UPES partners with GoI to combat COVID-19

UPES has collaborated with Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, on  a policy document to fight against COVID-19. The research team at UPES has proposed an innovative idea for sterilization of public places with ozone Micro-Nano- Bubbles

Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, has developed a policy document on ‘Scientific Social Responsibility’ to fight against COVID-19. UPES, a partner of this national-level government initiative, finds mention in the exhaustive document report developed by DST. The report, which will be distributed globally,  documents the science and technology initiatives of India to fight against COVID-19.

University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) has proposed an innovative idea for sterilization of public places using ozone Micro Nano Bubbles (MNBs). The research team at UPES, comprising Dr. J.K. Pandey and Mr. P.S. Sairam, are working towards the possibility of designing a model customized to suit the needs of householders and for sanitization of public places such as hospitals, transport system and the like.

Dr. J.K. Pandey, Associate Dean, R&D at UPES, states that in unprecedented times such as this, researchers across the university are coming up with innovative ideas to do their bit in fighting the pandemic. He further adds, “COVID-19 crisis, that started around health, quickly became an economic and social crisis, wherein the rate of impact and recovery is diverse in nature, severely affecting all aspects of human life. Researchers at UPES are working together to address the pandemic through multi-disciplinary innovative projects, many of them led by our students. UPES researchers are supporting the national drive to develop sustainable solutions to fight COVID 19.”

About the Project

Ozone Micro-Nano-Bubbles (MNBs).O3 makes a potent disinfectant with its strong oxidation ability and absence of harmful residue after treatment. This technique has been found effective against bacterial contamination. UPES is working towards the possibility of designing a prototype that could be customized to household level and for public spaces such as hospitals, transport system, etc.

Apart from Dr. J.K. Pandey’s project that has been picked up by DST, several other research ideas are incubating at UPES that include Fabric Helmet with ventilation to be used as Personal Protective Equipment, indigenously-made hand sanitizers with the material available at home, and face masks. Additionally, projects that evaluate how teaching-learning process will change post COVID scenario. are also underway at the university.