Effect of turbulent and laminar flow mechanisms on airflow patterns and CO2 distribution in an operating room: a numerical analysis

Abstract

Considering the risk of infection in surgeries, maintaining an acceptable indoor air quality in the operating rooms (ORs) to ensure the health and safety of patients and surgical team is very essential. Since airflow is one of the primary mechanisms for transmitting of infections and pollution, it is crucial to examine the air distribution systems in the ORs. In the present study the effect of turbulent and laminar airflow (TAF/ LAF) systems on the air and CO2 distribution in an OR was examined. The effects of inlet and outlet configurations were evaluated for seven different models. The results indicated that the LAF systems is superior over TAF systems. Based on the findings, the LAF with the air curtain configuration brings about the minimum CO2 concentration level in the OR. The results showed that LAF with the air curtain model is able to decrease the CO2 concentration by about 64.66% and 88.96% on central plane, which passes along the body patient on 1.14 m and 1.7 m above the floor, respectively compared to the existing model.