UBC Engineers Pioneer Targeted Airflow Device to Intercept Airborne Pathogens at the Source

11 hours ago7 min read4 comments

A groundbreaking airflow device developed by engineers at UBC Okanagan offers a new strategy for combating indoor airborne diseases by capturing exhaled aerosols immediately after they leave a person's mouth. This technology represents a significant departure from conventional ventilation, moving from a passive, room-wide dilution approach to a proactive, localized capture system.The device targets the human thermal plume—the warm, rising air current each person emits—using precisely controlled air currents to form an invisible shield. This barrier traps droplets and aerosols from breathing, talking, or laughing directly at the source.Early simulations indicate the system could vastly outperform current best-in-class ventilation, potentially reducing exposure to viruses like influenza and SARS-CoV-2 by orders of magnitude. The applications are wide-ranging, from reducing surgical site infections in operating rooms to protecting vulnerable residents in long-term care facilities.It also aligns with the evolution of smart buildings, where environmental systems dynamically respond to human activity. While the promising computational models require validation through physical prototypes and real-world testing in varied settings, the core innovation is clear. This technology addresses the root cause of airborne transmission at the point of emission, marking a more efficient, intelligent and human-centric future for indoor air safety and biodefense.

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#airflow device

#pathogen capture

#indoor air quality

#ventilation

#engineering

#public health

#UBC Okanagan