OZONE
What is ozone?
Ozone (O3) is made up of three atoms of oxygen. Under standard temperature and pressure conditions it is a pale bluish gas,
and is formed in the air by electrical discharges.
In the atmosphere, ozone is produced by the effects of lightning bolts and it has a very penetrating odour, characteristic of
summer storms.
Ozone has a high oxidising power, and destroys viruses, bacteria, algae and micro-organisms in general. Ozone is a much
more efficient disinfectant than chlorine.
Ozone can be detected by its odour at a concentration of 0.01 ppm, well before the exposure limit of: 0.2 ppm or 0.4mg / m3 is
reached.
The useful life of ozone depends on the conditions where it is found. Generally speaking, ozone decomposes after a few
minutes, leaving no harmful residue.
Industrial ozone is generated by passing dry compressed air through high voltage chambers (22,000 volts).
Different systems of ozone production:
1.-Direct injection of ozone gas
- It generated by passing air through a chamber where an electric shock is performed.
- Ozone gas is injected directly into the drum.
- The pressure is atmospheric pressure.
The ozone-producing equipment consists of an air collector which concentrates the oxygen contained in the air being
collected. This oxygen passes between two electrodes that are subjected to a high potential difference (up to 20,000 volts).
O2 molecules are dissociated and they become O3. Generators must be located near the machines so that the ozone can be
transferred quickly to the wash bath.
Because ozone is toxic, ozone detection equipment is required at the facilities so that gas production can be halted in the
event of leakage.
How does ozone act on the linen in the wash?
Ozone is an excellent disinfectant, with a high oxidation capacity. However, it is not selective in its function and it oxidises both
the dirt and the cleaning agents.
Its action is based on decreasing the acting temperature.
Average wash temperature: ±30ºC.
The large amount of oxygen dissolved helps to give the linen a fluffy feel.
The reduction in rinsing is related to the decrease in detergents and to the destruction of detergents by the ozone.
Pros and cons of the washing with ozonee
Pros
Ozone is an excellent disinfectant
Cons
It has no residual action
It is a more powerful oxidizing agent than chlorine
It degrades quickly, thereby diminishing its effectiveness
It is an excellent odour remover
Its detergent power is short-lived
It helps to fluff up the linen
It oxidises the cleansing agents used, thereby diminishing
their effectiveness
Its acts at a low temperature. When the temperature rises it
decomposes and stops working.
In dirty batches it is necessary to supplement the ozone with
chlorine
Waste liquids do not pollute
It can be corrosive under certain conditions.
Summary
Ozone is an excellent disinfectant and deodorant, but is only moderately effective. As a bleaching agent it needs to be
boosted with chlorine. It lacks cleansing power on greasy dirt and has to be combined with other detergents.
It is an interesting option for treating linen and staff clothing in senior care homes at a low temperature and for removing
unpleasant odours. It does not attack colours and does not leave any residue.
In table linen with greasy dirt, detergents need to be used at a temperature of about 50ºC.
Ozone is toxic and the exposure limit is 0.2 ppm or 0.4 mg/m3. Fortunately it can be easily noticed by its smell before these
levels are reached. Detectors need to be fitted in the laundry. Ozone can be corrosive when it comes into contact with certain
materials.
All Girbau machines are designed to work with this technology, and are fitted with Viton seals.