The Effect of Air Curtain on Controlling Contaminants in Wards

Abstract

Controlling the concentration of contaminants in wards to prevent airborne infection is an important issue in hospital. The effect of supply airflow of down-feed air curtain, which locates between patients and doctors/nurses, is to separate wards into two spaces, one for patients and the other for doctors/nurses. The controlling effects of air curtain on contaminants emitted by patients are numerically simulated under different air arrangements. In a laboratory model, the smoke of burning Zang incense serves as the source of contaminants. Particles’ concentration of contaminants was tested with a laser particle counter at different sites whether the air curtain was running or not. Draughty feel on patients caused by supply airflow of air curtain was researched in this study. Results of the present study revealed that air curtain could control contaminants effectively, and the supply airflow did not make patients discomfort basically. Finally, the appropriate air outlet location and distance between air curtain and patients were suggested.