Virus research in BINDER chambers

The German government has found a way how to deal with the shortage of face masks. By the use of BINDER drying chambers, doctors and hospitals can disinfect face masks within half an hour at 65 or 70 Celsius degrees. Like this, the FFP 2 and FFP 3 masks can be used up to three times. Half masks can be used even several times. This will really help all the people who work in the health sector. In this way, their health will no longer be in danger thanks to the BINDER drying chambers.

It is super easy and will keep you healthy.

Read the official statement by the German government which recommends the decontamination of face masks with drying chambers.

German government recommends use of drying chambers to combat shortage of face masks

As the coronavirus pandemic continues, the number of people infected is growing but the supply of face masks is proving increasingly scarce. In response, the German government has recommended disinfecting and then drying face masks so that they can then be reused. The Ortenau-Klinikum hospital group in the city of Offenburg has already achieved good results through this practice – with BINDER GmbH drying chambers providing the key to its success.

The German government’s pragmatic solution to the shortage of protective equipment in its health care system is being put into practice with drying chambers made by BINDER in Tuttlingen. Federal Minister of Health Jens Spahn has expressed his hope that this remedy will help protect those at the front line in the fight against COVID-19. “Protecting workers in the health service and care sector is our utmost priority. We are delighted to have identified a reliable solution to supply chain issues in this case by acting swiftly and proactively,” said Spahn in a government press release.

The Federal Ministry of Health is now recommending the use of protective face masks with a filter function (FFP2 and FFP3) up to three times. The new method involves personalizing the masks as appropriate, collecting them in an orderly manner, and properly decontaminating them through the application of heat. Drying chambers are able to perform this final stage without reducing the level of protection.

The Federal Ministry of Health suggests exposing masks to dry heat of 65 to 70 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes, as this will deactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus and thus decontaminate the masks. “This measure has the potential to be used nationwide,” stated the press release, adding: “The decontamination process will eliminate pathogens including coronaviruses.” Importantly, however, the masks being decontaminated must have CE marking as only then will their materials and structure be guaranteed to withstand the process.

Research conducted by the Federal Ministry of Health indicates that face masks designed to cover the mouth and nose can also be reused if they have been properly reprocessed at 65 to 70 degrees Celsius. Operating theaters are the only places where protective gear cannot be reused; the process is suitable for equipment being worn during everyday hospital duties.

The Ortenau-Klinikum in Offenburg has deployed a BINDER drying chamber to combat its shortage of full and half masks supplied by Dräger and Auer. It dries them in the chamber at 45 degrees Celsius for 45 minutes. This follows a disinfection process using a special TopClean M mask washing machine and Sekumatic FDR disinfectant from Ecolab.

BINDER GmbH CEO Peter Michael Binder has stated that the company is ready for action following the Federal Ministry of Health’s recommendation: “We’re working at full production capacity. Hospitals can rely on the drying chambers we provide, and we will do everything we can to support people through the coronavirus crisis.”

>> View BINDER drying and heating chambers.

Drying chambers to lend a helping hand

Benefits

Best energy efficiency on the market
Excellent temporal and spatial temperature accuracy
USB connection for recording data
Temperature range up to 300 °C

Important characteristics

Temperature range: ambient temperature plus 10 °C to 300 °C
High temperature accuracy thanks to APT.line™ technology
Forced convection
Controller with LCD display
Electromechanical control of the exhaust air flap
2 chrome-plated racks
Units up to 115 L are stackable
Class 2 independent temperature safety device (DIN 12880) with visual temperature alarm
Ergonomic handle design
USB port for recording data

Virus samples can be safely stored in Ultra low temperature freezers at temperatures as low as - 80°C or dangerous infections of human cells can be simulated in CO2 - incubators.

Special features of our ULT Freezers

Lowest energy consumption in its class
Environmentally-friendly refrigerants R-290 and R-170
Range of temperature controller: -90 °C to -40 °C
Efficient thermal insulation with vacuum insulation panels
Rust-proof interior made completely of stainless steel

Special features of our CO2 Incubators

Seamless, deep-drawn inner stainless steel chamber
Auto-sterilization with hot air at 180 °C
Hot-air sterilizable CO₂ sensor with infrared technology
Double-pan humidification system with condensation protection
Internal data recording and USB interface

BINDER fights COVID-19: Breakthrough with face masks

BINDER Drying Chambers are the solution

German government recommends use of drying chambers to combat shortage of face masks

Drying chambers to lend a helping hand

BINDER fights COVID-19

Cool down to - 80 °C

Optimum cell growth

Prevent a shortage of face masks

Virus samples can be safely stored in Ultra low temperature freezers at temperatures as low as - 80°C or dangerous infections of human cells can be simulated in CO2 - incubators.

Do not hesitate and ask us how our chambers can help you in your important work. We will be pleased to advise you which chambers meet your requirements.