New device helps make masks reusable

Writer: Han Ximin  |  Editor: Stephanie Yang  |  From: Shenzhen Daily 

A low-cost mask-disinfection device the size of a microwave oven and compact enough to be kept on a tabletop was developed by a research team at Southern University of Science and Technology.

The device could help make face masks reusable as demand for the item remains high amid the novel coronavirus outbreak prevention and control period.

It could also reduce the risk of contamination when used masks are discarded in public areas.

The device can disinfect masks of bacteria and viruses in three minutes through infrared and ultraviolet fluorescent lamps without causing damage to the gear.

According to Cheng Xin, professor with material science and engineering department of SUSTech, one device can handle about 400 masks a day.

Chen and his team completed the design and assembly of the sample ovens within a week before applying to patent the designs. The team cooperated with third-party testing agencies to pass assessment and accreditation. The first batch of products will be put into use at factories, schools and hospitals.

The team also cooperated with the Shenzhen No. 3 People’s Hospital to test its effectiveness. Besides mask disinfection, the product can also be used to disinfect goggles, towels, cups and glasses as well as provide protection for the elderly, babies and children who are vulnerable to seasonal diseases. It can also be used in households, offices, kindergartens and nursing rooms.

In another development, 600,000 pieces of condensation-dispersing alcohol wipes in 10,000 boxes developed by a team headed by Professor Sun Dazhi with SUSTech arrived at Wuhan, Hubei to support doctors at the front line of COVID-19 prevention and control.

The wipes prevent goggles from getting fogged over by perspiration and humidity. After using the special wipes, the glasses can be kept free of condensation for at least one day, saving medical employees time spent cleaning head gear.

Three types of robots — AIMBOT for indoor temperature checks, ATRIS for outdoor quarantine and disinfections and Cruzr for medical inquires and guidance – were used at the Shenzhen No. 3 People’s Hospital. Statistics by the developer UBTECH showed AIMBOT and ATRIS can check body temperatures from the distance of 2.5-3.5 meters. The accuracy is within ≤±0.3℃, meeting the national requirements for epidemic-use temperature check devices.

They can obtain the temperatures of up to 15 people simultaneously. They can also take photos while conducting temperature checks and reliably detect people with high temperatures.