| A computational model to simulate and predict environmental conditions inside a typical operating room in Puerto Rico has been developed. The intent of this model is to provide an educated assessment of the possible site formation of microbial activity in regions of space affected by the behavior of two main flow parameters: dry bulb temperature and relative humidity. The commercially available software FLUENTRTM version 6.3 has been used for the three-dimensional computational model with the application of a RANS turbulence modeling technique. The turbulence model selected for this application was the Renormalization Group kappa-&egr;, which has proven to be a suitable tool for the prediction of flow variables at full-scale and complex geometrical room configurations. The diffusion of numerical error in the computational model was minimized by performing a grid convergence study.;From a temperature standpoint, it was predicted that all throughout the occupied zone there is a potential for the growth of microorganisms (T < 24°C), considering that most microorganisms will adapt to temperatures in which humans feel comfortable. On the other hand, regions of high relative humidity (RH > 60%) were predicted to occur at some locations of the occupied zone, especially under the instruments table, under the surgical table, under the anesthesia machine, and under the storage cabinets. For these locations the predicted relative humidity was in the range of 78% to 80%. Some suggestions have been provided to reduce relative humidity levels below 60%. |
