Does an Electrostatic Precipitator generates ozone during operation

Does an oil fume purifier generate ozone during operation?

1. Core Conclusion

Most commercial oil fume purifiers inevitably produce ozone while running. Only purely mechanical filter types barely generate ozone.

(1) High-Voltage Electrostatic Purifiers (Mainstream Product)

These units rely on high-voltage corona discharge to ionize air. Oxygen molecules split and recombine to form ozone during ionization

Qualified two-stage electrostatic equipment: Ozone emission ≤0.03~0.1mg/m³, complying with national standard GB 18483-2001 (1-hour average limit: ≤0.1mg/m³). Only a faint slight odor can be detected.

Low-quality or poorly maintained units: Grease buildup on plates causes sparking and abnormal discharge. Excessively high voltage leads to severe ozone over-limit. A pungent, irritating ozone smell fills the kitchen, triggering respiratory irritation, chest tightness and nausea

(2) UV Photolysis / Photocatalytic Composite Purifiers (Odor Removal Models)

185nm short-wave UV rays decompose oxygen heavily, producing roughly twice as much ozone as standalone electrostatic equipment. 254nm germicidal UV lamps generate almost no ozone

(3) Pure Mechanical Filtration (Multi-layer stainless steel mesh, activated carbon)

No high-voltage ionization or UV lamps are equipped. Ozone generation is nearly zero during operation, though its oil fume removal efficiency is relatively low.

2. Common Causes of Excessive Ozone

Infrequent cell cleaning; grease deposits trigger localized sparking and abnormal discharge.

Excessively high voltage setting of the high-voltage power supply.

Aging UV lamps or low-quality uncoated short-wave tubes.

Insufficient air volume in the duct system, causing ozone accumulation inside the unit.

3. Practical Solutions to Reduce or Eliminate Ozone

Clean electrostatic cells regularly (every 2–3 months) to eliminate sparking caused by grease buildup.

Select equipment equipped with intelligent voltage regulation two-stage electrostatic cells + activated carbon / ozone catalytic decomposition modules, which decompose ozone at the exhaust end.

Minimize the use of 185nm UV lamps; retain only 254nm germicidal lamps.

Ensure unobstructed kitchen exhaust ventilation to prevent ozone buildup indoors.

Install an activated carbon adsorption box at the exhaust outlet to absorb residual ozone.  

DR. AIRE Electrostatic Precipiotator comes with UL listed, CE, RoHS, ASHRAE 52.2-2017 certificates. We help our clients/agents all over the world to set up business! Contact us for free quote now!

If you have same problem,  please contact DR. AIRE Electrostatic Filter Manufacturer!