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How a Geelong invention could bring workers back to the office

An exciting local innovation that cleans the air of viruses including Covid-19 has the capacity to encourage more workers to return to offices. Here’s how it works.

Victoria sees an increase in new COVID cases with 7,442 infections

A Geelong innovation that cleans the air of viruses including Covid-19 has the capacity to encourage more workers to return to offices.

The state-of-the-art Katharsis air purification units use a mix of proven and new technologies to trap airborne viruses and contaminants, treat the air and return cycles of refreshed air into a room.

An average office involving 150 cubic metres of air would be completely refreshed every 10 minutes.

The Katharsis units have the capacity to prevent super spreader events by removing and treating any viral load in the room.

Air purification device
Air purification device

Made in Geelong by the C6 Group, the units combine proven technology, including UV irradiation, and a nanotechnology-based catalyst developed in collaboration with Deakin University’s Institute for Frontier Materials.

As the Geelong CBD faces the challenge of getting more office workers to return to workplaces, C6 Group director Wayne Allan said the installation of Katharsis units would offer a higher level of protection and comfort to returning workers.

“The Katharsis machine will provide a clean, clear space for people to work and breathe,” Mr Allan said.

“It will take the thermal plumes of people who breathe out the common cold, Covid-19 and its new Omicron variant, or any form of virus, capture it, clean it and bring back fresh air.

“We believe it is the best air purification system in its class and has the ability to get people back to work.”

Kings Funerals has installed three Katharsis units on the roof of its Newcomb funeral home allowing the venue’s 450 cubic metres of air to be fully refreshed every 10 minutes.

General manager Beth King said Kings Funerals was proud to support a Geelong company offering an improved level of protection against viruses such as Covid-19.

“We want to do all that we can to provide a safe environment for people attending our services,” Ms King said.

The C6 Group is keen to work with other Geelong organisations to assist in their Covid-19 recoveries with the Katharsis units particularly relevant to hospitality, accommodation, education and aged care venues.

Originally published as How a Geelong invention could bring workers back to the office

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Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/news/geelong/how-a-geelong-invention-could-bring-workers-back-to-the-office/news-story/e5840ff81d8c393c7ec9a85aa1c2dffe