Many do not consider the importance of airflow methods and monitoring in terms of airborne pathogens, or really, in any way. IT professionals know all too well that airflow sensors are extremely important within an environmental monitoring system since air flow is a factor in cooling methods and energy savings.
Airflow is a factor in other areas as well. Airflow is required for greenhouses to mix varied air temperatures and distribute O2, CO2 and humidity. Other than data centers, airflow intensity is evaluated to remove hot spots from any electronic or mechanical equipment that generate hot spots. Image may be NSFW.
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Airflow is also a factor in regards to airborne diseases. Microbes are easily aerosolized and some microbes are pathogenic in these conditions (respiratory tract) when they are breathed in after a person coughs, talks, laughs, sneezes, or through airflow .
Fume hoods protect researchers and laboratory technicians from dangerous chemical fumes and/or airborne microbes working laboratory settings by using duct systems directing airflow. Facilities with biosafety levels 3 and 4 work with microbial pathogens under fume hoods that include a duct system with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters that filter microbes including viruses from the air with nearly 100% efficiency. Usually airflow sensors or pressure sensors are placed within the fume hoods to measure the presence and velocity of the airflow.
Attempts have been made with aerobiological engineering to manipulate the airflow to control airborne allergens and microbes indoors. HEPA filters are used to filter microbes that are carried by airflow. Digital voltmeters can be used to integrate pressure sensors to note a drop in pressure indicating a clog in the air filter. Pressurized rooms using air also prevents unfiltered (contaminated) air to entering rooms with immunodeficient patients.
When considering airflow control in preventing contamination or infection from airborne pathogens, check out Ravica’s airflow sensor and digital voltmeters to monitor the integrity of airflow. The airflow sensor will note whether or not any airflow is present while the digital voltmeter with a pressure sensor link will sense the air pressure.
Server room environmental & security monitoring systemsThe post Airborne Pathogens: Airflow Methods and Monitoring appeared first on Ravica Blog.
