Aerosol infection risk evaluation method, aerosol infection risk evaluation program, aerosol infection risk evaluation device, air cleaning system, damage from dust risk evaluation method, damage from dust risk evaluation program, and damage from dust risk evaluation device

Abstract

To provide a method for easily evaluating whether there is an aerosol infection risk in a space having a determined volume.SOLUTION: An aerosol infection risk evaluation method includes: an emission step S10 which emits a plurality of liquid fine particles whose average grain diameter is 10 μm or less and which is equivalent to a quantity equal to a saturated steam amount or more in a space having a determined volume; an identifying step S20 which measures a quantity of the plurality of liquid fine particles in the space more than once afterward, derives a specific elapsed time until the quantity of the liquid fine particles decreases to a predetermined quantity according to a relation between an elapsed time after the emission step S10 is over and a quantity of the measured plurality of liquid fine particles, and identifies a reduction capability of the plurality of liquid fine particles in the space from the specific elapsed time; and evaluation steps S30, S34 which evaluate that there is an aerosol infection risk in the space when the reduction capability is below a reduction referential capability required for the space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 31

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for evaluating an aerosol infection risk, a program for evaluating an aerosol infection risk, an apparatus for evaluating an aerosol infection risk, an air purification system, a method for evaluating a dust damage risk, a program for evaluating a dust damage risk, and an apparatus for evaluating a dust damage risk. [Background technology]

[0002] Since 2019, the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been raging around the world. One of the main causes of COVID-19 infection is airborne infection. Therefore, avoiding the so-called "three Cs" (closed spaces, crowded places, and close contact) can reduce the risk of airborne infection and cluster outbreaks. In other words, avoiding the three Cs is considered to be an effective measure to prevent infection with COVID-19.

[0003] From the perspective of avoiding the three Cs, the government, relevant ministries and local governments, etc., recommend that people not enter establishments where people gather, such as restaurants, commercial facilities, and entertainment facilities. In particular, restaurants are confined spaces where people are likely to eat, drink, and talk for long periods of time without wearing masks, which increases the risk of airborne infection. As a result, restaurants have been forced to shorten their business hours or close, and the number of customers has dropped dramatically, forcing them into a tough business situation. However, if restaurants can objectively prove that they have taken sufficient measures to prevent the three Cs and that they can be used safely and with peace of mind, this could be one way to improve this situation (shortening business hours or closing).

[0004] One of the measures to prevent the 3Cs is to ensure sufficient ventilation within the store to remove viruses from within the store. Conventionally, the ability of a particular store to remove viruses from within the store has been judged based on the store's ventilation capacity.

[0005] For example, the following four methods are known as methods for measuring the ventilation capacity of an enclosed space such as a store. (1) A method in which an anemometer or other device is installed at the exhaust port of the ventilation system leading to the space to be measured, the air volume at the exhaust port is measured, and the ventilation volume of the space is calculated. (2) A method in which the space to be measured is ventilated, the concentration of CO2 gas emitted by humans is detected by a sensor or other device, and the ventilation rate of the space is calculated. (3) A method in which a space to be measured is filled with a tracer gas, the space is ventilated, the tracer gas is adsorbed by an adsorbent placed in the space, the amount of adsorbed tracer gas is quantitatively analyzed, and the ventilation rate of the space is calculated from the amount of tracer gas (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). (4) A method in which the space to be measured is filled with mist particles, the space is ventilated, and the ventilation rate of the space is calculated from image data captured by an imaging device installed in the space (see Patent Document 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2003-42491 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2007-10363 [Patent Document 3] Patent Publication No. 2006-250779 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Incidentally, ventilation is a method of expelling virus-contaminated air from inside a store and bringing in fresh air, and is just one way to reduce the risk of infection. For example, circulating the air inside a store with a circulator or air conditioner, or using an air purifier, can also reduce the concentration of viruses and suppress the risk of infection in a store. However, these methods do not allow for proper evaluation of the effectiveness of air circulation or air purifiers.

