How to choose an ozone generator for home use

Ozone Generator Types

Ozone's medicinal effects were discovered in the 19th century and clinically applied to wounds and infections during World War I. However, it was not until the late 1950's that ozone generation equipment was capable of delivering pure and reliable oxygen-ozone mixtures. Today, ozone is generated from a source of oxygen with 3 main technologies:

1)  Ultraviolet radiation. 

Created naturally when ultraviolet radiation from the sun contacts the oxygen in the earth's atmosphere.

•  Low ozone concentrations can be created using an ultraviolet bulb.   However, the bulb quickly loses its efficacy, and it may be difficult to find a generator that can produce the minimum 5% concentration required for therapy.

•  100% oxygen source is NOT required.   Since this clean production method does not form harmful nitrous oxide.

•   UV Ozone generator is the only ozone generation technology to produce Hydroxyl Radicals ( OH-)

2)  Corona discharge.

 Electrical sparks are generated via a tube with a hot or cold anode surrounded by a metal anode and passed through an oxygen-rich environment.   The best corona discharge generators are called dual dielectric, having a glass layer separating each component from the gas stream, and so prevent contamination of the ozone.

•  The major drawback of these generators is lack of durability.   Due to the current draw to the metal, they are prone to electrical arcing and burnout, thereby shortening their life length., especially if any water enters the tube.

•   These generators also need large cooling fans - to dissipate the heat created.

3)  Cold plasma (invented by Nicola Tesla). 

 An ionic flow is induced in a glass cathode tube filled with a noble gas, which is highly electrified.    This unit is enveloped in a second tube, usually 316 L grade steel, which is the second electrode, through which pure oxygen is passed. The second electrode acts only as a ground and does not receive any direct current, hence avoiding arcing. The flow of plasma within the tube induces the oxygen molecules to break apart and re-form as O₃.

Ozone Generator for Medical Application

For medical applications at home it is necessary to have a medical grade ozone generator.   A good quality, cold plasma medical generator to handle most home applications can be obtained for ~$2000 (as of 2/2013), or for a generator that is powerful enough to also supply a sauna ~$3,200. The cost of a sauna cabinet is an additional $3400. (Dr. Saul Pressman of Plasmafire Intl®at www.plasmafire.com provides quality generators).

Oxygen Input Source

For home medical applications the oxygen source used should be at least 90% pure.   The choices are:

•  An oxygen tank (100% oxygen)

• It can be difficult to obtain refills for a tank, but sometimes a garage will fill it for you (acetylene welding torches need O₂).

• Oxygen tank requires a low-flow regulator, usually called a pediatric regulator, which enables settings of 1/32, 1/16, 1/8, ¼and ½L/M (Liters/minute)

Or

•  A good quality oxygen concentrator costs ~ $1000

To make ozonated water it is sufficient to use an ozone generator with air input.    SOTA® makes a quality, air-fed water ozonator;

Minor or major autohemotherapy, or direct injection into veins or tumors requires a 100% oxygen source.    i.e. from an oxygen tank,