| Keywords |
Indoor air infection ; Mock-up test ; Measuring experiment ; PM10 ; Airborne bacteria |
| Abstract |
In this study, we installed air filters and ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), which are commonly used in HVAC systems to prevent the spread of contaminated air and reduce the concentrations of airborne infectious agents in general hospital rooms, in a chamber designed for mock-up testing in order to measure the concentrations of dust particles (PM10) and airborne bacteria and analyze the HVAC differential pressure, air velocity, and air flow rate losses. Based on the measurement and analysis results, we identified an air filter and UVGI installation method for optimal prevention of the spread of contaminated indoor air. Air filter F1 [Pre-filter + HEPA filter] and F2 [pre-filter + 2 medium filters] were efficient in reducing the concentrations of PM10 and airborne bacteria, and UVGI was efficient in reducing the concentration of airborne bacteria. F2 outperformed F1 in reducing PM10 and airborne bacteria concentrations, and F2 was also found to be more effective in terms of differential pressure, air velocity, and air flow rate losses. |