[0008] Specifically, (1) although the method using an anemometer or funnel is suitable for evaluating the capacity of the store's ventilation system itself, it has the following problems: (1A) It is not possible to evaluate the ventilation capacity of opening windows or the purification capacity of circulators, air conditioners, air purifiers, etc. (1B) The laborious task of installing an anemometer and a funnel at each exhaust port is cumbersome. (1C) Even if the capacity of the ventilation system is evaluated, it is not possible to evaluate the decrease in ventilation efficiency caused by the so-called "short circuit" Here, "short circuit" refers to a phenomenon in which ventilation efficiency is reduced due to the intake and exhaust vents being located too close to each other, causing fresh air to be exhausted without being distributed throughout the room, or conversely, contaminated air that should have been exhausted to be taken in again through the intake vent. When a "short circuit" is formed, the ventilation efficiency is not as high as evaluated by an anemometer or funnel, and the virus concentration is not reduced as expected.

[0009] In addition, for example, (2) the method of detecting the concentration of CO2 gas using a sensor or the like and the method of using a tracer gas have the following problems. (2A) The diffusion behavior of gaseous CO2 gas and tracer gas differs from that of aerosolized viruses, and they are therefore not suitable for assessing the risk of aerosol infection. (2B) The purification capacity of air purifiers and other devices through adsorption and dust collection cannot be evaluated. (2C) In particular, the method for detecting the concentration of CO2 gas cannot accurately measure the concentration of CO2 gas in an environment where CO2 gas is generated other than by human breathing, such as when portable stoves are used in the auditorium. (2D) Because the concentration of CO2 gas emitted by humans is measured, it is not possible to evaluate the risk of infection when the store is closed and there are no customers. In addition, when there are fewer customers than the normal capacity of the store, the risk of infection in the space may be underestimated.

[0010] Furthermore, for example, the method of photographing mist particles (3) had the following problems. (3A) Unless a significant amount of mist particles is generated, it is not possible to capture the mist particles as an image, and therefore it cannot be considered a simple method. (3B) For example, in a space with partitions, such as an izakaya, the partitions block the view, making it impossible to photograph the mist particles. (3C) The use of mist particles may cause fire alarms (e.g., photoelectric spot detectors, etc.) to react, resulting in malfunctions such as sounding an alarm or closing fire shutters or fire doors.

[0011] As described above, conventional methods of assessing the risk of infection based on a store's ventilation capacity were unable to objectively evaluate the risk of infection in a store.

[0012] One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a method for easily evaluating whether there is a risk of aerosol infection within a space having a specified volume. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The method for evaluating an aerosol infection risk according to the first aspect includes the steps of: A discharging step of discharging a plurality of liquid particles having an average particle size of 10 μm or less and corresponding to a quantity equal to or greater than the saturated vapor amount in the space having a predetermined volume; a determining step of measuring the number of the liquid particles in the space a plurality of times after the discharging step, deriving a specific elapsed time until the number of the liquid particles is reduced to a predetermined number from the relationship between the elapsed time from the end of the discharging step and the number of the liquid particles measured, and determining a reduction capability of the liquid particles in the space from the specific elapsed time; an evaluation step of evaluating that there is an aerosol infection risk in the space when the reduction capability is less than the reduction standard capability required for the space; Includes.

[0014] The method for evaluating the risk of aerosol infection according to the second aspect includes the steps of: In the method for evaluating an aerosol infection risk according to the first aspect, If the reduction capacity is equal to or greater than the standard capacity in the evaluation process, it is evaluated that there is no risk of aerosol infection in the space.

[0015] The method for evaluating the risk of aerosol infection according to the third aspect includes the steps of: In the method for evaluating an aerosol infection risk according to the first or second aspect, The standard reduced capacity is the required ventilation capacity required for the volume of the space or a modified required ventilation capacity obtained by modifying the required ventilation capacity based on the usage pattern of at least one or more users using the space.

[0016] The method for evaluating the risk of aerosol infection according to the fourth aspect includes the steps of: In the method for evaluating an aerosol infection risk according to the third aspect, a generating step of generating a report including the reduction capabilities identified in the identifying step; Further includes.

