Business

Lisburn firm says new air system can eliminate Covid-19 from buildings within minutes

Philip Dowds, managing director of OKTO Technologies with the new air system.
Philip Dowds, managing director of OKTO Technologies with the new air system.

A LISBURN firm has announced an artificial intelligence (AI) air filtration system it claims can remove coronavirus from buildings within 10 minutes.

Smart building specialists, OKTO Technologies, said testing of its disinfecting system eliminated 99.98 per cent of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes Covid-19), within ten minutes, with 100 per cent removal secured in 45 minutes.

The system is based on technology developed by the US military to defend against chemical and biological attack.

OKTO said it is the only company in the UK and Ireland certified to design, develop, and implement the AirWorks DFS system.

The system has been in the works for 18 months, but has been fast-tracked in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Lisburn firm has launched a new division, OKTOair to promote the technology, claiming it could revolutionise building management systems and prove invaluable for hotels, businesses and homes.

OKTOair said its executives are in the final stages of negotiations with several of the world’s leading investment banks to integrate the new system into their London offices.

They are also finalising designs for its integration into some of London’s exclusive new ‘super-prime’ residential and hotel developments.

OKTO’s managing director, Philip Dowds said central to the technology is an intuitive air management system which continuously monitors, contrasts, and manages indoor air quality, temperature, and humidity.

“The launch has been fast-tracked because of COVID-19. Never has the public need been more focused on feeling safe and protected in the home or work environment,” he said.

“OKTOair elevates our smart buildings technologies ethos to a new level by creating living spaces which enable occupiers to thrive and flourish.

“In the midst of the most densely populated and polluted city centres, where property prices are at a premium, our solutions offer optimum control, comfort, health, wellbeing and ultimately, peace of mind.”