COVID-19 is spreading at an unprecedented rate, so it becomes essential to strictly adhere to the personal hygiene standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO) to restrict the pandemic. Durgapur-based Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI), an institution under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has developed a sensor-based contactless soap-cum-water dispensing unit, which can help to avoid coronavirus infection.
The single infrared sensor attached to the dispensing unit gets automatically activated when an object comes close to the unit. Other important design features of this unit include dispensing of both liquid soaps and water from the same outlet 20 seconds apart. The touch-less soap-cum-water dispensing units may find their utility at various locations such as hospitals, shopping malls, banks, stadiums, and sports complexes.
Portability is another unique design feature of this dispensing unit. The water usage is minimal. About 250 ml of liquid soap can be stored as of now, but the storage capacity can be extended up to 1 litre.
“The 20 second timer could be a game-changer, as it ensures that the user is compelled to rub his/her hands for the requisite time span as per Standard Hygiene guidelines. Our technology is evolved based on intensive research and ergonomic demands”, said Prof. Harish Hirani, Director, CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur.
Prof. Hirani stated that, “Owing to multiple contacts throughout the day, our hands are the most vulnerable and potent carriers of any germs and especially COVID-19. Even while washing hands one should follow the WHO guidelines for rubbing and proper washing of hands to ensure comprehensive disinfection of hands.”
CSIR-CMERI has also developed contiguous products such as soaps and hand sanitizers strictly following the WHO guidelines. “CSIR-CMERI as an Institute is focused upon the principle of Maximum Science for Minimum Societal and Ecological Distress”, said Dr. Hirani.
Prof. Harish Hirani delivered one unit of Portable Touch-free Soap-cum-Water Dispensing System and 50 bottles of hand sanitizers to the Chief Terminal Manager, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., Rajbandh, Paschim Burdwan, West Bengal. (India Science Wire)
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