Impact of sources and of the environment on the confinement of nanoparticulate pollutants by collective protective devices

A prior study on the effectiveness of collective protective devices in protecting against a nanometric pollutant led to confinement testing methods and to the establishment of the predominant influence of air flow on confinement. In order to rule on the effectiveness of air-flow protective devices, it therefore appears essential to consider simultaneously the pollutant source, the protective device, and the physical environment of the process, and not merely a standardised and isolated confinement test.

The objectives pursued in this new project therefore relate to:
- air-flow study of the nanostructured aerosol sources placed in a ventilated enclosure at the workplace;
- study of the air-flow interactions between source, enclosure, and environment; and
- modelling carrying, coagulation, and deposition of the nanoparticle aerosols in the working atmospheres.

The main results expected relate to:
- developing numerical models (ventilation forecasting) of the carriage of the nanometric aerosols (diagnostic, analysis, collection design, and general ventilation);
- improving knowledge of nanometric pollutant aerosol sources; and
- developing confinement tests usable for assessing the alteration in the confinement induced by pollution sources and the working environment.

The results will be disseminated through scientific publications and/or brochures for helping choose confinement enclosures. Consideration will also be given to technology transfer to the Centres de Mesures Physiques (Physical Measurement Centres) and to action for standardisation.