A new dimension in water recycling

Creating good-tasting, safe, clear water through the power of ozone

Ozone utilization technology

Ozone generators that sterilize water using ozone instead of chlorine

Problems with water treatment

  • Water pumped from water sources and wastewater contain substances that cannot be sterilized using chlorine or other additives.
  • Some local governments are struggling with the issue of moldy-smelling drinking water due to the deteriorating quality of the water originating from rivers and lakes.
  • Chlorine itself generates hazardous substances such as trihalomethanes (the cause of chlorine's characteristic odor)

Ozone (O3) is a gas comprised of three oxygen atoms and has stronger sterilization and oxidation capabilities than chlorine. Moreover, as it simply changes back to oxygen if left alone, ozone is known for having minimal environmental impact related to the generation of harmful chemical compounds or lingering in the atmosphere. In addition to being utilized as a sterilizing agent that works instantly on bacteria and mold, ozone breaks down those substances that cause odor and discoloration. It is therefore also effective for deodorization and bleaching. Mitsubishi Electric's ozone generators utilize ozone in water treatment to provide water that is safer, more trustworthy, and better tasting than water from conventional methods utilizing chlorine or other treatments.

  • photo: Ozone generator

    Ozone generator

  • diagram: Ozone generation and its effects

Use for water and sewer services

Over the past 50 years, Mitsubishi Electric has delivered over 1,800 ozone generators, primarily for Japan's water and sewer industry. Facilities that have introduced ozone generators utilize ozone treatment together with treatments that incorporate active carbon in order to eliminate odors in the water supply and sewage, and increase safety.
Through the popularization of this technology, Mitsubishi Electric is helping to provide the world with water that is safe, provides peace of mind, and tastes good.

  • photo: Ozone generator delivered to the Murano Water Purification Plant in Osaka

    Ozone generator delivered to the Murano Water Purification Plant in Osaka

  • photo: Ozone generator delivered

    Ozone generator delivered

Use at aquariums

Inspired by the desire to utilize ozone treatment technologies that have supported the water infrastructure—a vital part of society—for many years, Mitsubishi Electric began searching for new applications in a broader range of fields.

One example is utilization at aquariums. In 2009, we delivered an ozone generator to Toba Aquarium in Mie Prefecture to be used for cleaning the water of their African manatee tank. Manatees consume large quantities of food, and therefore the water in their tanks becomes dirty instantly if left uncared for. If this happens, not only does it result in poor visibility of the manatees, but it may also affect their state of health. That is why it was decided to utilize ozone to maintain the transparency of tank water rather than chemicals. This makes it possible to ensure people can see inside the tank, while showing consideration for the health of the manatees.

Use at pharmaceutical and chemical plants, etc.

photo: Use at pharmaceutical and chemical plants, etc.

Ozone generators are being actively utilized in industrial fields as well. For example, they are contributing to the decomposition of harmful substances such as cyan and phenol, improving water quality and assisting with color removal in wastewater treatment processes at pharmaceutical and chemical plants. Ozone generators are also being utilized in the food industry for cleaning food materials and containers.