It is possible to simulate and analyse the movement of aerosol across an office plan like this.
First, aerosol emitters are fixed in critical positions across the office. The emitters can replicate
the emission of droplets by infected individuals while spreading aerosol in the air.
Then sampling pumps are installed where healthy people would regularly work. The pumps will reproduce
the inhale characteristics of a person on a normal daily routine while collecting droplet samples
suspended in the air.
The substance sprayed from each individual emitter contains a unique Biotag marker. That will allow
establishing accurately the origin point of the collected samples.
And retrace the path of samples collected on every sampling pump. By analysing the quantity of
Biotags collected, it will be possible to estimate the exposition risk.
Because every Biotag has singular characteristics, we can isolate data from a particular emitter and
identify flaws in the system that could put people at risk.
In the simulation example, it was possible to locate a HVAC fault redirecting the airflow across
diferent rooms. It means that people further away from the emitter point would have been
unnecessarily exposed to contagion.
This kind of information proves to be crucial to technicians. Knowing the exact behaviour of internal
airflow, they can take action like close undesired vents, shut normally open doors, or edit and
improve the HVAC system settings.
The efficacy of the adjustments is proved by running the simulation again. From this point, building
managers will be able to ensure that individuals can return to an airflow optimised and overall
safer workplace.