[0017] The method for evaluating an aerosol infection risk according to the fifth aspect includes the steps of: In the method for evaluating an aerosol infection risk according to the fourth aspect, The creating step creates the report so that the report further includes information regarding the two-dimensional spectrum of the relationship.

[0018] The method for evaluating an aerosol infection risk according to the sixth aspect includes the steps of: In the method for evaluating an aerosol infection risk according to the fourth aspect, When the creation process assesses that there is an aerosol infection risk in the space, the report is created so that it further includes information regarding the insufficient reduction capacity required to assess that there is no aerosol infection risk in the space.

[0019] The seventh aspect of the method for evaluating an aerosol infection risk includes: In the method for evaluating an aerosol infection risk according to the fourth aspect, When the creation process assesses that there is no risk of aerosol infection in the space, the report is created to further include information regarding the excess reduction capacity required to assess that there is no risk of aerosol infection in the space.

[0020] One embodiment of the aerosol infection risk assessment program is On the computer, A discharge function for discharging a plurality of liquid particles having an average particle size of 10 μm or less and corresponding to a quantity equal to or greater than the saturated vapor amount in a space having a predetermined volume; a function of measuring the number of the liquid particles in the space a plurality of times after the discharge of the liquid particles is completed, deriving a specific elapsed time until the number of the liquid particles is reduced to a predetermined number from the relationship between the elapsed time from the end of the discharge of the liquid particles and the number of the liquid particles measured, and determining a reduction capability of the liquid particles in the space from the specific elapsed time; An evaluation function that evaluates that there is an aerosol infection risk in the space when the reduction capability is less than the reduction standard capability required for the space, and evaluates that there is no aerosol infection risk in the space when the reduction capability is equal to or greater than the reduction standard capability; Execute the command.

[0021] The device for evaluating an aerosol infection risk according to the first embodiment includes: a determination unit that measures a number of liquid particles having an average particle size of 10 μm or less that are emitted into a space having a specified volume so that the amount of the liquid particles in the space is equal to or greater than the amount of saturated vapor, derives a specific elapsed time until the amount of the liquid particles is reduced to a predetermined amount from the relationship between the elapsed time from the end of the emission of the liquid particles and the measured number of the liquid particles, and determines a reduction capacity of the liquid particles in the space from the specific elapsed time; an evaluation unit that evaluates that there is an aerosol infection risk in the space when the reduction capability is less than or equal to a reduction standard capability required for the space, and evaluates that there is no aerosol infection risk in the space when the reduction capability is equal to or greater than the reduction standard capability; A control unit that controls the identification unit and the evaluation unit based on the aerosol infection risk evaluation program of the one aspect; Equipped with.

[0022] The second aspect of the aerosol infection risk assessment device is an emission part that is disposed in a space having a predetermined volume and emits into the space a plurality of liquid particles having an average particle size of 10 μm or less and corresponding to a quantity equal to or greater than the saturated vapor amount in the space; a determination unit that measures the number of the liquid particles in the space a plurality of times, derives a specific elapsed time until the number of the liquid particles is reduced to a predetermined number from the relationship between the elapsed time from the end of the release of the liquid particles by the release unit and the measured number of the liquid particles, and determines a reduction capability of the liquid particles in the space from the specific elapsed time; an evaluation unit that evaluates that there is an aerosol infection risk in the space when the reduction capability is less than the reduction standard capability in the space, and evaluates that there is no aerosol infection risk in the space when the reduction capability is equal to or greater than the reduction standard capability; A control unit that controls the release unit, the identification unit, and the evaluation unit based on the aerosol infection risk evaluation program of the one aspect; Equipped with.

