Simulation of disinfection chamber at launching in ITS Robotics Center

ITS Campus, ITS News – Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) seeks and actively participates in the prevention and handling COVID-19 viruses through research and innovation activities. This time, ITS cooperates with Airlangga University Hospital (RSUA) in creating three innovative tools namely Disinfection Chamber, Portable Hospital (PORTAHOS), and Portable Isolation Room which was officially launched at ITS Robotics Center, Monday (23/3).

These tools will be operated as a cooperation effort in various parties, so it is expected that the COVID-19 pandemic can be solved immediately. Also present at this event, Vice-Rector IV ITS Bambang Pramujati ST MScEng Ph.D., director of research and community service (DRPM) ITS Agus Muhamad Hatta ST MSi Ph.D., Manager of research and development of RSUA Dr. Anggraini Dwi Sensusiati dr SpRad (K), and other representatives of ITS.

Vice-Rector IV’s Bambang Pramujiati ST MScEng Ph.D. while explaining to the media

Bambang explained disinfection is generally done on a surface of an object or room. As for human use, It is very necessary to pay attention to safety requirements. “The level of disinfectant dose and the length of exposure to the human body must be observed,” he said.

The disinfection chamber which is launched by ITS

Also, Bambang continued, there is a need for protection from exposure to the eye and respiratory tract (nose and mouth). Disinfection Chamber has three methods, namely spray method, ozone method, and fogging method like a sauna.

Bambang also explained that in the spray method, they used the most harmless liquid and does not cause irritation. The fluid itself is examined by the chemists from ITS. Furthermore, for its ozone method, ITS got assistance from RSUA to decide the level of ozone that can be used and how long the person can be in the chamber. The third method itself is fogging, similar to a sauna so that people who entering the chamber will not be wet and can be activated with ultrasonics.

Ozone Type Disinfection chamber

This disinfection chamber will also be equipped with additional technology in the form of human thermal imaging that can detect body temperature. This temperature detector tool will use sensors so when someone is entering the chamber, their temperature will be automatically checked. “For example, with twenty seconds in the room, we can know what the temperature of the body,” said this lecturer of Department of Mechanical Engineering.

However, this temperature detection tool is not available yet because ITS and RSUA have to prepare the disinfection chamber carefully. “There is human thermal imaging that can detect a person’s temperature, but it is only an additional features” explained the lecturer who born Yogyakarta.

Design of the Disinfection Chamber by ITS

In addition to the disinfection chamber, ITS and RSUA also developed the Portable Hospital (PORTAHOS). PORTAHOS itself is shaped like a tent, the design is inspired by the art of paper folding that has the flexibility, as well as the durability created due to the interlocking and supporting each other.

This concept suits for a portable building character that is practical in its operation (plug-loading-carry-on). PORTAHOS is made to anticipate when the number of patients affected by coronaviruses exceeds the hospital capacity.

Design of Portable Hospital from ITS

Design of PORTAHOS entrusted to the lecturer of Department of Interior Design ITS, Djoko Kuswanto ST MBiotech, head of Integrated Digital Design laboratory in Department of Industrial Product Design, who also attended the meeting explained that the party is surveying to know the existing condition of RSUA. “To validate the needs, our friends come to RSUA and see the real conditions there,” said Djoko.

The third tool is an isolation portable room. Similar to PORTAHOS, this portable isolation room emphasizes efficiency and effectiveness in receiving patients affected by Coronaviruses and the effort to conduct quarantine. This type of isolation room has been regulared by the technical guidelines of insulation chamber, Directorate of Medical Support Service, and health facility year 2015.

Design of Portable Isolation Room From ITS

The isolation chamber meets fast, easy, and low-cost criteria and follows the technical guidelines of the isolation chamber. This isolation chamber is based on a 20-foot container module structure. This portable isolation chamber will later be developed with the technical aspects of exterior and interior, and technical aspects of infrastructure (HEPA filter, Antheroom, AC, Exhaust fan, and lighting). Not from containers, this portable isolation room can also be a tent.

ITS and RSUA claim that the needs in the field are very large and extraordinary, so such tools are very precarious to be produced. In handling this Corona case, RSUA gained approximately 1,000 patients with limited supplies. “We also prioritize protection for medical personnel,” said Anggraini.

Anggraini also explained that since the beginning, ITS and RSUA already inform each other the needs of what is desired. Both of them welcomed this progressive step taken. “Something that is developed together will be amazingly good. Contributions to this nation must be from all parties, we really need the support of these tools, “she concluded.

In addition to these three tools, ITS also has been producing face shields on a national scale with a target of 270,000 pieces and also hand sanitizer which will be distributed for free. (jev/rev/ITS Public Relations)