Combating Covid-19: CSIR-CSIO Transfers Its UV Disinfection Technology To 27 Indian Manufacturers

The CSIR-Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO) has transferred its UV Disinfection technology to combat Covid-19 to 27 indigenous manufacturers.

There has been increasing evidence for airborne route of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 via aerosols.

The airborne transmission is a major risk in indoor settings. 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 strengthening evidence of airborne transmission of the SARS-CoV-2.

Based on these studies and recognising 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 air-flows 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 per cent of viruses, bacteria, fungus and other bio - aerosols etc. with appropriate dosages using 254 nm 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 per cent 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 an 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 commercialised standards and certifications.