[0023] The third aspect of the aerosol infection risk assessment device is In the device for evaluating an aerosol infection risk according to the first or second aspect, a creation unit that creates a report on the evaluation results evaluated by the evaluation unit and information accompanying the evaluation results; It further comprises:

[0024] The air purification system according to the first embodiment includes: An apparatus for evaluating an aerosol infection risk according to a second embodiment, an air purifying device having a housing in which an air intake port and an exhaust port are formed, an air source that draws air into the air intake port and exhausts the air from the exhaust port, and a capturing unit that captures a plurality of liquid particles that are drawn into the air intake port together with the air, and is controlled by the control unit to purify the air drawn into the air intake port and exhaust the purified air from the exhaust port; Equipped with The air blowing source is capable of adjusting the amount of air blown, When the evaluation unit evaluates that there is a risk of aerosol infection in the space, the control unit or the air purifying device controls the air blowing source to cause the air blowing source to blow a large amount of air.

[0025] The air purification system according to the second embodiment includes: In the air purification system of the first aspect, a notification unit that notifies a user of the evaluation unit's assessment that there is an aerosol infection risk in the space; It further comprises:

[0026] The air purification system of the third aspect is An apparatus for evaluating an aerosol infection risk according to a second embodiment, an air purifying device having a housing in which an air intake port and an exhaust port are formed, an air source that draws air into the air intake port and exhausts the air from the exhaust port, and a capturing unit that captures a plurality of liquid particles that are drawn into the air intake port together with the air, and is controlled by the control unit to purify the air drawn into the air intake port and exhaust the purified air from the exhaust port; Equipped with the capturing portion is capable of adjusting the amount of the liquid particles captured; When the evaluation unit evaluates that there is a risk of aerosol infection in the space, the control unit or the air purifying device controls the capture unit to cause the capture unit to capture a large number of multiple liquid particles.

[0027] The air purification system of the fourth aspect is In the air purification system of the third aspect, a notification unit that notifies a user of the evaluation unit's assessment that there is an aerosol infection risk in the space; It further comprises:

[0028] The air purification system of the fifth aspect is In the air purification system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, The air purifying device is capable of at least one of humidifying and adjusting the temperature of air drawn in through the air inlet and exhausted through the air outlet.

[0029] The air purification system of the sixth aspect is An apparatus for evaluating an aerosol infection risk according to a second embodiment, An exhaust section that exhausts air in the space to the outside; Equipped with The exhaust unit is capable of adjusting the amount of air exhausted, When the evaluation unit evaluates that there is a risk of aerosol infection in the space, the control unit controls the exhaust unit to cause the exhaust unit to exhaust a large amount of air.

[0030] The seventh aspect of the air purification system is In the sixth aspect of the air purification system, a notification unit that notifies a user of the evaluation unit's assessment that there is an aerosol infection risk in the space; It further comprises:

[0031] A method for assessing a risk of dust damage according to one embodiment includes the steps of: A discharging step of discharging a plurality of liquid particles having an average particle size of 10 μm or less and corresponding to a quantity equal to or greater than the saturated vapor amount in the space having a predetermined volume; a determining step of measuring the number of the liquid particles in the space a plurality of times after the discharging step, deriving a specific elapsed time until the number of the liquid particles is reduced to a predetermined number from a relationship between the elapsed time from the end of the discharging step and the number of the liquid particles measured, and determining a reduction capability of the liquid particles in the space from the specific elapsed time; an evaluation step of evaluating that there is a risk of dust damage in the space when the reduction capability is less than the reduction standard capability required for the space; Includes.

[0032] The first aspect of the dust damage risk assessment program is On the computer, A discharge function for discharging a plurality of liquid particles having an average particle size of 10 μm or less and corresponding to a quantity equal to or greater than the saturated vapor amount in a space having a predetermined volume; a function of measuring the number of the liquid particles in the space a plurality of times after the discharge of the liquid particles is completed, deriving a specific elapsed time until the number of the liquid particles is reduced to a predetermined number from the relationship between the elapsed time from the end of the discharge of the liquid particles and the number of the liquid particles measured, and determining a reduction capability of the liquid particles in the space from the specific elapsed time; An evaluation function that evaluates that there is a risk of dust damage in the space when the reduction capability is less than the equivalent of the reduction standard capability required for the space, and evaluates that there is no risk of dust damage in the space when the reduction capability is equal to or greater than the reduction standard capability; Execute the command.

