A HISTORY OF PATENTED METHODS OF OZONE PRODUCTION FROM 1897 TO 1997

There have been over ten thousand (1 0,000) United States Patents granted that are related to the generation of and applications of ozone. Over one hundred of these patents have been granted on novel techniques of ozone generation. Ozone production is predominantly achieved by one of three methods: electrical discharge methods, electrochemical methods, and ultraviolet (W) radiation methods. Electrical discharge methods, which are the most widely used commercial methods, have relatively low efficiencies (2- 10%) and consume large amounts of electricity. The other two methods (electrochemical and W) are less cost effective. We have conducted a search of the United States Patent data base and compiled a summary of each patent granted that qualifies as a technique of ozone generation. Patents related to parts, materials, etc., of ozone generators are not included nor does the review cover the vast field related to the many applications of ozone. The commercial applications of ozone, a strong oxidizing agent, include wastewater treatment, disinfectant and odor removing applications, chemical etching, and bleaching. This ninety-two page document provides an introduction to ozone and its applications and provides a summary of the 112 U. S. Patents issued (1897-1997) on ozone generators