Simulation analysis on the distribution characteristics and movement rules of particulate matter in a convenience store / 中国职业医学

ABSTRACT

Objective: The spatial distribution model of particulate matter based on time change in a specific place was established to analyze the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics and movement of particulate matter. Methods: A convenience store was selected as the research subject. The micro-climate and particle number concentration (PNC) of the site were detected, and numerical simulation was carried out by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation method. Based on the discrete phase model, the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics and movement rules of simulated particles were analyzed. Results: The wind speed at the entrance of the convenience store was low and almost unchanged during the detection, while the wind speeds outside and inside outlets were high and changed sharply. The PNC of particle size of 0.02-1.00 μm was higher than that of particle size >1.00 μm (all P<0.05). The PNC with particle size of 0.02-1.00 μm from high to low were checkout counter, entrance, outer outlet and inner outlet (all P<0.05). The PNC of the checkout counter and entrance varies greatly, while the PNC of the outer outlet and inner outlet was relatively steady. The CFD simulation results showed that particles exhaled by individuals near the entrance of the checkout counter of the convenience store could be expelled outdoors more quickly with the influence of airflow. However, particles exhaled by individuals in the middle of the shelves remained suspended indoors for a longer period of time compared to those near the checkout counter. Particles emitted from the air conditioning outlet diffuse throughout the entire store and reach a steady state in 300 seconds. Conclusion: The particulate matter in the convenience store was mainly small particle with the size less than 1.00 μm. The residence time, downward trend and number of suspended particulates of human exhaled particles were related to air flow. The particulates escaped from the air conditioner could quickly spread to almost the entire convenience store.