Marcopolo Next, a division of Marcopolo focused on innovation, presents, in partnership with Aurratech, a company operating in Brazil, South Africa, Spain and the United States, a specific biosafety solution to make public transport safer against viral contamination. Through this partnership, FIP Onboard will be part of the Onboard Biosafety services that will be offered by the manufacturer, being tested in a revolutionary manner by Viação Ouro e Prata, a transportation operator in Rio Grande do Sul.
According to Petras Amaral, Business Head of Marcopolo Next, the FIP Onboard is non-toxic and can be applied quickly in the passenger area, driver’s cabin and even in the luggage compartment, covering 100% of the surfaces. The total application process takes less than 20 minutes and guarantees protection for up to three days. “A fog is dissipated throughout the inside of the bus. In about 10 minutes, the product acts and disinfects, preventing the spread of viruses”, explains the executive. Another difference is that the fog acts without leaving the seats damp, avoiding passenger discomfort, and does not interfere with the operation of internal electronic equipment.
The FIP Onboard technology is an unprecedented and patented process for disinfecting surfaces and environments, using nanoparticles of a biocidal solution. “The application developed along with Aurratech has a formula developed exclusively for buses, with the potential to redefine the biosafety protocols related to sanitation before each trip, which will allow a safe mobility return in interstate, intercity and urban trips”, Petras Amaral concludes.
The first Proofs of Concept demonstrated that FIP Onboard is simple to apply and provides total disinfection. The product is applied after the standard and normal cleaning of the buses, where a fog dissipates in the environment. The action of the sanitizer is immediate in the inactivation of bacteria and viruses, making FIP Onboard an efficient and effective tool to combat COVID-19, allowing the vehicle to be used by passengers a few minutes after its application.
In addition to the great disinfection capacity and the duration of protection offered, the FIP Onboard system has important advantages for operation compared to sprinkler-type systems, as it does not require extra attention from the operators in order to cover all surfaces.
Easy application and efficient disinfection
Through this technological partnership, Marcopolo Next will provide transportation operators with a solution capable of protecting society from various biological agents that are harmful to the health and safety of passengers and drivers, such as the new coronavirus.
In order to serve the largest possible number of clients with this solution, Marcopolo Next is currently defining the final details to offer the solution in the form of application service, through the Marcopolo network of representatives in Brazil and abroad. “We are preparing the equipment for application and have started training our branches´ teams and the Marcopolo and Volare distributor, dealership and representative network in Brazil and abroad“, Petras Amaral adds.
Characteristics of FIP – Fog in Place
– Biocidal solution in a state of “nano particles”, instead of a liquid solution, leaving no moisture;
– It remains in suspension for a long period, providing greater contact time between the biocidal solution and surfaces;
– Higher drop deposition per cm²;
– Biocidal solution contact on 100% of the surfaces, even in hard to reach places;
– Increase in the effectiveness of the disinfection/sanitization process;
– Dramatically reduces water and sanitizing product consumption, reaching a savings of 99% compared to traditional disinfection methods (Ex. Sprinkler);
– Automated process that minimizes human interference (No Touch Disinfection – NTD), reducing the risk of errors and the need for rework;
– Occupational Health and Safety, eliminates direct human contact with chemicals during the application of the biocidal solution.