Design Optimization and Comprehensive Study of Three-Way Cylindrical-Shaped PPE Sterilizer

Abstract

Personal protective equipment (PPE), including surgical masks and N95 respirators, is essential to the protection of all patients and healthcare staff, especially in the event of highly contagious pandemics. While the prevalence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is rising exponentially in the country, healthcare services are already outstripping demand for these needs. The first objective of this research paper is to derive the model of a three-way cylindrical-shaped PPE sterilizer with both dry and wet cleaning techniques for inactivating the SARS-CoV-2, and the single-stranded RNA virus that causes COVID-19, along with other harmful bacteria, fungi, pathogens, microbes, etc. This article incorporates general water cleaning, ultrasonic cleaning (with 25\xa0kHz transducer), and ultraviolet (UV-C, 100–280\xa0nm) germicidal irradiation techniques for sterilization. The second objective is to study the required time and estimated cost of PPE sterilization using the above-mentioned techniques to maximize the sterilization effect on PPE. The outcome of this research will provide assistance to healthcare organizations exploring viable methods to extend their reserves of PPEs. This paper provides more a theoretical but potent strategy for better and complete sterilization. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.