Spatial distribution measurement and simulation of particulate matter concentration in a tunnel ventilated swine building

The spatial distribution of total suspended particulate matter indoors has not been adequately addressed in literature. Yet, this information is essential in the design of pollutant control measures and ventilation systems in buildings. The spatial distributions of the concentrations of total suspended particulate matter (TSP), particles less than 10 μm in diameter (PM ₁₀), and particles less than 5 μm (PM ₅) were measured in a wean-to-finish swine building during winter and summer weather conditions. Results showed that the spatial distribution of particles differed in winter and summer due to different airflow patterns. The gradient across the length of the building was more pronounced than the gradient along the length of the building in winter. During summer, the gradient along the length of the building was more pronounced, resulting in essentially uniform concentration in a cross section. Likewise, the spatial distributions ofPM ₅ and PM ₁₀ were uniform in winter, but followed the spatial distribution of the TSP mass concentration in June. The measured concentrations and spatial distributions ofPM ₁₀ were compared with the predicted concentrations using computational fluid dynamics software (Fluent). Simulation results showed that the magnitudes of the predicted concentrations were significantly different from the measured concentrations, primarily due to the assumptions made on the particle parameters. Thus, Fluent may be useful as a tool in the future if the particle variables in the model can be better quantified.