Ozone Generation: Technologies, Markets and Players

Report Highlights

• The global market for ozone technology is estimated at $225.1 million in 2004. Increasing at an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of about 6.3% it is expected to reach $305 million in 2009.
• The possibility of replacing chlorine is attractive for industries seeking to reduce chemical use and/or eliminate the generation of chlorinated wastes.
• Although effective in indoor air purification, air treatment by ozonation is a small market. The EPA discourages consumers from using ozone generators in occupied spaces, and legal action has been taken against some manufacturers making health claims.
• While medical ozone is an emerging field, in the U.S., only one company is

INTRODUCTION

Ozonation is one of a group of “advanced” water treatment technologies known as such for their improved effectiveness against a range of contaminants found in source water, their decreased production of waste, their nonhazardous properties, their diminished demand for chemical additives, and sometimes their lower energy requirements. Ozone’s ability to replace the chemical additive chlorine in water treatment is another major factor in its growing acceptance. Some environmental groups have called for an all-out chlorine ban, an unlikely possibility. But, lower chlorine limits are expected for utilities and industrial plants.

Ozonation of potable supplies, while well established in Europe, recently has found widespread acceptance in the rest of the world, particularly the U.S. The need to meet regulatory standards is the primary issue in selecting potable water treatment for municipal, residential and bottled drinking water. In addition, the technology must be reliable, readily scaleable and cost competitive with existing processes. Although sometimes more costly, ozone provides these features and also offers an alternative to chlorination and the potentially harmful disinfection byproducts (DBPs) that can form in water treated with chlorine. Hazardous, and potentially carcinogenic, DBPs can form in organics-containing surface water treated by chlorination. As freshwater supplies from underground aquifers diminishes, surface waters are being purified for municipal supplies.

This BCC report provides an in-depth analysis of the market for ozone technology across a range of applications including wastewater, potable and process water treatment, swimming pool and spa water disinfection, agriculture, aquaculture, hydroponics, laundry, landfill leachate treatment, groundwater remediation, air and gas purification, odor control, medicine and homeland security.

SCOPE OF STUDY

The report contains:

• An examination of the global market for ozone treatment in three major categories:
  • water/wastewater disinfection/ozonation
  • air purification
  • medicine
• Five-year projections for market activity and value through 2009
• Analysis of technological trends, competitive technologies, pricing considerations, R&D and government regulations
• Company profiles and an examination of the industry’s structure.

METHODOLOGY

A comprehensive literature, patent, and Internet search was undertaken and key industry players were queried. News and current developments in the field are evaluated in BCC Inc.'s monthly newsletter Water Technology News.

Growth rates were calculated based on existing and proposed equipment sales during the forecast period. Consumables used in the processes, replacement membranes, resins, etc., were also taken into account. Values are given in U.S. dollars; forecasts are made in constant U.S. dollars, and average annual growth rates are compounded. Calculations for system sales do not include design or engineering costs.

INFORMATION SOURCES

In addition to data from BCC Inc.'s related monthly newsletters, other information in this report was gleaned from many different sources. SEC filings, annual reports, patent literature, , scientific and industry journals, government reports, census information, conference literature, patent documents, on-line resources, and industry participants have all been researched.

ANALYST'S CREDENTIALS

Susan Hanft has authored numerous technical market reports are in the area of waste treatment for BCC for over 5 years. Ms. Hanft is also the editor of the BCC newsletter Membrane/Separations Technology News. BFA, University of Houston.