Best Ozone Detector for Water Treatment (2024 update)

Ozonated water offers superior disinfection capabilities utilized for over a century, but the ozonation process itself carries hazards. Ensuring personal protection and safety thus requires ozone gas detection. Water treatment facilities must implement wall-mounted ozone monitors or equip employees with personal ozone detectors. These vital instruments continuously monitor ozone levels, providing real-time exposure data and alerts when concentrations become unsafe. Workers cannot reliably detect ozone's reactive, toxic qualities themselves. Dedicated ozone detectors are critical for avoiding health incidents and maintaining an effectively controlled ozonation environment. Prioritizing gas detection with fixed monitors or personal meters is paramount for safely leveraging ozone's powerful disinfection benefits.

Pros

Cons

Ozone gas poses a number of potential harms to those exposed to it. As such, an ozone detector can help alarm before serious harm occurs. Ozone detectors typically last for several years and do not need to be re-purchased every time the ozone detector alarms. Some ozone monitors can be set up as a permanent fixture in a given environment to continuously conduct ozone detection and ensure the ozone stays at safe levels.

Ozone detectors can be expensive to those purchasing them, with many devices costing more than $300. Ozone detectors may not be necessary for all individuals, such as homeowners. Different sensing technologies provide different benefits, so lack of awareness of these differences may cause people to purchase expensive devices that are not as tailored to their needs.

What is the Best Portable Ozone Gas Detector?

There are many great options for selecting portable ozone detectors today. The best include:

• Forensics Detectors Ozone Detectors
• Aeroqual Ozone Detectors
• Analytical Technology ATI Ozone Detector
• Ecosensors Ozone Detectors
• Thermo Fisher Ozone Analyzers
• Teledyne Ozone Instruments
• 2B Technologies Ozone Analyzers
• BMT Ozone Analyzers

What is Ozone?

Ozone is a gas represented by the chemical symbol O3. It is a highly reactive gas that is found in both the Earth's upper atmosphere and ground level. It is considered an air pollutant at ground level that can cause considerable harm to people. It also has negative environmental effects and is known to be a large component of smog.

What is Ozonated Water?

Ozonated water dramatically reduces contaminants via its oxidative strength. Ozone is a strong oxidant, and reacts to kill bacteria, viruses, fungus and other harmful pathogens and microorganisms. Ozone water treatment begins with  ozone generators that produce ozone gas that is then injected (with a diffuser) into the water - which on contact, starts oxidizing and killing the contaminants in the water - thus called ozonated water or ozone water treatment or ozone treated water.

The below image shows ozone gas in water. Depending on temperature, time and ozone concentration, the ozone releases from the water-- this process is called off-gassing. The off-gassing process is then released in the air that can the be inhaled by users, occupants, workers, and if high enough, can be dangerous to human health.

What is an Ozone Detector?

An ozone gas meter or ozone gas detector is a device used to monitor the presence and concentration of ozone in a gas environment. It does this through a ozone gas sensor that typical is made using electrolytes/electrodes, ultraviolet light, or semiconducting metal oxides.

Is Ozone Safe to Consume?

Yes.

In 1997, ozone gas became considered as Generally Recognized As Safe for disinfecting food. In 2000, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved ozone use as an antimicrobial agent for treating, storing, and processing foods in gas and aqueous phases.

Some Ozone Water Applications?

• Waste Water Treatment for cities, industry, smaller mobile units.
• Drinking water purification for water companies, mobile units, homes.
• Ozonated water for industrial disinfection, such as ozonated water to disinfect wine barrels, industrial equipment.
• Ozonated water to disinfect food - used in the home with small units, or large industrial units for food processing and cleaning. Ozone can be used to wash and clean vegetables and other produce items. Aeroqual notes one explicit application of ozone to be in using ozonated water to rinse and wash salad mix to then be sent for recycling or a further wash with chlorinated water.

Does Ozone Sterilize Food?

Yes.

Ozone gas has been used to sterilize food and kitchen equipment. Furthermore, it has been found to be highly effective at these tasks. It has the capacity to both sterilize kitchen equipment and decontaminate water during food processing.

Is Ozone Safe on Food?

Ozone is safe for use on food.

