A research group (*) at Nagoya University has developed a desktop air curtain device that can inactivate the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.It is said to be the result of medical-engineering fusion technology that utilizes the virus inactivation characteristics of deep-UV LED irradiation for airflow control technology.
Ensuring interpersonal distance is effective in controlling the spread of the new coronavirus.However, in medical practice such as medical examinations, blood sampling, and treatment at hospitals and clinics, it is often difficult to secure a sufficient distance, and reducing the risk of virus exposure between patients and healthcare professionals has become an urgent and important issue. ..
This time, we have developed a desktop air curtain device that creates an air wall (air curtain airflow) that can block aerosol particles contained in exhaled breath even in situations where it is difficult to secure sufficient interpersonal distance.The device uses a novel ejection nozzle equipped with cutting wings that improves the strength of the air curtain airflow (patent pending).
In addition, we have succeeded in developing a novel virus inactivating device that is installed together with this device.This device inactivates the virus by irradiating the air curtain airflow with a deep ultraviolet LED (wavelength 280 nm). An experiment using the SARS-CoV-2 virus was conducted at the Nagoya Medical Center, and the virus was detected at the limit. It was confirmed that it can be inactivated.
With this device, infectious droplets can be shielded by the air curtain airflow, and the airflow itself can be kept virus-free at all times.Moreover, since deep-UV LED irradiation is used to inactivate the virus, no filter is required, and the maintenance interval of the device is as long as 10,000 hours or more, which is equivalent to the life of the LED, enabling long-term continuous operation.
This device is useful not only in medical facilities but also in commercial facilities such as restaurants, business facilities such as offices, conference rooms and receptions, and educational and research facilities such as laboratories and lecture rooms.
(*) In addition, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya Medical Center, Apollo Giken Co., Ltd., Fujipuri Group Co., Ltd., and ID Net Co., Ltd. participated.
Paper information:[AIP Advances] Blocking Effect of Desktop Air Curtain on Aerosols in Exhaled Breath
