Air-Flow Simulation in Child Respirator for Covid-19 Personal Protection Equipment Using Bamboo-Based Activated Carbon Filter

Abstract

The use of personal protective equipment during the Covid-19 pandemic may inhibit the social interaction and learning process of children. A child respirator that is suitable for children's growth and development has been developed. Its designing process was done by computer-aided design and validated by computational fluid dynamics simulation. The device consists of inhale and exhale system, face cover, and headband. Various air filter is embedded in the inhale system, such as prefilter, HEPA filter, and bamboo-based activated carbon filter. Meanwhile, the exhale system contains HEPA filter only. Preliminary air-flow simulation in various breathing scenarios has been conducted with a result of velocity range from 0.067  up to 1.190  inside the respirator with a 0.47 Pa pressure difference. Flow trajectories analysis shows that the exhaled air is successfully directed to the exhale and inhale system and thus filtration can occur rapidly. These analyses also indicate that the device's average airflow velocity meets the standard requirements for child breathing apparatus. Child respirators using the bamboo-based activated carbon filter can be a great solution in implementing health protocols for children during the Covid-19 pandemic.