When used as a disinfectant for the food industry, it merely decomposes bacteria's cell membrane, leaving the remainder of the food untouched and thereby safe for consumption.

What Does Ozone Do to Help Food?

In short, ozone is an oxidizing agent. It acts by limiting the growth of harmful organisms on the food, namely bacteria, through destroying them. For the biologically savvy, the mechanism it uses to complete this destruction is the decomposition of the cell membrane to promote an osmotic burst. The greatest benefit of using ozone is that there are no known organisms that possess resistance to it.

Why Use an Ozone Gas Detector?

Ozone gas detectors are important to protect anybody using ozone in ozone water for disinfection, to ensure protection from excessive inhalation of ozone from any ozone off-gassing. For example, ozonated water is used in the wine industry to disinfect barrels and wine making equipment. Ozone off-gassing from using water may harm users, so an ozone gas detector is a good safety measure to have on your man.

Is Ozone used in a Winery or Vineyard?

Yes it is. Ozone sanitization systems are used often in these places.

Is Ozone Water better than Chlorine Water?

Yes it is.

• Ozonated water does not leave a chemical residue. Ozone has a half life, so it dissolves and breaks down into oxygen either in water or the gas medium.
• Ozone is more effective as a disinfectant than chlorine in water for bacteria and viruses compared to chlorination.
• Ozone applications have started to increase due to the discovery of trihalomethanes (pollutants and carcinogens) which are a byproduct of chlorine disinfection (and are harmful).
• However, ozonated water systems are more expensive than chlorine systems, hence chlorine remains the more popular water treatment solution.

What Does Ozone Water Treatment do?

It kills:

• Bacteria / Viruses / Parasites
• Hydrogen sulfide (smell of H2S)
• Bad tastes & odors
• Improves turbidity
• Reduces iron, manganese, and copper (when combined with another filtration method)

What are typical Ozone Specifications and Exposure Limits for an Ozone Detector?

Agency	8 hour TWA	Other
Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA)	0.1 ppm	0.3 ppm over 15 minutes
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)	0.1 ppm	5 ppm IDHL Immediately Dangerous To Life or Health

How Expensive Are Ozone Gas Detectors?

Ozone gas detectors retail between $200-$1000. Fortunately, these devices remaining working for years. 

Is Ozonated Water safe to Drink?

Yes, it is, but you must wait for 30 minutes before drinking a cup of water to ensure the ozone degrades to oxygen, which would then be safe to drink. If the water smells like "ozone" - do not drink it.

How Does the Food Industry Use An Ozone Detector?

The use of an ozone detector is advised in any part of the process that may introduce food workers to potential ozone exposure. Such processes may include the following:

• Meat processing
• Meat storage
• Poultry farming
• Poultry processing
• Fish preservation
• Produce disinfection
• Produce preservation
• Dye wastewater treatment

How Do Ozone Sensors Work?

Ozone gas meters have three different ways in which they may work. These sensing principles are outlined below:

Electrochemical Sensors

Through this sensing technique, ozone molecules interact with metal electrodes to produce a redox reaction, a reaction where electrons are exchanged between chemical species. In this case, electrons are exchanged between the ozone and the metal electrodes. Linear voltage proportional to the concentration of the ozone is then produced, allowing for the proper measurement of ozone concentration.

Ultraviolet Light Sensors

Through this sensing technique, a photodetector is located within the meter to absorb ultraviolet light. Through this, the measurement of ultraviolet absorption and ozone concentration can be performed.

Semiconducting Metal Oxide Sensors

Through this sensing technique, ozone molecules interact with metal oxide to produce a redox reaction. Then, the conductivity of the sensor is used to measure the concentration of ozone gas present.

Who Uses Ozone Gas Detectors?

Many individuals may find use for an ozone gas detector. Below, just several individuals are outlined who may be more likely to use these detectors than the average person.

Inspectors

Inspectors may find use for an ozone detector when evaluating the safety of a water treatment facility. Handheld devices may be more useful than mounted detectors for these individuals.

Water Treatment Facility Workers

Water treatment facility workers should use ozone meters at all times. Ideally, these should be mounted as permanent structures close to the ground of the room. These devices should be used in any area where ozone may be produced and released.

