Is it normal for a oil fume purifier to have an ozone smell?

1. Causes of Ozone Generation

Most kitchen oil fume purifiers operate using the high-voltage electrostatic principle. A high-voltage current of a specific frequency creates a high-voltage corona electric field, causing an electrochemical reaction in the surrounding oxygen molecules, thereby producing ozone. Therefore, it is normal for a oil fume purifier to have an ozone smell when operating; this is an inevitable result of its purification principle.

2. High-Volume Models: Ozone Release is Normal and Has a Sterilizing Effect

For high-volume oil fume purifiers, the release of ozone during operation is also normal. After ozone is generated by high-voltage static electricity, it also sterilizes the air as the fume is drawn into the purifier. Furthermore, during the disinfection and oxidation process, excess oxygen atoms recombine into molecular oxygen after 30 minutes and are discharged through the flue, further demonstrating that the production of small amounts of ozone is consistent with the device's operating principles.

3. The Double Sides of Ozone

However, ozone is not solely beneficial. Excessive concentrations can pose a health risk. Some customers have reported a strong ozone odor, which warrants special attention. While low concentrations of ozone can have a bacteriostatic and antiviral effect, high concentrations can pose significant risks. Ozone is a strong irritant to the human respiratory tract. In severe cases, it can cause sore throats, coughs, chest tightness, and even bronchitis and emphysema. It can also cause neurotoxicity, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and memory loss. It also destroys vitamin E in the skin, causing dark spots.

4. Installation Recommendations: The Key is the Exhaust Vent Location and Duct Sealing

It is worth noting that low-volume oil fume purifiers produce less ozone, while high-volume oil fume purifiers, due to their high operating intensity, are more likely to produce high concentrations of ozone. Therefore, when installing a oil fume purifier indoors, it is crucial to ensure that the duct connections are sealed to prevent gas leakage. If the restaurant kitchen is confined, the purifier can be installed outdoors. In fact, it does not matter whether the oil fume purifier is installed indoors or outdoors; the key is to ensure that the exhaust vent is located outdoors to avoid ozone poisoning.

5. Synergistic Effects of UV Photolysis Equipment

In addition to being generated during the fume purification process, ozone also has a certain deodorizing effect. If your restaurant has a strong odor from cooking fumes, consider using a UV photolysis deodorization cabinet. UV photolysis oil fume purifiers operate in a more sophisticated manner. They first irradiate the fume with high-energy UV light, altering the molecular structure of the fume particles, converting high-molecular compounds into low-molecular compounds. High-energy UV light and ozone then photooxidize the fume particles, ultimately converting them into water and carbon dioxide, which are then discharged outdoors through pipes.

In summary, a slight ozone odor produced by a oil fume purifier during operation is normal and due to its operating principle. A small amount of ozone can also help eliminate bacteria and odors. However, we must be wary of excessive ozone concentrations. Through proper installation and timely adjustments, or by combining it with UV photolysis deodorization equipment, we can maximize the purification effect of the oil fume purifier while protecting human health.