DAV College, Amritsar, research scholar designs two UV sanitisation units

Tribune News Service

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Amritsar, June 3

Working on innovative ideas to combat Covid-19, Dr Vibha Chopra of DAV College, Amritsar, in collaboration with Dr SJ Dhoble of RTM Nagpur University, has successfully designed two UV-based sanitisation units viz. for mobile phone and multipurpose units for daily usage items, including fruits and vegetables.

The work has been filed for patenting. Speaking about the invention, Dr Chopra said, “The UV technology can be used as one of the methods for sanitisation since UV-C light has germicidal properties. The UV technology is a clean method for sanitising. It is cost effective, environment-friendly and leaves no residues like chemical disinfectant methods. Besides, it is a time-saving technique. It will cause no harm to the environment and humans since the devices are fully protected and closed.”

“The devices are economical and can be used at homes, offices and specially hospitals to sanitise daily usage items. The designed units are expected to show 99.9 per cent of germs, fungi, bacteria and virus-killing effectiveness,” she added.

Claiming that the UV-based sanitisation unit can also sanitise eatables and clothes, unlike other chemical-based sanitisers, Dr Chopra said it is safe to use it. “After switching off the UV lamps, the unit will leave no residue like other disinfectants. The device is fully enclosed so it has an advantage that the whole air in the device is subjected to a known UV dose and the disinfection effectiveness can be accurately measured. The presently developed design is the first prototype and can be readily used in hospitals, offices and police stations. Systems with smaller dimensions and further automation are in progress in view of rapid disinfection.” Dr Rajesh Kumar, principal, DAV College, congratulated the inventors of the device.