How to Effectively Eliminate Ozone in Food Processing Plants?

Ozone in food processing plants mainly comes from two sources: first, actively used ozone generators (used for disinfecting workshop air, production equipment, raw materials, and packaging materials, and easily leaves residue in confined spaces after disinfection); second, generated by auxiliary equipment discharge, such as UV disinfection lamps, high-pressure air compressors, and packaging machinery electrode discharge. Although the amount of ozone produced by a single device is low, it easily accumulates in confined workshops. When the ozone concentration exceeds the limit of 0.16 ppm/1 hour in the "Indoor Air Quality Standard," it will irritate the human respiratory tract and even remain on the food surface, affecting its flavor.

There are many methods to eliminate ozone. Natural ventilation is one method, but this method can only dilute ozone (removal rate of about 45% in 1 hour). Activated carbon adsorption can also be used, but activated carbon adsorption is easily saturated (needs to be replaced every 3-5 days and is prone to bacterial growth). Currently, the most efficient and environmentally friendly method is the ozone decomposition catalytic method. Under normal temperature and pressure, ozone decomposition catalysts, with manganese dioxide and precious metal composite carriers as the core, can catalyze the rapid decomposition of ozone into oxygen, without secondary pollution, without additional heating or energy consumption, and the reaction rate is tens of thousands of times faster than natural decomposition.

In a 500m³ production workshop of a large meat processing enterprise, the ozone concentration reached 0.35 ppm after ozone disinfection, and it was still 0.18 ppm after 1 hour of natural ventilation (exceeding the standard). After installing the wall-mounted ozone decomposition catalyst device, the ozone concentration dropped to 0.02 ppm within 30 minutes, achieving a removal rate of 94.3%; after 6 months of continuous operation, the removal efficiency remained ≥95%.  Only monthly cleaning of the catalyst surface is required. Compared to activated carbon solutions, monthly consumable costs are reduced by 70%, and the energy consumption per unit is only 0.5 kW/h. This meets the hygiene requirements of food processing workshops and significantly reduces operation and maintenance costs.

Ozone decomposition catalyst technology will continue to advance. Future research will focus on developing catalysts that are lower in cost, more stable, and renewable, to further reduce operating costs and avoid secondary pollution.

Author: Hazel
Date: 2025-11-25