* CSIR-Central Scientific Instruments Organisation
(CSIO) transfers the UV Disinfection technology to combat SARS-CoV-2 to
27 indigenous manufacturers.
There
has been increasing evidence for airborne route of transmission of
SARS-CoV-2 via aerosols which is now considered to be important by
international agencies WHO, REHVA, ASHRAE and by health authorities in
several countries. The airborne transmission is a major risk in indoor
settings. Significantly, research carried out by CSIR constituent labs,
Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB) and CSIR-Institute
of Microbial Technology (CSIR-IMTECH) in September 2020 had
demonstrated experimentally that SARS-CoV-2 viral particles could be
detected in air even after 2 hours of exit of infected persons from a
room and at distances much greater than a few meters as well(S C.
Moharir et al.,2020) strengthening evidence of airborne transmission of
the SARS-CoV-2.
Based on these studies and recognizing the need for effective solutions of viral disinfection the challenge
was to develop an effective fail-proof retro-fit device with high
intensities to handle fast airflows to be fitted with minimal
intervention in air-ducts of existing HVAC systems that are widely used
in indoors in industrial and commercial environment. CSIR-CSIO
has developed an UV-C air duct disinfection system. The disinfection
system can be used in auditoriums, large conference rooms, classrooms,
malls etc. which will provide a relatively safer environment for indoor
activities in the current pandemic.
The technology has been developed according to the requirements for
deactivation of SARS COV-2 virus contained in an aerosol with necessary
ventilation measures, necessary safety and user guidelines and tested
Bio-safety standards etc.
UV-C deactivates over 99 % of viruses, bacteria, fungus and other bio -
aerosols etc. with appropriate dosages using 254nm UV light. Use of
UV-C may also help in ameliorating the fungal infections being witnessed
during the current wave of the pandemic.
The CSIR-CSIO developed product is tested for more than 99 %
disinfection and could be used as a retrofit solution to Air Handling
Units (AHUs) of buildings, transport vehicles and other spin off
applications. The UV-C is energy efficient system, improves airflow
through coils, enhances indoor air quality,requires less maintenance,
easy to retrofit with any existing system having AHU ducts, and has low
initial setup cost. The system comes with commercialized standards and
certifications.
Prof. S Anantha Ramakrishna, Director, CSIR-CSIO, added that this
technology developed by the Fabrionics division lead by Dr. Harry Garg is
available now for deployment with wide availability throughout the
country via these companies. Further UV based sanitization products are
being developed by the group for other situations. Installation
of ultra-violet light-based solutions may boost people’s confidence
and facilitate return to work places, public transport and educational
institutions as and when appropriate guidelines for relaxation of
lockdown/curfews are issued.
UV-C Air Duct Disinfection System