Ozone Generator Gas Circulation for Corrosion Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In ozone generating systems, the reduction in electrode tube diameter for high-density and high-integration designs leads to thinner conductive layers with poor corrosion resistance, and intermittent operation increases the risk of corrosion from nitric acid (HNO3) generation during standby periods, despite efforts to prevent moisture and NOx contact.
Innovation Solution
A gas circulating system is implemented to maintain pressure within the ozone generating apparatus higher than atmospheric pressure, circulating gas from the exit to the entrance side to remove HNO3 and NOx, preventing their diffusion and subsequent corrosion of electrode parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the electrode tube diameter is reduced for high-density integration, then the integration density is improved, but the conductive layer thickness is reduced leading to poor corrosion resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains a positive pressure inert gas atmosphere (nitrogen or ozone-free gas) within the reaction chamber during standby periods to prevent moisture ingress and HNO3 generation. This inert environment protects the thin conductive layers on reduced-diameter electrode tubes from corrosion while maintaining high integration density.
2Loss of energy
If intermittent operation is implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but the risk of HNO3 generation and electrode corrosion increases during standby periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by maintaining positive pressure inert gas atmosphere in the reaction chamber before standby periods begin. This preventive measure ensures that moisture and atmospheric gases cannot enter during intermittent operation, thereby preventing HNO3 generation and electrode corrosion while allowing energy-efficient intermittent operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous protective action by keeping the inert gas atmosphere and positive pressure condition active throughout standby periods. This continuous protection ensures that electrode corrosion is prevented even when ozone generation is not occurring, enabling reliable intermittent operation.
3Ease of operation
If the ozone generating apparatus is opened to atmospheric air for maintenance, then accessibility is improved, but moisture enters and reacts with N2O5 to generate HNO3 causing electrode corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a controlled shutdown sequence that purges the reaction chamber with inert gas and maintains positive pressure before opening for maintenance. This preliminary preparation removes moisture and N2O5, preventing HNO3 generation even when the chamber is opened to atmospheric air for maintenance access.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
In an ozone generating system which performs intermittent operation, that is, an operation in an ozone generating operation period in which ozone is generated by discharging gas including oxygen at a discharge electrode part and an operation in an ozone generating operation standby period in which ozone is not generated by stopping discharge are alternately repeated, a gas circulating device which circulates gas in the ozone generating apparatus and removes at least nitric acid from the gas which is circulated is connected to the ozone generating apparatus.