A numerical investigation of vertical and horizontal laminar airflow ventilation in an operating room

The effectiveness of vertical and horizontal ventilation systems in terms of reducing sedimentation and distribution of bacteria-carrying particles in an operating room is investigated. The exploration is carried out numerically using computational fluid dynamics. Both airborne particle concentration and sedimentation are simulated under different ventilation flow conditions. Model validation is performed through comparisons with experimental data from the literature. Achieved results reveal that the preferred selection between vertical and horizontal ventilation scenario in an operating room is highly depend on internal constellation of obstacles, work practice and supply airflow rate. Improper positioning of operating room personnel may remarkably reduce the ventilation efficiency. Increasing the airflow rate reduces particle concentration in the surgical zone. Efficient ventilation, however, is not only a matter of increasing airflow rate. Inappropriate airflow rates result in flow pattern transition from laminar to less efficient turbulent mixing. A laminar and well-organized (unidirectional) flow pattern is retired for a good result. Innovative further solutions are suggested to be found in cross-disciplinary collaboration. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.