[0033] The dust damage risk assessment device according to the first embodiment includes: a determination unit that measures a number of liquid particles having an average particle size of 10 μm or less that are emitted into a space having a specified volume so that the amount of the liquid particles in the space is equal to or greater than the amount of saturated vapor, derives a specific elapsed time until the amount of the liquid particles is reduced to a predetermined amount from the relationship between the elapsed time from the end of the emission of the liquid particles and the measured number of the liquid particles, and determines a reduction capacity of the liquid particles in the space from the specific elapsed time; An evaluation unit that evaluates that there is a risk of dust damage in the space when the reduction capability is less than the reduction standard capability, and evaluates that there is no risk of dust damage in the space when the reduction capability is equal to or greater than the reduction standard capability; A control unit that controls the identification unit and the evaluation unit based on the dust damage risk evaluation program of the one aspect; Equipped with.

[0034] The fourth aspect of the aerosol infection risk evaluation device is a step of discharging a plurality of liquid particles into a space having a predetermined volume, the liquid particles (1) being composed of a volatile organic compound, (2) having an average particle size of 10 μm or less, and (3) such that the number of the liquid particles discharged into the space is an amount equivalent to less than the amount of saturated vapor of the volatile organic compound; a determining step of measuring the number of the liquid particles in the space a plurality of times after the discharging step, deriving a specific elapsed time until the number of the liquid particles is reduced to a predetermined number from a relationship between the elapsed time from the end of the discharging step and the number of the liquid particles measured, and determining a reduction capability of the liquid particles in the space from the specific elapsed time; an evaluation step of evaluating that there is an aerosol infection risk in the space if the reduction capability is less than the standard reduction capability required for the space; Includes.

[0035] The fifth aspect of the aerosol infection risk evaluation device is In the fourth aspect of the aerosol infection risk evaluation device, In the evaluation process, if the reduction capacity is equal to or greater than the standard reduction capacity, it is evaluated that there is no risk of aerosol infection in the space.

[0036] The second aspect of the aerosol infection risk assessment program is On the computer, a discharge function for discharging a plurality of liquid particles into a space having a predetermined volume, the liquid particles (1) being composed of a volatile organic compound, (2) having an average particle size of 10 μm or less, and (3) such that the number of the liquid particles discharged into the space is an amount equivalent to less than the amount of saturated vapor of the volatile organic compound; a function of measuring the number of the liquid particles in the space a plurality of times after the discharge of the liquid particles is completed, deriving a specific elapsed time until the number of the liquid particles is reduced to a predetermined number from the relationship between the elapsed time from the end of the discharge of the liquid particles and the number of the liquid particles measured, and determining a reduction capability of the liquid particles in the space from the specific elapsed time; An evaluation function that evaluates that there is an aerosol infection risk in the space when the reduction capability is less than the reduction standard capability required for the space, and evaluates that there is no aerosol infection risk in the space when the reduction capability is equal to or greater than the reduction standard capability; Execute the command.

[0037] The fifth aspect of the aerosol infection risk evaluation device is a determination unit that measures a number of liquid particles emitted into a space having a predetermined volume, the liquid particles being (1) composed of a volatile organic compound, (2) having an average particle size of 10 μm or less, and (3) equivalent to a quantity less than the saturated vapor amount of the volatile organic compound in the space, derives a specific elapsed time until the quantity of the liquid particles is reduced to a predetermined quantity from the relationship between the elapsed time from the end of the emission of the liquid particles and the measured quantity of the liquid particles, and determines a reduction capacity of the liquid particles in the space from the specific elapsed time; an evaluation unit that evaluates that there is an aerosol infection risk in the space when the reduction capability is less than or equal to a reduction standard capability required for the space, and evaluates that there is no aerosol infection risk in the space when the reduction capability is equal to or greater than the reduction standard capability; A control unit that controls the identification unit and the evaluation unit based on the aerosol infection risk assessment program according to claim 68; Equipped with. Effect of the Invention

[0038] The method for assessing an aerosol infection risk of the first embodiment makes it possible to easily assess whether there is an aerosol infection risk in a space having a defined volume.

