Kerala student develops device to dispose face masks

An engineering student in Kerala has developed a device to dispose of used face masks, which uses ultra-violet rays to disinfect and burn the mask. The machine is designed keeping in mind the user's safety.

Kollam (Kerala): As the country continues to reel under the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for proper disposal of used face masks and other medical accessories has become a primary concern among the people.

The coronavirus situation in Kerala is fluctuating but remains grave with more cases reported every day. While most of them contracted the disease through contact, not much is known about other ways the infection spreads.

Though several countries across the world are racing to develop a vaccine, the best prevention method is maintaining physical distance and hand hygiene.

As a contribution towards medical waste reduction and disposal, a second-year engineering student at Koonambayikkulam Engineering College in Kollam district has developed an automatic ‘Virus Incinerator Bin’ that uses ultraviolet disinfection technology to dispose of used face masks.

A B Anandu's Virus Incinerator Bin is contactless and allows the user to drop the used mask and sanitise his hands without actually touching the device.

The masks get collected in a chamber before they are automatically shifted to an electric incinerator that burns them into ashes.

The machine operates on solar energy and can easily be installed at public places, said M Abhijith, an Assistant Professor with Anandu’s College.

A mobile application called Vibin Connect has also been developed along with the incinerator, that facilitates tracking and monitoring of the number of masks deposited in the incinerator installed at different locations.

Besides, the incinerator bin operation guidelines can be read by the user on the display screen inbuilt in the application.

The machine uses ultra-violet rays to disinfect the used masks and it is designed keeping in mind the safety of the user.

Once the Virus Incinerator Bin gets an official nod, it will make its way to COVID-19 centres in the state.