The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) received a slate of outstanding projects in 2020 and strategic 2021 and gave awards for an “Outstanding Product and Innovation for the ‘New Normal’ during the COVID-19 Crisis.” The UBU-UVC: Smart Germicidal Irradiation Machine was produced by UBU researchers, among many other preventive measures against the outbreak of COVID-19. It was one of eleven products given awards by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI). Adjunct Professor Dr. Anek Laothamatas, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) presided over this event.  Associate Professor Dr. Chawalit Thinvongpituk, Vice President for Research, Innovation and Academic Services and Dr. Anirut Seubsing, a representative of the inventors, received the award and presented the product at the Renaissance Hotel, Bangkok, on December 24th, 2020. 

 

Assistant Professor Dr. Chutinun Prasitpuriprecha, UBU President noted that the UBU-UVC: Smart Germicidal Irradiation Machine and preventive measures against the outbreak of COVID-19 was produced through cooperation between Ubon Ratchathani University (UBU), the UBU Science Park, the Faculty of Engineering, the Business School, traders, and private organizations for to support medical staff. This machine proved highly effective disinfecting bacteria, including the COVID-19 virus.

 

The machine consists of a 320 watt UVC bulb and the “Internet of Things” which is controlled through a smartphone. The machine can be controlled by an on and off switch with a timer controlled by a Bluetooth system. The machine can generate ultraviolet waves of 253.7 nanometers, sufficiently effective for disinfection. This machine can also work in an area the size of 14-25 square meters. The length of time for the disinfection varied based on the distance from the bulb. For example, according to the calculations, the disinfection can be successful in 15-30 minutes at a length of 2-3 meters. 

 

Associate Professor Dr. Chawalit Thinvongpituk also noted that UBU had produced and given the UBU-UVC : Smart Germicidal Irradiation Machine, to hospitals and to other government sectors in Ubon Ratchathani. The following hospitals received the machine: ‎Warinchamrab, Sunpasitthiprasong, Ubonratchathani Cancer and the 50th Anniversary Maha Vajiralongkorn hospitals, as well as Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Hall. Also, UBU would like to continue distributing these machines in the Isan region. The product is very successful in reducing the risk of infection, including the Covid-19 virus. 

 

UBU has founded the Centre of Surveillance for the spread of COVID-19 and the UBU president is the director. The center provides applications for name records (of persons who visited the risk area), Automatic Hand Gel Dispensers, Organizational Quarantine, and laboratories for COVID-19 testing.

 

If any in either the government or private sector would like to receive the UBU-UVC: Smart Germicidal Irradiation Machine, please contact Dr. Anirut Seubsing, Assistant to the Director of the UBU Science Park, via email: anirut.s@ubu.ac.th, Tel: 09-7992-9428

 

English version by: Kanjana Manomai

Original (Thai) version by: Plern Wichaiwong

English revised by: James K. Powell II

Photos by: Plern Wichaiwong