Kromek’s system to test airborne Covid to be piloted at North East airport

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A new system to detect coronavirus in the air is being trialled at a North East airport after being developed by a company in the region.

Radiation tech specialist Kromek announced at the start of the year that it was developing a new system that can detect Covid-19 in the air after receiving major Government funding.

The £1.25m from Innovate UK funded Kromek’s work to adapt its current technology so that it can automatically detect all airborne viruses, including coronavirus, to help improve the Government’s track and trace efforts.

The tech, which can trace levels of Covid-19 within 30 minutes, could be used in shops, lobbies and other busy public places – and it is set to be tested at Teesside International Airport.

The biological threat detection system works by drawing large volumes of air – 400 litres per minute – and analyses the biological content, which it then tests to detect the presence of coronavirus.

The developers said that by sensing virus particles before individuals show symptoms, it can reduce exposure to the disease and limit the spread of localised outbreaks.

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Kromek chief executive Dr Arnab Basu said he was “proud” the technology was being tested at Teesside International Airport.

He said: “The device we are trialling is the only technology of its kind which can autonomously detect the presence of Covid-19 from huge areas.

“The technology has the capacity to deliver near-real time monitoring of the presence and prevalence of the virus, enabling a return to normal life.”

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said: “Kromek is a ground-breaking company that has adapted what it does best to develop this system in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We’re delighted Teesside is not just one of the first airports, but one of the first buildings, to be trialling this new detector, which could be a real game-changer.”

Last week, Kromek announced that it had been awarded a $6m contract from a branch of the US Department of Defense to develop biological threat detection systems.

The award followed from earlier work with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). In total, the contract will be worth around $13m.