Numerical studies on the performance of an aerosol respirator with faceseal leakage

Zaripov, S. K.; Mukhametzanov, I. T.; Grinshpun, Sergey A.

doi:10.1088/1757-899x/158/1/012100

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…Leakage of aerosols through N95 respirators has been studied by several research groups 1 , 6 – 8 . Some experimental and computational studies have examined the leakage of aerosols through gaps created by insufficient sealing between the face and the mask 2 , 9 – 16 . Rengasamy et al 1 , 2 studied the leakage of particulates through artificially created leak sites.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Leakage between 5 and 20% was measured, depending upon the particle size and the flow rate. Zaripov et al 9 used a computational model involving a spherical geometry and reported how TIL increases with increase in the leakage surface area. Oestenstad et al 10 used fluorescent tracer particles to identify the location and shape of respirator leaks on half-mask respirators and found that about 89% of the leaks occurred in the nose and chin areas of the face.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A computational model for predicting changes in infection dynamics due to leakage through N95 respirators

Hariharan

Sharma

Guha

et al. 2021

Sci Rep

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In the absence of fit-testing, leakage of aerosolized pathogens through the gaps between the face and N95 respirators could compromise the effectiveness of the device and increase the risk of infection for the exposed population. To address this issue, we have developed a model to estimate the increase in risk of infection resulting from aerosols leaking through gaps between the face and N95 respirators. The gaps between anthropometric face-geometry and N95 respirators were scanned using computed tomography. The gap profiles were subsequently input into CFD models. The amount of aerosol leakage was predicted by the CFD simulations. Leakage levels were validated using experimental data obtained using manikins. The computed amounts of aerosol transmitted to the respiratory system, with and without leaks, were then linked to a risk-assessment model to predict the infection risk for a sample population. An influenza outbreak in which 50% of the population deployed respirators was considered for risk assessment. Our results showed that the leakage predicted by the CFD model matched the experimental data within about 13%. Depending upon the fit between the headform and the respirator, the inward leakage for the aerosols ranged between 30 and 95%. In addition, the non-fit-tested respirator lowered the infection rate from 97% (for no protection) to between 42 and 80%, but not to the same level as the fit-tested respirators (12%). The CFD-based leakage model, combined with the risk-assessment model, can be useful in optimizing protection strategies for a given population exposed to a pathogenic aerosol.

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