Coronavirus: IIT Kharagpur develops disinfection tunnel to sanitize campus visitors

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has developed and installed a disinfection tunnel at the campus, to sanitize the visitors.

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has developed a disinfection tunnel to sanitize the visitors to the campus. The tunnel has been installed at the campus entry gate.

The tunnel has been developed by Mihir Sarangi, Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering along with faculty and staff members from various departments. The tunnel will spray atomized disinfectant on the visitors while they pass through the tunnel, a statement from IIT Kharagpur said.

While talking about the process, Professor Sarangi, said that when the visitor passes through the tunnel, the disinfectant solution coming out of a high-pressure air compressor is sprayed on him. If implemented properly, it can be utilized to disinfect articles like clothing and shoes. Since it covers a larger area, it can prove highly effective, unlike liquid disinfectants. 

This technology, however, is a supplement for hand washing or the need to wear face masks in public, the statement said.

While the campus was under lockdown, the product prototype was developed indigenously at the IIT Kharagpur in less than a week's time.

It is now fully operational at the campus and is used by all the people who are entering the campus. The commercial model for the product has been estimated to be available for Rs. 4 Lakh.

Prof. Virendra K Tewari, Director, IIT Kharagpur said, "The campus in the present situation requires automation of hygiene and safety protocols for essential service providers and people staying on campus. Such technologies can be quickly built and employed at any location which has a daily influx of essential service providers. The team has done a commendable job by  building this disinfection system in such a short period."

Read More:

• IIT Mandi researchers develop magnetic RAM for higher storage, faster computation
• COVID-19 Lockdown: IIT-Kharagpur invites students for summer internship