Effect of the flow structure on the indoor deposition of particulate matter

Abstract

Indoor air quality, especially in terms of particulate matter (PM), is a critical public health concern. Although various methods for removing indoor PM have been suggested, the effects of various influential factors on PM deposition have not been clearly understood. Here, the effect of the flow structure inside a test chamber on PM deposition was quantitatively investigated using flow visualization techniques. To elucidate the flow parameters that influence the PM deposition, the efficiency of PM removal and deposition constant were examined for different flow directions, flow velocities, and distances between the fan and the surface of the test chamber. The spatial distributions of the mean velocity and turbulence intensity inside the test chamber were obtained experimentally using a particle image velocimetry technique to understand the mechanism associated with PM deposition. The overall mean velocity, recirculating flow region, and turbulent intensity in the near-wall regions may partially explain the difference in the PM deposition under various flow conditions.