In the development laboratory of the historic Riou Glass site in Boulleville (Eure), engineer Patrice Henry designs innovative products. It was he who tested and validated the idea that Pierre Riou, president of the group, had at the start of confinement: increase the power of the heating glasses manufactured by the company so that they reach 70 degrees. “I even went up to 200 degrees to test the glass! But only at 70 °, it is certain that the virus is dead. The infectious potential is zero. "
Train windows, shop counters, partitions…
Settled in the Pont-Audemer region as a simple craftsman in the 1970s, the voluble entrepreneur Pierre Riou is today at the head of a group employing more than 1,000 people in France. "For this anti Covid-19 glass, I was inspired by the heat disinfection protocol implemented in certain hospitals, such as that of Lille in the North," explains this son of farmers. "French industry has its role to play in this crisis, and it must be brought back to France", also analyzes the man who says he is proud to have never relocated any of its 15 production sites.
Simple glass plates covered with a thin metallic layer invisible to the naked eye, the protective screens he imagined are provided with electrodes to pass current. It takes about fifteen minutes to reach 70 ° and neutralize the virus. The protective plate can be started by actuating a switch or automatically, depending on the user's settings.
"Infinitely reusable glasses"
Protective partition in Ehpad, train windows, store counters ... the company manager and his team imagine all kinds of uses for this surface which it is no longer necessary to disinfect regularly once it is heated. For an individual who wishes to equip himself, the purchase of this heating glass is estimated by the company at between 300 and 350 euros per square meter. More expensive than a protective plexiglass screen, for example.
“But glass is a noble material, robust, easy to maintain and durable, argues Charlie Godefroy, in charge of corporate communications. Plexiglas, on the other hand, tends to micro-scratch over time, which is not the case with glass. No one knows if this kind of situation will happen again in the future and the protective glasses can be reused endlessly! "
Production is expected to start soon. The entrepreneur says he is ready to tailor-make for small businesses in the region who place orders.