Textile diffusers serve hospital in Ghana
Prihoda has supplied its textile diffusers as part of a mechanical ventilation system for the first of six new regional hospitals in Ghana. They were chosen for their lightweight characteristics, the ability to be cleaned easily, their anti-microbial properties and improved air distribution compared to a traditional installation.
The air pattern that was developed helped to avoid cross contamination between patients.
The air velocity in the occupied zone was of concern as it had to achieve optimum comfort. A maximum velocity of 0;35 m/s was agreed.
This project, the Dodowa Hospital, consists of eight systems in four wards. Each ward system contains a sand louvre which allows large particles to fall from the airflow, a filter bank to remove dust, and EC controlled variable-speed fan and a silencer section which connects to the Prihoda duct.
The duct has asymmetrically spaced air holes as it was placed off centre in the ward due to central columns.
The patients’ beds have their headboards nearest to the centre of the ward, adjacent to a spine wall, enabling two separate air patterns moving from the centre to the external walls. The laminar flow helps avoid cross contamination between adjacent beds.
The scheme cost much less than a traditional rigid system.
The scheme originally conceived by Hoare Lea & Partners of Bristol was natural ventilation, but on visiting the project they suggested that because of the hot climate and dusty atmosphere, a mechanical system would be the most suitable.
