A Lumped-parameter Model for Predicting Airborne Dust Concentration in a Ventilated Airspace

A lumped-parameter model developed to predict airborne dust concentrations at any location within a ventilated airspace was evaluated. Talcum powder, used as a test dust, was described in an environmental chamber by measuring its equilibrium particle concentrations over a range of four ventilation rates. The transient concentration of talcum particles was evaluated at one sampling point over the range of ventilation rates. The model used 3-D, lumped control volumes and conservation of airflow rate. Good agreement was obtained between measured results and those predicted by the model. However, at the lowest ventilation rate, some disagreement between predicted and measured results occurred.