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UBC Okanagan’s ‘Jet-Sink’ Airflow Design Slashes Modeled Infection Risk in Simulations

Researchers plan real-world prototype trials after reporting up to 94% particle removal.

Overview

  • The study in Building and Environment used computer simulations of a 30-minute consultation that modeled breathing, body heat and airflow.
  • Modeled infection risk dropped to 9.5% with the jet-sink device versus 47.6% for a typical personal setup, 38% with an exhaust design and 91% under standard room ventilation.
  • Under optimal placement, only 10 of 540,000 exhaled particles reached another person and inhalation was prevented for the first 15 minutes of exposure.
  • The induction-removal approach redirects airflow around the user and draws contaminants into a localized capture zone to improve comfort and adaptability during movement.
  • The team will refine the design for larger rooms, test physical prototypes in clinical and public environments and seek to inform future ventilation guidance through Canada’s National Model Codes Committee on Indoor Environment.