Problem with my ozone generator

[vince333]

Hi,

 

So I built an ozone generator using the corona discharge method and it was working fine at first but then I had problems.

 

Heres how I did it:

 

First of all I used a DNF gas tube sign power supply (neon sign transformer model# DF99-10N IN:120VAC 60Hz 0.55A 6kv30mA). I then used a 4" by 6" piece of glass as the insulator in the middle and I used some steel mesh on each side of the glass and attached the leads from the power supply to the pieces of steel mesh (positive to one side and negative to the other). I secured the steel mesh to the glass using silicone.

 

Now, the problem I'm having here is that the glass is heating up like crazy and the steel literally "chooses" a spot on the glass and burns a hole clean through and arcs. It produces ozone and works great for about 3 minutes until it does this. I tried using thicker glass (thick glass baking ware rated for the oven) and it does the exact same thing it just takes a bit longer. The funny thing is that I was using it yesterday with my setup all day and it was fine. I used it in an enclosure to kill the odor on my hockey equipment and it works amazingly! Just have to be careful not to breath much of it. I'll include a diagram of my setup please help!!

ozonegen.bmp

[JamesNBarnes]

Hmm just a guess, but bear in mind that glass becomes conductive at higher temperatures so a small hot spot would quickly become a bigger one and result in the problem you are seeing.

 

Check for any stray mesh or anything that might be causing a hot spot to start.