[0039] The method for assessing an aerosol infection risk of the second embodiment makes it possible to easily assess whether or not there is an aerosol infection risk in a space having a defined volume.

[0040] The method for assessing aerosol infection risk according to the third aspect can inform reduction potential through the report that is generated.

[0041] The fourth aspect of the method for evaluating the risk of aerosol infection can visualize and inform the user through a report that visualizes the relationship between the elapsed time from the end of the release process of the multiple particles and the number of the multiple liquid particles measured.

[0042] The fifth aspect of the method for assessing an aerosol infection risk can inform the user of the insufficient reduction capability in a space when it is assessed that there is an aerosol infection risk in the space.

[0043] The method for assessing the risk of aerosol infection of the sixth aspect can inform the user of the excess reduction capacity in a space when it is assessed that there is no risk of aerosol infection in the space.

[0044] The program for evaluating the risk of aerosol infection in the first embodiment enables a computer to easily evaluate whether or not there is a risk of aerosol infection in a space having a defined volume.

[0045] The aerosol infection risk assessment device of the first and second aspects can easily assess whether or not there is an aerosol infection risk in a space having a determined volume.

[0046] The third aspect of the device for evaluating aerosol infection risk can generate a report including whether or not there is an aerosol infection risk within a space having a defined volume.

[0047] The air purification systems of the first, third and sixth aspects can automatically reduce the risk of aerosol infection when it is assessed that there is a risk of aerosol infection in a space.

[0048] The air purification systems of the second, fourth and seventh aspects can inform the user of the presence of an aerosol infection risk in a space when the system has assessed that there is such a risk.

[0049] The air purification system of the fifth aspect can exert one or both of a humidification function and a temperature adjustment function in addition to an air purification function that reduces the risk of aerosol infection.

[0050] A method for assessing a risk of dust damage according to one embodiment can easily assess whether there is a risk of dust damage in a space having a specified volume.

[0051] A dust damage risk assessment program according to one embodiment can enable a computer to easily assess whether or not there is a dust damage risk in a space having a specified volume.

[0052] A dust damage risk assessment device according to one embodiment can easily assess whether or not there is a dust damage risk within a space having a specified volume.

[0053] The method for assessing the risk of aerosol infection of the fourth aspect makes it possible to easily and simply assess whether there is a risk of aerosol infection in a space having a defined volume.

[0054] The method for evaluating the risk of aerosol infection of the fifth aspect makes it possible to easily and simply evaluate whether or not there is a risk of aerosol infection in a space having a determined volume.

[0055] The program for evaluating the risk of aerosol infection in the second embodiment enables a computer to easily and simply evaluate whether or not there is a risk of aerosol infection in a space having a defined volume.

