NEWS & EVENTS ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

Vapourised Hydrogen Peroxide Robot to enhance MTR stations and trains disinfection

The MTR Corporation is committed to providing a safe and comfortable environment for passengers, with continuous enhancement by introduction of new technologies and equipment. Recently, the Corporation has deployed a new automated Vapourised Hydrogen Peroxide Robot (VHP Robot) to conduct deep cleaning and decontamination in train compartments and stations, further enhancing hygiene and health protection for passengers and staff under the current epidemic.

The VHP Robot is a co-invention arising from a joint project of MTR and Avalon Biomedical, a Hong Kong biotechnology company. By automatically spraying hydrogen peroxide solution that is atomised to a specific concentration, the VHP Robot ensures that disinfectants penetrate in the small gaps that are difficult to reach during normal cleaning work. In this way, it can eliminate viruses and bacteria, including staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and so on. The effectiveness of the VHP Robot has passed relevant tests and achieved the desired results.

The Vapourised Hydrogen Peroxide Robot

When there is a need to conduct disinfection, the operator can preset the VHP Robot to operate automatically by pre-setting the floor plan of the designated area, or remotely control the robot manually with a mobile device within a distance of 20 metres. In general, it takes about 4 hours to complete the cleaning of an 8-car train in automatic mode.

“We fully understand our passengers’ concerns about hygiene in their travelling environment, especially amid the current COVID-19 outbreak. While MTR has comprehensively strengthened cleaning and disinfection work in the railway network, we have also continued to actively explore feasible enhancements,” said Dr Tony Lee, Operations Director of MTR Corporation.

Operations Director Dr Tony Lee showcases MTR’s new face mask manufacturing facility

The collaboration between MTR and Avalon also includes the introduction of a dedicated surgical face mask manufacturing facility for MTR, which can produce masks that are capable of blocking PM 2.5 particles with nanofibre technology developed by experts of Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Furthermore, MTR and Avalon are also testing the use of air filters made by nano-air filtration technology to further improve the air quality of stations. — Construction+ Online