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Validation of Computational Fluid Dynamics Models for Evaluating Loose-Fitting Powered Air-Purifying Respirators
Michael Bergman1, Zhipeng Lei1, Susan Xu1
1National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pittsburgh, PA 15236, USA.
Proceedings of the 20Th Congress of the International Ergonomics Association (IEA 2018). Volume I, Healthcare Ergonomics. International Ergonomics Association. Congress
|November 21, 2023
Summary
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models for powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) were validated against experimental data, showing strong correlations for particle leakage. These validated models can advance research on respiratory protection in healthcare settings.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Biomedical Engineering
- Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- Loose-fitting powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) are crucial for healthcare worker protection against airborne pathogens.
- Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models offer a promising tool for assessing PAPR performance.
- Validation of CFD models with experimental data is essential for reliable performance evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models used for evaluating loose-fitting powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs).
- To compare CFD simulation results with experimental data on particle facepiece leakage.
- To establish the reliability of CFD models for future research on PAPR performance.
Main Methods:
- Experimental testing of two PAPR models on a breathing manikin in a sodium chloride aerosol chamber.
- Simulation of PAPR performance using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models.
- Measurement of particle facepiece leakage via manikin penetration factor (mPF) across various airflow rates and workrates.
Main Results:
- CFD model results showed strong correlation with experimental data, with an overall r-value of 0.88.
- Correlations were particularly high at high (r=0.96) and moderate (r=0.97) workrates.
- The validated CFD models accurately predict particle leakage in loose-fitting PAPRs.
Conclusions:
- The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models for loose-fitting powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) are validated by experimental data.
- These validated CFD models can be reliably used for further research and development of PAPR technology.
- The study confirms the utility of CFD in assessing respiratory protection equipment performance.