[0056] The device for evaluating aerosol infection risk of the fifth embodiment can easily and simply evaluate whether or not there is an aerosol infection risk in a space having a determined volume. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0057] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the laboratory used in Examples 1 to 27. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the laboratory of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 1 is a graph showing the results of evaluation experiments of Examples 1 to 6. [Figure 4] 1 is a graph showing the results of the evaluation experiment of Examples 7 to 12. [Diagram 5] 1 is a graph showing the results of the evaluation experiments of Examples 13 to 22. [Figure 6] 1 is a graph showing the results of the evaluation experiment of Examples 23 to 25. [Figure 7] 1 is a graph showing the results of Examples 26 and 27. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the holes used in Examples 28 to 32. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is another plan view of the hall of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 1 is a graph showing the results of the evaluation experiment of Examples 28 to 32. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the semi-private room used in Examples 33 and 34. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a front view of the wall of the semi-private room of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 12 is a front view of another wall of the semi-private room of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 12 is a front view of yet another wall of the semi-private room of FIG. [Figure 15] 1 is a graph showing the results of the evaluation experiments of Examples 33 to 37. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the semi-private room used in Examples 35 to 37. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a plan view of the semi-private room shown in FIG. 16. [Figure 18] FIG. 17 is a front view of the wall of the semi-private room shown in FIG. 16. [Figure 19] FIG. 17 is a plan view of a store including the semi-private rooms shown in FIGS. 11 and 16. [Figure 20] Table 1 of the examples. [Figure 21] Table 2 of the Examples. [Figure 22] Table 3 of the Examples. [Figure 23] Table 4 of the Examples. [Figure 24] Table 5 of the Examples. [Diagram 25] Table 6 of the Examples. [Figure 26] Table 7 of the Examples. [Figure 27] Table 8 of the Examples. [Figure 28] Table 9 of the Examples. [Figure 29] Table 10 of the Examples. [Diagram 30] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an evaluation device according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 31] 1 is a flowchart of a method for evaluating aerosol infection risk performed using the evaluation device of this embodiment. [Diagram 32] 13 is a flowchart of a HACCP-type aerosol infection risk evaluation method performed using a modified evaluation device. [Diagram 33]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an air purification system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 34] 1 is a schematic diagram of an air purifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 35] 1 is a flowchart of a method for evaluating the risk of aerosol infection performed using the air purification system of this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0058] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as the present embodiments) will be described in the following order. ================================== 1. Methods for assessing the risk of aerosol infection 2. How to reduce the risk of aerosol infection 3. Working Example Summary and supplement of 4.1-3 5. Aerosol infection risk assessment device and assessment program 6. HACCP-type aerosol infection risk assessment device and assessment program 7. Air Purification System 8. Variations Supplementary information for 9.1-3 and 5-8 ================================== Here, this specification was created in two stages. Specifically, the above 1. to 3. were created in the first stage, and 4. to 8. were created in the second stage, which came after the first stage. The contents created in the second stage were created by reviewing the contents created in the first stage and adding specific hardware.

[0059] ≪1. Method for assessing the risk of aerosol infection≫ First, the method for evaluating the risk of aerosol infection according to the present embodiment (hereinafter, referred to as the evaluation method according to the present embodiment) will be described with reference to the drawings. The evaluation method according to the present embodiment was created through intensive studies by the inventors of the present application who were trying to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0060] <Outline of Evaluation Method of the Present Embodiment> The evaluation method of this embodiment includes the following (1) to (3). (1) Using multiple particles (2) Evaluating the particle removal capability (or "particle reduction capability") of the collection space (an example of a space having a fixed volume) based on the recovery time t1 (an example of a specific elapsed time) that is the time required for the number of the particles to be sufficiently reduced. (3) Contrast the particulate removal capacity with the ventilation requirements of the assembly space.

[0061] According to the evaluation method of this embodiment, the behavior of droplet nuclei in aerosols can be simulated by the behavior of fine particles, and the substantial droplet nuclei removal capacity of the customer space, which is difficult to evaluate only by the ventilation capacity of the facility, can be easily evaluated. Also, compared to the method using a tracer gas, the fine particles simulating droplet nuclei can be visually observed, and the flow and diffusion status of actual droplet nuclei can be easily understood.

[0062] <Details of Evaluation Method of the Present Embodiment> Next, the evaluation method of this embodiment will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0063] The evaluation method of this embodiment is, as an example, for evaluating the risk of infection of an infectious disease in a gathering space inside a facility.

[0064] [Definition, etc.] Below, an example of the definition of several terms used in this specification will be described.

[0065] The term "risk of infection" literally means the risk of contracting an infectious disease. In this embodiment, the term refers to the risk of aerosol infection caused by aerosols containing pathogens.

[0066] "Infectious disease" refers to a disease caused by the invasion of a pathogen into the body, and "pathogen" refers to a pathogenic microorganism (that causes an infectious disease). Examples of "pathogens" include viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites.

[0067] "Aerosol" refers to a sol in which multiple fine particles are dispersed in air, which is a dispersion medium. In addition, "aerosol infection" refers to infection mediated by droplet nuclei (microdroplets) containing pathogens with a particle diameter of 10 μm or less.

