Osaka University confirms effectiveness of Daikin technology against COVID-19 variants

Daikin Industries, Ltd., parent company of Daikin Middle East and Africa, in collaboration with Osaka University’s Research Institute for Microbial Diseases have tested and confirmed the effectiveness of the Flash Streamer technology against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants.

The technology inactivates COVID-19 variants more than 99.9% against the Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Omicron variants, and 99.8% against the Delta variant after four hours of exposure to Streamer discharge when compared to without Streamer.

Daikin’s unique air purification Flash Streamer technology was developed in 2004 and since then Daikin has conducted tests on its effectiveness with many public research institutes around the world. Following these tests, it has been confirmed that the Flash Streamer technology inactivates over 60 types of harmful substances, such as bacteria, allergens, and viruses, including the influenza virus, RSV and murine noroviruses.

In July 2020, the inactivation effect against the SARS-CoV-2 strain isolated in the early stages of the pandemic had also been confirmed. This means the Flash Streamer technology can be used to improve indoor air quality when the air is contaminated with these respiratory viruses.

As a specialist in indoor air quality management, Daikin sees it as its mission to create comfortable and sustainable interior environments. Daikin not only develops new technologies, but also continuously verifies the effectiveness of its technologies and their importance for solving societal challenges such as the current pandemic.

Takashi Namikawa, Senior Engineer of Daikin’s Technology and Innovation Center for this project, says: “I am delighted that Daikin’s unique air purification Flash Streamer technology, has been proven effective in inactivating coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) variants, including the Omicron variant. It shows that the Flash Streamer technology has the potential to be applied to solve societal issues further improving the quality of indoor air in schools or offices. This is very significant study for Daikin and for society.”