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MARINE  AIR APPLICATIONS

INDOOR AIR QUALITY AND ODOR CONTROL WITH
OZONE FOR MARINE APPLICATIONS

In 1936, WESTINGHOUSE began marketing a mercury vapor lamp under the trademark of "STERILAMP." It was recognized at that time that UV, (Ultraviolet), radiation would kill bacteria, although the precise mechanism of destruction was not well understood. Later research revealed that UV light killed microorganisms by damaging or destroying DNA, which also explained the cause of skin cancer from overexposure to solar UV radiation.

The original purpose of the lamp was to emit large amounts of UV radiation into the refrigerator's interior in order to extend the shelf life of food items stored therein. Ozone production was considered an unwanted by-product of the lamp and various measures were tried to prevent ozone production. However, it was soon discovered that the small amounts of ozone generated by some UV lamps, when added to the UV light, resulted in greatly improved efficiency. Furthermore, ozone was discovered to have an additional unexpected benefit in eliminating odors and preventing cross contamination of food tastes.        In 1938 it was reported that UV radiation was effective in controlling bacterial spread in operating rooms. Research into the mechanism of bacterial destruction by UV radiation was not reported until 1941 and reports of destruction of bacteria in petri dishes was published in 1948. Not until 1944 was UV radiation found to be effective in air conditioning systems, primarily installed in front of the chiller coils to control mold and mildew. Once again, co-production of ozone was found to improve the process.        Ultraviolet light was used in meat tenderizing rooms to kill bacteria that were not affected by the relatively high temperatures that are necessary for the tenderizing enzymes to exist. As UV radiation is line of sight only, areas that were not directly exposed to the germicidal effects of the UV light are not disinfected. It was discovered rather quickly that when UV lamps that also produced ozone were used, the process was greatly enhanced. As ozone is a gas, it penetrated into areas not directly exposed to the UV light. Bacteria that caused spoilage and rot were eliminated and the meat tenderizing process was greatly enhanced. It has been demonstrated that at high relative humidity, ozone, in levels as low as 0.04 PPM, (Parts Per Million), by volume, destroys bacteria dispersed in an aerosol spray.         There has been a steadily increasing number of installations of ozone generators to oxidize smoke and cooking odors. Ozone is widely used to recondition and/or salvage smoke damaged furniture and clothing. By introducing ozone into A/C ductwork, mold and mildew are eliminated and their return prevented as their spores are inactivated. Laboratory tests and numerous field installations have amply demonstrated ozone's ability to oxidize various organic compounds such as indole and skatole (fecal odor), allyl sulfide (garlic odor), ammonia, burned fat (acrolein), as well as, those from fish, onions, tobacco smoke and body odor. All were demonstrated to be readily eliminated by ozone as indicated by the lack of odor therefrom. Furthermore, the odors were eliminated with ozone concentrations as low as 0.01PPM! Ozone in such low levels will give the air a "Springtime fresh" odor and sensation.        Numerous installations of ozone generating systems for municipal sewer lift stations and black water holding tanks and/or MSDs on yachts, have very convincingly demonstrated ozone's ability to eliminate the, to say the least, very unpleasant odors emitted by such devices or equipment. The very close proximity of such equipment in the marine environment make some type of odor control a necessity if one is to coexist with such devices. Gray water holding tank and bilge odors are also very easily eliminated.         The University of Florida, in a report dated July 14, 1993, from the "Symposium on Indoor Air Pollution," recommended, "Consider ozone generators as a method of reducing indoor air pollution. Studies have shown that modest ozone generation to levels of 0.05 PPM can reduce certain microbial agents, odors and mildew" and combat "Sick Building Syndrome." Predictably perhaps, the major resistance to such applications of ozone has come from the A/C industry itself and companies that do mechanical ductwork. An ozone generating system would cost as little as 5% of most duct replacement and more importantly be a one-time installation. Therein lies the rub, as there are virtually no residual or follow-up sales after ozone generating equipment is installed to deal with A/C mold and mildew and odor problems. There are currently over 400 installations of "Chem-Free" equipment aboard yachts from 37 to 300 feet in length

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