Food Safety Employees

Food safety employees may also find some use for ozone analyzers. Since food processing places often accept ozonated water, some may also treat their own water using ozone. If this is the case, a mounted ozone detector placed close to the ground is certainly advisable.

How Do I Use an Ozone Gas Meter?

To properly use an ozone gas meter, first determine whether it will be used for short-term or one-time use more as a probe or if it will be used long-term as a mounted monitor. Regardless of intention, the first step is to ensure the meter is calibrated, ideally with confirmation from the manufacturer.

If intended for long-term use, take care that the monitor is mounted close to ground-level near the floor. This is because ozone gas is heavier than air, and thus rests closer to the ground below the air rather than above it.

Is Ozone Harmful?

Yes.

Upon inhalation, ozone has the capacity to cause damage to the body. In particular, it can cause damage to the lungs and produce symptoms including the following:

• Chest pain
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Throat irritation

How Does Ozone Sterilize Water?

Ozone sterilizes water by destroying potential pathogens, disease-causing agents, present in the water including bacteria, algae, and biofilms. Biologically, ozone accomplishes this by weakening cell membranes and causing them to burst, killing the potentially harmful organism.

What Are the Benefits of Ozonated Water?

In the past, chlorinated water has been the preferred method for water treatment. However, it requires dedicated storage space and frequent deliveries among other drawbacks. On occasions, it can also result in unfavorable flavors and odors.

Water treated with ozone, on the other hand, benefits from stronger treatment and does not produce any harmful residue as a byproduct. Furthermore, it is far faster as a form of treatment as well.

Where Should an Ozone Gas Detector Be Placed?

For long-term use, the ozone meter should be positioned close to the floor, as aforementioned. With this set-up, it will be better equipped to monitor ozone gas present in a given environment.

If used for personal protection, clip it to your lapel, chest pocket, or belt.

What Are Ozone Meters Used For?

Ozone meters are used in order to measure the presence of ozone gas in the air. They are important because in situations where ozone gas may be released into a given environment, such as during water treatment, workers are at an increased risk of exposure. This exposure also comes with related negative health effects.

In essence, the use of an ozone detector ensures that unsafe concentrations of ozone gas are not reached and, if they are, that people are appropriately alarmed so that they may react accordingly.

How Do You Measure Ozone in the Air?

Ozone is typically measured in the air using an ozone gas test strip or an ozone analyzer. Some advantages of the analyzer over the test strip include:

• Ozone gas detectors can be used many times whereas each time you are interested in measuring ozone with a test strip, a new test strip must be used. 
• Gas detectors can be mounted for sustained ozone gas monitoring in an environment. Test strips can only evaluate the concentration of ozone at one instance.

Can I Test for Ozone in My House?

Yes.

Anyone can test for ozone if they desire. Homeowners interested in testing for the presence of ozone may wish to purchase test strips if it is only for one instance since detectors can be a bit costly.

With that said, testing for ozone is likely less applicable in the home than it is in an industry such as water treatment. Homeowners should be sure they need to purchase ozone test equipment before making their purchase.

Final Words

Ozone gas monitoring is crucial when leveraging its superior disinfection capabilities over chlorine in water treatment. As a potentially hazardous substance, ozone requires proper monitoring through dedicated detection equipment like ozone analyzers or meters. These instruments measure and provide real-time data on ozone concentrations in treatment plant environments, alerting workers to unsafe exposure levels. From wall-mounted monitors to personal ozone detectors, these vital analyzers are essential for avoiding the reactive gas's respiratory and health risks. While ozonated water offers many benefits, safely harnessing ozone's power hinges on continuous atmospheric monitoring with reliable ozone detection technology. Prioritize gas analyzers to prevent incidents and maintain a controlled, protected ozonation process.

About the Author

Dr. Kos Galatsis ("Dr.Koz") is the President of FORENSICS DETECTORS, where the company operates from the scenic Palos Verdes Peninsula in Los Angeles, California. He is a subject matter expert on gas sensor technology, gas detectors, gas meters, and gas analyzers. He has been designing, building, manufacturing and testing toxic gas detection systems for over 20 years.