IIT Ropar develops trunk that helps in disinfecting food packets, bank notes using UVC light  

Every Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) across the country are developing equipment and new software in their bid to fight the coronavirus pandemic prevailing across the world and in the country.

Now IIT Ropar or IIT-RPR has built a trunk that is helpful in preventing the deadly coronavirus. The team that made this trunk said that they can disinfect everything coming from outside, including food items and banknotes by putting those items inside this trunk. Scientists at IIT Ropar have said that to prevent the deadly coronavirus we must disinfect all the things coming from outside as the highly contagious virus can also enter our homes with luggage and other items.

IIT Ropar scientist Dr. Khushbu Rakha, Dr. Naresh Rakha, and engineer T.S Anand have designed a device in which the material brought from outside can be disinfected by ultraviolet germicidal radiation.

IIT Ropar scientist Dr. Naresh Rakha said that the war against the coronavirus global epidemic cannot be won only by maintaining social distance and not getting out of the house. In the coming days and weeks, it will become very important to be vigilant with everything possible.

In view of this, we have developed a device that looks like a trunk used in our homes. We recommend that it be placed at the threshold or close to the entrance.

He said that there will be many people who will wash vegetables in hot water before use, but this work cannot be done with a banknote or purse. This device takes 30 minutes to make the material infection-free. However, the team of scientists has advised us to leave it for 10 minutes more before taking the stuff out of it.

What is this equipment

To make this device, a daily use trunk is fitted with a UVC lamp and an aluminum sheet is affixed to its inner walls. UVC lamps are usually engaged in water purifiers and are capable of killing viruses. Many scientific reports will be found on the Internet that UVC light can kill viruses on any surface.

How this device works

Vegetables, fruits, grocery items, packet foods, packet juice, milk, etc. can be kept in this device. Personal item things like a purse, currency, belt, watch, and paper can also be kept inside this trunk. The UVC lamp is switched on by putting the items in the trunk and closing it. After thirty minutes the UVC lamp is switched off and then left for 10 minutes. Turn the goods over and repeat the process once more. After that, open the trunk and take out the goods.

UVC light has no effect on food quality. According to the team at IIT Ropar, when the commercial use of this receptacle is started, it will be available at a price of less than Rs 500.

Precaution to take using this device

It is necessary to take care that UVC light does not fall on our eyes and skin, as it can damage your skin. Keep in mind to keep the trunk closed while the UVC lamp is on.