CleanGrip

Technology for surface disinfection with atmospheric plasma

Duration from 1.4.2020 - 31.7.2021, funded by the Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) under funding code (FKZ) 16KN082129.

The use of handrails and handrails is associated with a not inconsiderable risk of infection because their surfaces are touched by a large number of people within a very short time, but permanent and effective disinfection is practically impossible. For this reason, the INP and its partners are developing a solution for the regular automatic disinfection of handrails and railings using atmospheric plasma as part of the project. This is done using a compact, battery-operated disinfection applicator that moves along the handrail and treats the surface with plasma, reliably destroying any germs present. In addition to its effectiveness, even under difficult conditions when the holding bar is dirty, the focus is on reliability and safety aspects for research and development. The unattended operation of the system in potentially direct contact with people poses a challenge here, in addition to aspects such as humidity and temperature fluctuations. By optimizing a dielectrically impeded discharge (DBE) for use in a compact, mobile applicator, the basis for an advanced disinfection solution under these conditions is created. Together with an adapted control and regulation system and a pinch-proof and crush-proof drive concept, the essential components for a plasma applicator are being developed. This should be significantly superior to existing methods for reducing the risk of infection from handrails and handrails.