Materials in Lab-Scale Experiments

For the experimenter in the laboratory, not only do materials have to be chosen on the basis of their corrosion-resistance, but also for their effect on ozone decay. Some metals (e. g. silver) or metal seals enhance ozone decay considerably. This can be especially detrimental in drinking water and high purity water (semiconductor) ozone applications, causing contamination of the water as well as additional ozone consumption. Moreover, the latter will cause trouble with a precise balance on the ozone consumption, especially in experiments on micropollutant removal during drinking water ozonation. With view to system cleanliness in laboratory experiments, use of PVC is only advisable in waste water treatment, whereas quartz glass is very appropriate for most laboratory purposes. 

Materials in the whole system must be appropriate, that means reactor and piping for ozone gas as well as for ozonated water must be chosen carefully. For example, the material of the reactor and sampling system, especially the seals, has also to be chosen to avoid not only corrosion from ozone, but adsorption of the compound(s) being studied. It is advisable to let the liquid phase contact only glass and stainless steel. In stirred reactors for example, the stirrer seals (unless the stirrer is a magnetic bar) and all connectors for piping are best placed at the top of the reactor, so that the liquid does not come in contact with them. 

---