Development of Automated Disinfection Chamber for Curtailing Spread of COVID-19

Abstract

Corona virus disease (COVID-19) has claimed more lives in recent times than any other known disease. It is a pandemic that the World is battling. Observation of precautionary measures remains one of the strongest means of curtailing the spread of the disease. These measures include social distancing, use of face mask and personal protective equipment, as well as proper sanitization with recommended disinfectant or sanitiser. This work, therefore, delves into the development of a disinfection chamber for spraying sanitiser liquid to the human body and large surfaces as well as parts infected with the virus via pump-nozzle. The chamber is 7ft tall and is made of wood and aluminium. The electronic part of the disinfection chamber comprises an infrared sensor for detecting the presence of humans in the chamber, PIC16F72 microcontroller which sends a signal to DC pump via the output relay for releasing the sanitiser for five seconds, and power supply unit which provides the required D.C supply to power the circuit. The performance test shows the disinfection chamber is functional and releases the sanitizing liquid for five seconds after which it cuts off to await the entrance of another person. The device is recommended for use in hospitals, campuses, offices, and so on.