 0.72 second residence time

 

QUESTION: How do I know when the ozone destruct catalyst need replacement?

ANSWER:

Monitor the outlet ozone concentration using an ozone analyzer. If outlet ozone rises above trace levels (typically >0.1 ppm), the catalyst is no longer fully active and should be replaced.

 

QUESTION: Can I regenerate Carulite-200 Catalyst indefinitely?

ANSWER:

Baking can dry and partially reactivate Carulite-200, but repeated cycles reduce effectiveness due to the absorption of dust and other contaminants that are not eliminated with temperature alone. It is not indefinitely regenerable. Regular replacement ensures consistent performance.

 

QUESTION: Do ozone destruct units require maintenance other than catalyst replacement?

ANSWER:

Routine maintenance is minimal:

  • Inspect for dust buildup or condensation.
  • Verify heater operation (wet gas models).
  • Replace catalyst annually or as needed.
  • Confirm outlet ozone levels periodically with a monitor.
  • Gaskets can be replaced if they are damaged or cracked
  • Screens can be replaced if they become damaged
  • Fans or air-moving devices may need replacement or service

 

QUESTION: What happens if ozone is vented without destruction?

ANSWER:

Uncontrolled release of ozone can be hazardous. Ozone is a powerful oxidizer and respiratory irritant.
Ozone destruct units ensure worker safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental protection by converting ozone to oxygen before venting.

 

13 Items