CSIR-CMERI developed O2 enrichment technology may be effective to treat COVID-19 patients

Unit can safely be placed in isolation wards of hospitals for patients in dire need of oxygen

Dr V R Sirsath, Jt. Director & HOO, MSME DI Raipur disclosed that oxygen enrichment technology developed indigenously by the CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-CMERI), Durgapur may be effective for treating COVID-19 patients. He urged all industries/entrepreneurs to come forward at this crucial juncture and manufacture the device at earliest.

He was making the welcome address at a webinar on  Oxygen Enrichment Technology organised jointly by CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur, in association with MSME-DI, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Government of India on April 25.

The announcement is of significance as hospitals in India are running out of medical grade oxygen during the ongoing second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur, a premier Mechanical Engineering Research Institute of the country under Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt. of India, has reportedly already invited Expression of Interest (EOI) from Indian companies / manufacturing agencies/ MSMEs / start-ups for manufacturing oxygen enrichment units through technology transfer.

Giving more details, Prof (Dr) Harish Hirani, Director, CSIR-CMERI stated that the CSIR-CMERI developed oxygen enrichment unit requires an easily available oil free reciprocating compressor, oxygen grade zeolite sieves and pneumatic components.

This unit can safely be placed in the isolation ward of the hospital for patients who are in dire need of oxygen. He also added that CSIR-CMERI will provide manufacturing guidance to technology transferees as well as information on raw materials sourcing.

Dr Anupam Sinha, Sr Principal Scientist, CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur presented the technical note on the oxygen enrichment unit, which has been transferred to two industries. The unit is capable of delivering medical air in the range of up to 15 LPM with oxygen purity of more than 90 per cent. If required, this unit can even deliver up to 70 LPM at a purity of around 30 per cent.

As per the press note, representatives of local industry associations, along with several others from  industry and entrepreneurs participated in the webinar and interacted with the speakers on the subject.  Quite a few industries have reportedly  shown their interest in CSIR-CMERI developed oxygen enrichment technology and expressed their willingness to start manufacturing with the cooperation of CSIR-CMERI.