The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIR-CSIO), Chandigarh, has designed and developed technology for effective disinfection and sanitisation
CSIR-CSIO has transferred the technology to a Nagpur-based company, for commercialisation and large-scale production. This technology has been found effective at stopping the spread of coronavirus and pathogens, say CSIR-CSIO scientists.
According to a press release, the electrostatic disinfection machine was developed based on the electrostatic principle. It produces a uniform and fine spray droplets of disinfectants in the size range of 10-20 micrometre to kill microorganisms and viruses.
Due to the small size of droplets, the surface area of spray droplets increases thereby enhancing the interaction with harmful microorganisms and coronavirus. The machine uses very less disinfection material as compared to conventional methods, which helps to save natural resources with a negligible increase in chemical waste in the environment.
The team’s senior scientist, Dr Manoj K. Patel, said that charged droplets emitted from the disinfection machine can cover the directly exposed and obscured surfaces uniformly with increased efficiency and efficacy. The disinfectant reaches any hidden areas of the target, the maximum possibility where the virus is. Therefore, it kills or inhibits the growth of pathogens.
The technology transfer agreement was signed by the Director of the private company and Dr Surender Singh Saini, Head, Business Initiatives and Project Planning at CSIR-CSIO, Chandigarh.
The technology transfer event was held through video conferencing between both the parties. Dr Sanjay Kumar, Director, CSIR-CSIO, and other departmental heads were also present during the event.
“We have come up with this innovative concept of electrostatic spraying for disinfection and sanitization of public places especially hospitals, poultry, trains and buses, airports and aeroplanes, offices, classrooms and hotels. It contributes to a healthy lifestyle and healthcare of masses and directly linked to Swatch Bharat Mission of Government of India,” said Director, CSIR-CSIO Chandigarh.
The release noted that various technologies based on electrostatic spraying have been already transferred to industry for different industrial and societal applications such as electrostatic pesticides sprayer and electrostatic dust mitigation and environmental protection device.
OpenGov reported earlier that an institute under CSIR has designed the robotic device, HCARD.
Short for Hospital Care Assistive Robotic Device, the robot can help frontline healthcare workers maintain physical distance from those infected by COVID-19.
HCARD is developed by a Durgapur-based lab, Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI). The device is equipped with various state-of-the-art technologies and works both in automatic as well as manual modes of navigation.
The robot can be controlled and monitored by a nursing booth with a control station having such features as navigation, a drawer activation for providing medicines and food to patients, sample collection and audio-visual communication.
Dr Harish Hirani, Director, CSIR-CMERI stated that HCARD could be effective for frontline healthcare officials dealing with COVID-19 patients in delivering services while maintaining mandatory physical distancing.
Scientists at CMERI have also developed a few other customised technologies, including a disinfection walkway, road sanitiser units, face masks, mechanical ventilators, and hospital waste management facilities.
