IIT-KGP builds disinfection tunnel for campus visitors in COVID-19 time

Kolkata, Apr 18 () The Indian Institute ofTechnology Kharagpur has set up a disinfection tunnel forsanitizing visitors to the campus during the ongoing lockdowntriggered by the coronavirus outbreak, an official said onSaturday.

The tunnel has been installed at the sole entry pointof the campus for essential services staff such those involvedin cleaning operations and once the lockdown is lifted, it canbe of use to screen visitors until the threat of COVID-19 isgone, he said.

While passing through the tunnel, a visitor is sprayedwith a disinfectant solution coming out of a high-pressure aircompressor.

The system to automate the process of disinfectingvisitors was developed by Prof Mihir Sarangi, AssociateProfessor Mechanical Engineering, along with faculty and staffmembers from various departments.

"The output material is like mist and highly effectiveas it covers a larger surface area unlike liquid disinfectant.Also, it does not need any drainage," Sarangi said,

This mechanism is, however, a supplement for handwashing or the need to wear face masks in public. Hand washstations have been placed just outside the disinfectiontunnel, he said.

The product prototype has been built indigenously atthe IIT Kharagpur in less than a week while the campus isunder lockdown.

The prototype is now fully operational at IITKharagpur and is used for all people entering the campus.

The commercial model for the product has beenestimated to be available for Rs 4 Lakh.

IIT KGP Director Prof Virendra K Tewari said suchtechnologies can be quickly built and employed at any locationwhich has a daily influx of essential service providers.

"Our campus is like a mini township which, in thecurrent situation, requires automation of hygiene and safetyprotocols for essential service providers who are coming outof their homes every day to serve at the campus and also thecampus community who are interacting with these visitors," hesaid.

Tewari said more such innovations to assist Indiasfight against COVID-19 are underway. SUSNN NN