A Macroscopic Model for Predicting Dust Concentration Distribution in Swine Buildings

Abstract

A macroscopic model for predicting dust concentration distribution in mechanically ventilated swine rooms has been developed. The model accounts for the effect of tur bulent diffusive deposition, gravitational settling, coagu lation and ventilation. Four particle diameter size ranges were chosen to represent the fine particles in swine buildings: 0.5-0.9, 0.9-1.6, 1.6-2.8, and 2.8-5.0 μm. Pre dicted results indicated that ventilation would be the dominant particle removal mechanism accounting for over 90% of the particles removed; that deposition of particles on surfaces would be small (2-9%), and loss by coagulation negligible (~0%). Additionally, source loca tion would strongly influence the dust concentration dis tribution in the prototype swine room. Dust generation rate and presence or absence of obstructions in the form of mock pigs would affect the dust distribution minimal ly. Temperature difference between supply and room air (7-9 vs. 14-16°C) would not cause any appreciable dif ference in dust distribution.