A
Ambient Air
The surrounding air in our atmosphere, which contains approximately 20% oxygen. Ozone generators can use ambient air as a feed gas to produce ozone, though using pure oxygen or concentrated oxygen produces higher ozone concentrations.
B
Byproduct
A secondary substance produced during ozone generation or treatment. When ozonating water without an oxygen source, small amounts of nitrous oxide (N₂O) may be produced as a byproduct. Using pure oxygen feed gas reduces byproduct formation.
C
Calibration
The process of adjusting and verifying an ozone generator’s output using specialized instruments to ensure accurate ozone production levels. A2Z Ozone offers calibration services at their facility.
Ceramic Plate
A dielectric material used in corona discharge ozone generators. The ceramic plate helps distribute electrical discharge evenly to maximize ozone production.
Check Valve
A one-way valve that prevents water from flowing backward into the ozone generator, protecting the unit from water damage. Check valves should be replaced every 6 months. Common sizes include 1/4″ for Aqua-Series and 5/16″ for MP, SP, S, and Z-Series units.
Concentration
The amount of ozone present in air or water, typically measured in parts per million (ppm), milligrams per liter (mg/L), or grams per cubic meter (g/m³). Higher concentrations indicate more ozone molecules per unit of air or water.
Corona Discharge
The primary technology used by A2Z Ozone generators to produce ozone. Corona discharge uses high voltage electricity passed through a dielectric material (ceramic plate) to convert oxygen molecules (O₂) into ozone (O₃). This method is capable of producing pure, strong ozone, especially when using oxygen feed gas.
D
Diffuser Stone (Ozone Diffuser Stone)
A porous device made of crystallized glass quartz or ceramic that distributes ozone gas into water by creating fine bubbles. This allows ozone to disperse evenly in water for effective treatment. Diffuser stones should be dried after each use to prevent mineral clogging.
Dielectric
An insulating material (such as ceramic or glass) used in corona discharge ozone generators to spread electrical discharge over a larger area, allowing more oxygen molecules to be converted to ozone.
E
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
The federal agency that regulates ozone generators in the United States. While the EPA regulates ozone generators, they do not approve them. A2Z Ozone complies with EPA registration requirements.
F
FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
The federal agency responsible for protecting public health. The FDA recognized ozone as a food additive and antimicrobial agent in 2001 for use in water and food processing. However, the FDA does not approve ozone generators themselves.
Feed Gas
The gas supplied to an ozone generator to produce ozone. Common feed gases include ambient air (approximately 20% oxygen) or concentrated/pure oxygen. Using oxygen as a feed gas produces higher ozone concentrations than ambient air.
Flow Rate
The volume of gas or liquid moving through a system per unit of time, typically measured in liters per minute (LPM) for gas or gallons per minute (GPM) for water. Lower flow rates result in higher ozone concentration, while higher flow rates dilute the ozone.
G
g/hr or g/hour (Grams per Hour)
A measurement of ozone production capacity indicating how many grams of ozone an ozone generator produces in one hour of operation. This is the most common method of rating larger ozone generators.
GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe)
A regulatory designation for substances in food. The FDA granted GRAS status to ozone for use in bottled water in 1982 and affirmed it for food processing in 1997. This means ozone is recognized as safe for its intended uses.
H
Half-Life
The time it takes for half of the ozone to decompose back into oxygen. Ozone has a short half-life, typically within 20-30 minutes in water at room temperature. Higher temperatures decrease ozone’s half-life.
L
LPM (Liters Per Minute)
A unit measuring gas flow rate. For example, the Aqua-8’s internal air pump has an airflow of approximately 1 LPM.
M
Mass Transfer Efficiency
The percentage of ozone gas successfully dissolved into water during treatment. Venturi injectors can achieve 90-99% efficiency, while bubble diffusers typically achieve 50-85% efficiency.
mg/hr or mg/hour (Milligrams per Hour)
A measurement of ozone production capacity used for smaller ozone generators indicating how many milligrams of ozone a generator produces in one hour. For example, the Aqua-8 produces 800 mg per hour.
mg/L (Milligrams per Liter)
A unit measuring ozone concentration in gas or liquid. In water, 1 mg/L equals approximately 1 ppm (part per million). This is a common measurement for dissolved ozone in water.
N
Nitrous Oxide (N₂O)
A byproduct that may be produced in small amounts when ozonating water using ambient air as the feed gas. Using an oxygen concentrator or oxygen source reduces or eliminates this byproduct.
O
O₂ (Oxygen)
A diatomic molecule consisting of two oxygen atoms. Oxygen is the source material for ozone production. Oxygen molecules are split and recombined to form ozone (O₃).
O₃ (Ozone)
A molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms. Ozone is a pale blue gas with a distinctively pungent odor. It is highly reactive and unstable, making it an excellent oxidizer for water purification, air treatment, and odor elimination. Ozone breaks down into oxygen (O₂) within 20-30 minutes and cannot be stored.
Oxidation
A chemical reaction in which ozone’s unstable third oxygen atom breaks away and attaches to other molecules such as contaminants, bacteria, viruses, or odor-causing compounds. This process neutralizes or destroys the target substance.
