Investigation of dissolved ozone production using plasma discharges in liquid

A pulsed plasma discharge system has been employed to allow the production of dissolved ozone in water test liquids. Ozone formation occurs through the application of high voltage pulses to test liquids sparged with a treatment gas. Upon application of high voltage pulses to the sparged test liquid, partial discharge activity and ionisation of the gas results. The partial discharge activity can also lead to complete breakdown of the gas and liquid medium. The resultant ionisation that occurs during plasma discharge activity allows substantial levels of ozone to be formed and to dissolve in the test liquid. This paper details results achieved showing the effect of treatment gas flow rates, pulse energy, and pulse repetition rates on the residual dissolved ozone content of water test liquids. In addition a comparative study of air and oxygen treatment is also presented.