This invention relates to a unique apparatus and method for promoting the efficient
use of gases dissolved in a liquid by limiting the amount of off-gassing or evaporation
from the liquid. The apparatus and method is a distribution/retention plate, shown
in a preferred embodiment as installed in a portable food washing system. The food
washing system is a portable unit having a treatment chamber with an access door
for the placement of food products on a loading plate. A food product is placed
in the chamber and sprayed with ozonated water containing diffuse concentrations
of ozone which reacts with and destroys organic contaminants on the food product.
The apparatus of the present invention is a distribution/retention plate located
at the bottom of the treatment chamber. The distribution/retention plate divides
the treatment chamber from a reservoir and controls the rate of ozone off-gassing
from the reservoir, thereby maximizing ozone concentration in the water in the
reservoir. In alternative embodiments, the distribution/retention plate of the
present invention is utilized in automatic ice-making systems, a cooling tower,
a commercial conveyor-driven perishable food washing system, and a process water
treatment system. By reducing the amount of ozone and water that is necessary to
achieve the desired results, the apparatus of the present invention enables the
same types and quantities of materials to be treated as other ozone-treatment systems,
but at a lower cost and physical size.
