Ulster University has developed the Ilimex UV-C Air Steriliser, in collaboration with Ilimex, which aims to transform how we live and work during the current pandemic and beyond.
The air steriliser, which completed a second phase of testing at Ulster University this month, has been proven to kill viruses and bacteria, as well as improving air quality in the environment in which it is installed.
The team from Ulster University's School of Engineering were responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of the technology, implementing extensive testing, and refining the product for market, with support from our colleagues in Biomedical Sciences, led by Dr Patrick Dunlop.
Air sterilisation is now a major area of focus, following studies that suggest it is now the dominant method of transmission of virus causing Covid-19.
This new product uses a combination of sterilisation technologies to continuously eliminate 99.9999% of airborne pathogens on their first pass through the unit.
The device also removes dangerous pollutants from the environment in which it is situated, including Volatile Organic Compounds, formaldehydes, benzene, nitrogen dioxide, mould spores, smoke and particulate matter. This means it has far-reaching benefits beyond the pandemic.
The Ilimex project has secured £1m of funding and the team has engaged with the NI Executive as it sets to launch the product, helping to support the economy and a return to everyday life for people living through the pandemic.