Patcharin Jongjai 2020/04/19 , ( 429 views)
The UBU-UVC: Smart Germicidal Irradiation Machine was created by a UBU research team to help prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus. The first prototype was successfully created through the cooperation of individuals from UBU Science Park, the Faculty of Engineering, the Business School, local entrepreneurs and various private sectors. They mutually had the intense desire to support the operations of medical personnel during this pivotal time of crisis.
On 13 April 2020, Assistant Professor Dr. Chutinun Prasitpuriprecha, President, together with the UBU research team visited Warin Chamrap Hospital to give the machine to Mr. Chalermchai Boonyaleepun, MD, Director of Warin Chamrap Hospital. UBU wants the machine to help kill bacteria and the Covid-19 virus that may be left in the hospital’s laboratories and on their medical equipment. This way, the risk of infection to further community members will be reduced.
Dr. Anirut Suebsing, Assistant Director of Ubon Ratchathani University Science Park reported that the machine contains high technological equipment that can effectively kill bacteria and the Covid-19 virus. Therefore, UBU research team is excited to have developed this machine and to distribute it to locations that may exponentially benefit from it. The individuals that helped successfully create this machine are:
1. Professor Dr. Rapeepan Pitakaso Consultant
2. Assistance Professor Dr. Nantawat Weerayuth Inventor
3. Mr. Chakrit Pongarm Inventor
4. Dr. Anirut Suebsing Inventor
5. Mr. Apisit Siribul Inventor
6. Mr. Thanawat Konchalard Inventor
7. Mr. Theerarat Hiranlai Inventor
8. RS. Robotics Company Supporter for production process,
machine structure and hardware components
9. Porncharoen Woodchip Limited Partnership Supporter for providing UVC
meter used in experiments
It is reported that the machine comprises of 320 watts of UVC lamps and a remote control system that uses Internet of Things(IoT) technology. With this, it can be digitally controlled through a smartphone where Bluetooth can be used to turn the machine on and off. The working hours can also be manually set via the smartphone. Furthermore, the UVC lamps can generate ultraviolet rays with a wavelength of 253.7 nanometers which is a highly effective range to remove small organisms or germs. This wavelength can destroy the DNA and RNA structure of small organisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and various harmful germs, inhibit the propagation of bacteria and viruses, and kill them. Themachine can cover an area of 14 - 25 square meters. The time required for sterilization depends on the distance from the surface of the UVC tube to the surface where the light falls. For example, to sterilize distances within a 2-3 meter radius, it can take about 15-30 minutes.
In addition to the prototype, the team is planning to produce 6 additional machines that will be sent to more public organizations and hospitals within Ubon Ratchathani Province. Then, the team plans to produce more machines for public organizations and hospitals throughout various cities within the Northeast of Thailand.
UBU hugely thanks all individuals involved in this effort to help reduce the risk of infection from the Covid-19 virus.
For more information, please contactDr. Anirut Suebsing, Ubon Ratchathani University Science Park via his mobile number: 097 992 9428 or email: anirut.s@ubu.ac.th
Revised and translated by: Jarinda Boonjan
Original (Thai) version by: Plern Wichaiwong
English revised by: Thaviny Shaipitisiri
Photos by: Plern Wichaiwong