UK HQ Your time
Advanced Oxidation

Ozonation Systems

Generate ozone on-site for powerful oxidation of colour compounds, refractory organics, pathogens, and micropollutants without chemical storage risks.

What is Ozonation?

Ozonation uses ozone (O3), one of the strongest oxidants (E° = 2.07 V), to destroy colour compounds, break down refractory organics, disinfect pathogens, and remove odours. Ozone is generated on-site from air or oxygen via corona discharge, eliminating the need for chemical delivery and storage. It reacts directly with unsaturated bonds (C=C) and indirectly via hydroxyl radicals. Ozonation is particularly effective for textile dyes, pharmaceutical residues, and taste/odour compounds.

On-Site Generation

Ozone generated from air/oxygen on demand – no chemical storage, transport, or handling risks.

Colour Destruction

Ozone selectively attacks chromophore groups, destroying colour from dyes without full mineralisation.

Disinfection

More effective than chlorine against viruses, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium. No disinfection byproducts.

Eco-Friendly

Residual ozone decomposes to oxygen in minutes. No harmful byproducts in effluent.

Process Steps

Step-by-step breakdown of the treatment process from influent to effluent.

01

Air/Oxygen Preparation

Ambient air dried to dewpoint -60°C or PSA oxygen concentrated to 90-95% O2. Feed gas quality determines ozone concentration.

02

Corona Discharge Generation

High-voltage (5-20 kV) silent discharge across dielectric gap converts O2 to O3. Typical output 5-15 wt% ozone in oxygen.

03

Ozone Contacting

Ozone bubbled through water in counter-current contact column or venturi injector. Contact time 10-30 minutes. Redox potential monitored.

04

Reaction & Destruction

Ozone attacks organics directly (ozonolysis of C=C bonds) and indirectly via OH → radicals. Colour reduced, COD lowered, pathogens inactivated.

05

Residual Quenching

Excess ozone destroyed by catalytic destructor or thermal decomposition. Off-gas treated to prevent atmospheric release.

Typical Performance

95%
Colour reduction
4-log
Pathogen inactivation
60-80%
COD reduction
<0.1
mg/L residual O3

Equipment Used in This Process

Explore the equipment components that make this process effective.

Where This Process is Applied

Textile Dyehouse

Destroy reactive dye colour without generating concentrated dye sludge.

Pharmaceutical

oxidise API residues and endocrine disruptors to non-toxic byproducts.

Municipal Water

Disinfection and taste/odour control for drinking water treatment.

Water Reuse

Polish biological effluent for colour and pathogen removal before reuse.

Related Processes & Technologies

Process Fundamentals & Design

This treatment stage is engineered to achieve specific contaminant removal targets while providing stable, predictable performance across variable inlet conditions. Design parameters are calculated from wastewater characterisation data, regulatory requirements, and site-specific constraints including footprint, energy availability, and operator capability.

Process Optimisation

Design validated by CFD modelling and pilot testing to confirm performance guarantees.

Mechanical Reliability

Equipment selected for 20-year design life with minimal wearing parts and easy access.

Chemical Efficiency

Automated dosing and feedback control minimise reagent consumption and sludge production.

Compliance Assurance

Online monitoring and data logging demonstrate continuous consent compliance.

Design Parameters

Design Flow10 – 5,000 m³/h (application specific)
Inlet VariabilityDesigned for 1:3 peak-to-average flow ratio
Removal Efficiency85 – 99% depending on target contaminant
Hydraulic RetentionCalculated from kinetic constants and safety factors
Power Consumption0.5 – 5.0 kWh/100 m³ (process dependent)
Chemical DoseAuto-controlled based on online analysers
Sludge Production0.2 – 1.5 kg DS/kg contaminant removed
MaterialsSS304, SS316L, or carbon steel with coating

Integration with Treatment Train

No treatment stage operates in isolation. This process is designed to receive conditioned influent from upstream stages and deliver effluent quality suitable for downstream processes. Hydraulic and organic loading rates are balanced across the complete treatment train to prevent bottlenecking and ensure overall plant efficiency. Our engineers model the complete flowsheet to optimise Capital expenditure and Operating expenditure across the plant lifecycle.

Upstream Protection

Screening, equalisation, and pre-treatment protect this stage from damage and overload.

Downstream Conditioning

Effluent quality ensures downstream biology, filtration, or disinfection performs optimally.

Recycle Streams

Reject streams, filtrate, and centrate are routed back to appropriate upstream points.

Need This Process for Your Application?

Our engineers design and commission complete treatment systems including all equipment, automation, and commissioning support.

Industries We Serve

Our expertise spans multiple industries with sector-specific water treatment solutions.