Why do ventilation strategies matter in controlling infectious airborne particles? A comprehensive numerical analysis in isolation ward
Building and Environment
; 231, 2023.
Article
in English
| Scopus | ID: covidwho-2236106
ABSTRACT
A proper ventilation strategy in an isolation ward could promote better indoor air quality for the occupants. This could also reduce the risk of immunocompromised patients contracting healthcare-associated infections (HAI) or airborne diseases such as COVID-19, tuberculosis, and measles among others. This study aims to propose and examine appropriate ventilation strategies in a single-patient isolation ward that can reduce particle settlement in patients. A simplified CFD model of the isolation ward was developed and well-validated against established data. An RNG k-ε model and discrete phase model (DPM) were used to simulate airflow and particle transportation. The study examined the airflow and particle dispersion under a baseline case and four proposed ventilation strategies. Results showed that the baseline case study, which used the ceiling-mounted air curtain was insufficient to prevent the particles from dispersing into the vicinity of the patient. Likewise, the dilution effect under the baseline case and case 4 (wall-mounted air supply diffuser) were relatively weak due to the low air change rate (ACH) of 4/hr and 9/hr respectively. The ventilation strategy in case 4 has a negligible effect on reducing the particles (14%) settling on the patient although the ACH in case 4 was 2-times the baseline case. The present finding ascertains that utilising the combination of ceiling-mounted air diffuser and air curtain jet (case 3) results in zero particle settlement on both patient's and the patient's bed. It also reduced 57% of particles in the vicinity of the medical staff's breathing zone compared to the baseline case. © 2023 Elsevier Ltd
Healthcare-associated infection; Isolation ward; Particle dispersion; Turbulent airflow; Ventilation strategy; Air curtains; Air quality; Dispersions; Health care; Indoor air pollution; Quality control; Ventilation; Air changes; Airborne particle; Ceiling-mounted; Indoor air quality; Particle settlement; Air
Full text:
Available
Collection:
Databases of international organizations
Database:
Scopus
Type of study:
Prognostic study
Language:
English
Journal:
Building and Environment
Year:
2023
Document Type:
Article
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