How to ozonate water or oil with a stone diffuser
Short answer: connect your oxygen source to the generator, run silicone tubing from the generator outlet to a stone diffuser at the bottom of your container, and let the ozone bubble up through the liquid. Make it fresh, use fine bubbles, and keep everything in tubing and closed containers.
What you need
- An oxygen-fed ozone generator such as the WPS-100 or WPS-400.
- An oxygen tank with a low-flow regulator, or an oxygen concentrator.
- Silicone tubing, which has an A rating against ozone.
- A stone diffuser. The WPS-100 and WPS-400 already include one.
- A glass container for the water or oil, tall enough that bubbles travel up through the liquid.
Step by step
- Place the container somewhere well ventilated.
- Connect the oxygen source to the generator inlet.
- Run silicone tubing from the generator outlet to the stone diffuser.
- Place the diffuser at the bottom of the container so the bubbles rise through all of the liquid.
- Set the oxygen flow on your regulator, then the output setting on the generator. Check your output chart for the concentration that pair gives you.
- Start the oxygen flow first, then turn on the generator.
- When you are done, turn off the generator first, then the oxygen, and remove the diffuser.
Why fresh matters
Ozone is unstable. It turns back into oxygen on its own, and about half of it is gone within half an hour of being made. That is why ozone should be made at the time you need it, and why ozonated water is best used soon after it is made.
What makes the biggest difference
- Bubble size. The smaller the bubbles coming through the liquid, the more saturated with ozone it becomes. A natural stone diffuser makes fine bubbles and does not break down with ozone.
- Depth. A taller column of liquid gives the bubbles more time in contact with it before they reach the surface.
- Concentration. Different jobs need different levels. A glass of water needs less than a gallon, and some applications need higher levels still. Your output chart tells you what each setting gives.
- Repeatability. Use the same flow rate, setting and time each time if you want the same result.
Water versus oil
The same setup works for water, oil and other liquids. Many people use a stone diffuser for ozonating water, oil and any other liquid. Thicker liquids take longer for bubbles to pass through, so keep notes on the setting and time you use for each.
Looking after your setup
Rinse and dry the diffuser after use, keep tubing clean and dry, and replace silicone tubing if it hardens or cracks. Store the generator in its case.
Questions we get asked
How long should I run it?
It depends on the amount of liquid, the concentration and what you are using it for. Start with your output chart, keep notes, and repeat what works.
Can I use a plastic container?
Glass is the safer choice. Ozone is a strong oxidizer and can break down many plastics over time.
Why is my ozonated water losing strength?
Ozone turns back into oxygen over time; about half is gone within half an hour. Make it fresh and use it soon after.
A note on safety
Ozone is a strong oxidizer and it is harmful to breathe. Run your generator in a well ventilated room, keep the ozone inside tubing and closed containers, never breathe it directly, and follow the instructions that come with your unit.