Oxidizer
A substance that causes oxidation reactions. Ozone is a powerful oxidizer that readily reacts with and breaks down other substances including bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and organic matter.
Oxygen Concentrator
A device that increases the concentration of oxygen from ambient air (approximately 20% oxygen) to 90-95% oxygen. Using an oxygen concentrator as a feed gas source increases ozone production and reduces unwanted byproducts.
Ozone Generator
A device that produces ozone (O₃) from oxygen (O₂). A2Z Ozone generators use corona discharge technology to create ozone on-site and on-demand for water treatment, air purification, odor elimination, and sanitization.
Ozone Monitor
An instrument that measures ozone concentration in air or dissolved in water. A2Z Ozone offers several ozone monitors in their accessories section for customers who need to verify ozone levels during treatment.
Ozonated Olive Oil
Oil that has been treated with ozone. The ozone stays in the oil for at least 6 months and longer if it is kept refrigerated or frozen.
Ozone Output
The amount of ozone a generator produces, typically measured in milligrams per hour (mg/hr) or grams per hour (g/hr). For example, the Aqua-8 produces 800 mg/hour with an oxygen source, and the A7K produces 7,000 mg/hr (7 g/hr).
Ozone Resistance
The ability of a material to withstand prolonged exposure to ozone without degrading. Ozone-resistant materials include stainless steel, quartz glass, PTFE (Teflon), Viton, Kynar (PVDF), and certain ceramics.
Ozone Test Strips
Chemical test strips that change color to indicate the concentration of ozone in water. A2Z Ozone sells Sensafe Ozone Check Strips for customers to measure ozone levels.
Ozonated Water
Water that has been infused with ozone gas. Ozonated water can be used for drinking (providing extra oxygen), washing fruits and vegetables, bathing, and various purification applications. The ozone typically dissipates within 20-30 minutes.
Ozonate (verb)
The act of treating air, water, or other substances with ozone. For example, “ozonate the room for 30 minutes” or “ozonate one gallon of water for 10 minutes.”
P
Pathogen
A bacteria, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease. Ozone effectively destroys pathogens through oxidation, making it useful for water disinfection and air purification.
ppm (Parts Per Million)
A unit of measurement expressing very dilute concentrations. One ppm means one part of a substance per one million parts of the total. For ozone in water, 1 ppm equals approximately 1 mg/L. Humans can smell ozone at concentrations as low as 0.01 ppm.
ppb (Parts Per Billion)
A unit of measurement for extremely dilute concentrations, one thousand times more precise than ppm. This measurement is often used for detecting very low levels of ozone or other gases.
Pressure Differential
The difference in pressure between two points in a system. Venturi injectors require a pressure differential (typically at least 20 PSI) to create suction that pulls ozone gas into the water stream.
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)
A synthetic fluoropolymer commonly known by the brand name Teflon. PTFE is highly ozone-resistant and is used in tubing and seals for ozone systems. A2Z Ozone sells PTFE tubing for ozone applications.
PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride) / Kynar
An ozone-compatible plastic material known for exceptional durability and aging resistance when used with ozone. Kynar is used in A2Z Ozone’s venturi injectors for ozone systems.
R
Redox Potential (Oxidation-Reduction Potential)
A measurement indicating the ability of a solution to oxidize or reduce substances. Ozone increases the redox potential of water, enhancing its ability to break down contaminants and kill pathogens.
Residual Ozone
Ozone that remains in water or air after the initial treatment period. Measuring residual ozone helps ensure adequate disinfection while avoiding excessive concentrations.
S
Sanitization
The process of reducing the number of microorganisms to safe levels. Ozone is used for sanitization in water treatment, food processing, and air purification applications.
Solubility
The ability of ozone gas to dissolve into water. Ozone solubility is affected by water temperature (lower temperatures increase solubility), pressure (higher pressures increase solubility), and ozone gas concentration.
Stainless Steel
An ozone-resistant metal alloy commonly used in ozone system components such as barbs, fittings, and diffuser stone housings. Stainless steel withstands prolonged ozone exposure without corroding.
T
Tubing
Flexible hoses that transport ozone gas from the generator to the application point. Ozone-resistant tubing materials include PTFE, also known as Teflon, and certain grades of silicone. A2Z Ozone recommends replacing tubing every 6 months.
U
Ultraviolet (UV) Light
An alternative technology for producing ozone that uses UV radiation to convert oxygen molecules into ozone. UV ozone generators typically produce smaller amounts of ozone compared to corona discharge generators.
V
Venturi Injector
A device that uses water pressure differential to inject ozone gas into flowing water with high efficiency (up to 90-99%). Water flows through a constricted section, creating a vacuum that pulls ozone gas into the water stream. Requires at least 20 PSI pressure differential.
Viton
A fluoroelastomer (synthetic rubber) material that is highly resistant to ozone degradation. Viton is commonly used in O-rings, seals, and diaphragms in ozone systems.
W
Water Column
The vertical height of water above a diffuser or injection point. Greater water column height creates higher pressure, which increases ozone solubility.
For technical questions or clarification on any terms, please contact A2Z Ozone:
Technical Support: [email protected] or +1 502 499 4977 (option 3)
Website: www.a2zozone.com