During COVID-19 outbreak, the whole world including Thailand innovators, doctors, and different sectors are mobilizing efforts to innovate and develop various technologies to cope with the current pandemic. In Thailand, Samut Sakhon Province was first to hit by the second wave of COVID-19 outbreak as it is an industrial hub with many migrant workers. On February 15, 2021 there were 15,753 cases of cumulative cases in Thailand, including 13,108 foreign and 2,645 Thai cases.

Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Vice Dean for Research and International Relations, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanapat Wanichanon, Vice Dean for Human Resource Development and Public Relations, Dr. Eakkachai Warinsiriruk, Head of the Department of Industrial Engineering, along with a team of engineers and designers delivered 5 UVC sterilizers to Field Hospital in Samut Sakhon Province. It will be used for the sterilization of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and medical equipment in the hospital, reducing the risks for healthcare professionals and patients. It will provide good hygiene in order to return to normal situation more quickly.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yoschanan Wongsawat, Vice Dean for Human Resource Development and Public Relations, said that the concept behind UVC sterilization incubator is based on the principle of short wavelength light (UVC not exceeding 300 nm), resulting in the destruction of the genetic structure of the bacteria. This incubator meets the needs of the factory personnel and nurses. It is suitable for sterilization of medical equipment, PPE or small general purpose equipment such as buckets, baskets, household appliances, bags, etc.

Dr. Eakkachai Warinsiriruk, Head of the Department of Industrial Engineering, mentioned that the UVC sterilizer is the outcome of product design and development by a 10-people research team who aim to contribute to society through difficult times of COVID-19. In this product, there are two main components: A lightweight aluminum structural profile system and acrylic plastic. The UVC incubator consists of four 36 W UVC bulbs and a set of switch circuits. There can be 2 suits or items at a time in the device (It is recommended to have one at a time so that the radiation will be evenly projected onto the suit).

It has the advantages of having passed the UVC standard test with the robot system to certify the minimum kill at Log Reduction 3 (99.999%), lightweight, easy to transport, and easy to use.

How to use: 1. Open the door of the UVC sterilizer; 2. Put items or dresses that need sterilization into the cabinet; 3. Close the incubator door; 4. Turn on the switch for the lamp to work; 5. The cabinet will do the sterilization in about 30 - 60 seconds (If the cabinet is opened while the lamp is working, the UVC radiation will go off immediately); 6. Open the incubator door. For maintenance, the UVC lamp can be cleaned with a clean dry cloth. And, make sure there are no stains or dirt on the tube. Check the power cord and electrical peripherals all the time to ensure that the system is in good condition and ready to use.

Advice

1. In UVC sterilization, it is necessary to expose the incident radiation to the material surface or direct objects for effective killing. If not possible, change the location and sterilize again;

2. UVC rays are harmful to your eyes. Avoid skin exposure to the radiation;

3. In UVC sterilization, there may be an odor due to the evaporation of the compound material.