Dispersion characteristics of human expiratory droplets and droplet nuclei in a mechanically ventilated general hospital ward

M. P. Wan, C. Y.H. Chao, W. C. Yu

Research output: Chapter in book / Conference proceedingConference article published in proceeding or bookAcademic researchpeer-review

Abstract

Dispersion characteristics of polydispersed droplets with non-volatile content were studied in a general hospital ward equipped with ceiling-mixing type ventilation system. A multiphase numerical model was also employed to simulate the droplet dispersion tracks. Results show that the dispersion of the droplets or droplet nuclei was highly affected by the air flow pattern. The laterally projected supply jets enabled the small droplets or droplet nuclei (initial size 45μm) to exhibit a two-stage lateral dispersion behavior, in which rapid dispersions were found in the early 'initial dispersion' stage followed by much slower dispersions in the subsequent 'stable' stage. The exhaust air vent significantly enhanced lateral dispersion towards its direction. Dispersion rates increased with decrease in droplet size. Large droplets (initial size ≫ 87.5μm) were subjected to heavy gravitational effect and only the 'initial dispersion' stage behavior was observed.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHB 2006 - Healthy Buildings
Subtitle of host publicationCreating a Healthy Indoor Environment for People, Proceedings
Pages257-262
Number of pages6
Publication statusPublished - 2006
EventHealthy Buildings: Creating a Healthy Indoor Environment for People, HB 2006 - Lisboa, Portugal
Duration: 4 Jun 20068 Jun 2006

Publication series

NameHB 2006 - Healthy Buildings: Creating a Healthy Indoor Environment for People, Proceedings
Volume3

Conference

ConferenceHealthy Buildings: Creating a Healthy Indoor Environment for People, HB 2006
Country/TerritoryPortugal
CityLisboa
Period4/06/068/06/06

Keywords

  • Expiratory droplets and nuclei
  • Hospital ward
  • Infectious disease control
  • Multiphase model

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Building and Construction
  • Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

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