CFD Investigation of Particle Inhalability

Details

• Personal Author:
  Anthony, T. Renée ; Flynn M
• Description:
  This study uses computational fluid dynamics to investigate particle aspiration at the low air velocities typical of occupational settings. A realistic representation of a human head on a simpler geometric torso was positioned facing the wind (0.2, 0.4 m/s), and breathing was simulated using constant inhalation (1.8, 4.3 m/s). Particles ranging from 0.3 to 116 um were released from fixed positions, and laminar particle transport was simulated to locate the critical area upstream of the mannequin where particles were inhaled. Results from the 0.4 m/s freestream and 4.3 m/s inhalation rate compared well with results from the literature for smaller particles. For particles 68 um and larger, simulations yielded smaller aspiration efficiencies than reported in experiments, and for all velocity conditions studied the aspiration efficiency curve dropped well below the 50% recommended by the ACGIH inhalability curve. While not simulating particle bounce directly, this study also provides an upper limit to particle inhalation due to secondary aspiration. Although an investigation at other orientations is needed to fully define an inhalable curve, a recommendation to reconsider the inhalable particulate mass criterion for large particles is warranted as the facing-the-wind condition reflects the highest anticipated aspiration efficiency. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Air Movements Occupational Health Particulate Matter Respiratory System Safety
• Keywords:
  Air Flow Breathing Inhalation Studies Particle Size Particulates
• Publisher:
  American Association for Aerosol Research
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Grant
• Genre:
  Abstract or Summary
• Place as Subject:
  Arizona ; North Carolina ; OSHA Region 4 ; OSHA Region 9
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  42
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20054975
• Citation:
  Proceedings of the AAAR 24th Annual Conference, October 17-21, 2005, Houston, Texas. Mount Laurel, NJ: American Association for Aerosol Research, 2005 Oct; :42
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2006
• Performing Organization:
  University of Arizona, Tucson
• Peer Reviewed:
  False
• Start Date:
  19950701
• Source Full Name:
  Proceedings of the AAAR 24th Annual Conference, October 17-21, 2005, Houston, Texas
• End Date:
  20060630
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:6658b9e396922d7af720f63bcc8f909f7cf9c9e9cfbf53904a0f7d8ef980e6b4851ae9acec43f4ce84d0b213c97259c313d20ccc42d0fe4f84ccd090c661d596
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/217381/cdc_217381_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 75.32 KB ]