[0068] "Aerosol infection" is a different concept from "droplet infection." "Droplet infection" occurs when an infected person or carrier releases droplets containing pathogens and water when they cough or sneeze, and these droplets are used as a medium for infection. Droplet particles are relatively large (over 10 μm in diameter) and heavy, so it is said that pathogens only scatter within a range of about 1 to 2 meters.

[0069] In contrast, "aerosol infection" is an infection that occurs via droplet nuclei that are produced when water evaporates from droplets. Because droplet nuclei are relatively small in diameter and light, they remain suspended in the air for a long time and spread over a wider area than droplets, which is said to be the cause of cluster infections.

[0070] In the evaluation method of this embodiment, the infection risk is the risk of aerosol infection caused by aerosols containing the new coronavirus, and it is suitably used as a method for evaluating the risk of aerosol infection of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in collective spaces.

[0071] The evaluation method of this embodiment includes, as an example, (1) a step of releasing a plurality of liquid particles into an assembly space, (2) a step of tracking the number of the plurality of liquid particles, (3) a step of evaluating the particle removal capacity of the assembly space, and (4) a step of evaluating the aerosol infection risk in the assembly space. Each of the steps (1) to (4) will be described below in the order listed.

[0072] (1) Discharging a plurality of liquid particles into a collection space In this process, a plurality of liquid particles are released into the collection space using a release source (not shown). The average particle diameter of the plurality of liquid particles released from the release source is preferably 10 μm or less, for example. The purpose of using liquid particles having an average particle diameter similar to that of droplet nuclei (microdroplets) that transmit aerosol infection is to understand the behavior of the droplet nuclei. Note that the "average particle diameter" in this specification is, for example, the average particle diameter measured by a laser light scattering method.

[0073] The components of each of the liquid particles constituting the plurality of liquid particles are not particularly limited. The components of each liquid particle may contain, for example, ethylene glycol and water. The chemical liquid that is the stock solution of each liquid particle is, for example, the product name "FLG5 Heavy Type" (manufactured by ANTARI Co., Ltd.).

[0074] The source of the liquid particles is not particularly limited. The source may have a mechanism for heating a chemical liquid that is the raw liquid of the liquid particles with a heater to vaporize the chemical liquid. One example of the source is a commercially available smoke machine (such as a smoke machine for stage production). The type of smoke machine is not particularly limited. For example, there is a product name "Z800II Fog Machine" (manufactured by ANTARI).

[0075] When a source of emission emits multiple liquid particles into the space to be evaluated, the emission amount is, for example, 50 mg / m 3 This reduces the influence of the number of other multiple particles that are normally present in the space (collection space) into which the particles are released, and improves the S / N ratio when measuring the multiple liquid particles released from the release source into the space (measurement by a particle measuring instrument, described later).

[0076] (2) Step of tracking the number of liquid particles (1) After the step of discharging a plurality of liquid particles into the collection space, in this step, the number of the plurality of liquid particles discharged into the collection space is measured over time. Here, the means for measuring the number of the plurality of liquid particles over time is not particularly limited. The measuring means is, for example, a measuring device such as a concentration meter that measures the particle concentration based on a gravimetric method (filter weighing method) or a particle counter that measures the number of the plurality of particles from a relative concentration calculated by a laser light scattering method.

[0077] The measurement method using a particle counter can measure the number of multiple liquid particles without being affected by the average particle size, compared to the measurement method using a concentration meter. Therefore, the measurement method using a particle counter can measure the time-dependent change in the number of multiple liquid particles in the air more accurately than the measurement method using a concentration meter. Examples of particle counters include the product name "DT-9880" (manufactured by CEM).

[0078] When the number of multiple liquid particles is measured over time, it is preferable to measure the number of liquid particles having an average particle diameter of 0.3 μm to 10 μm, for example, in order to track the behavior of liquid particles having an average particle diameter similar to that of droplet nuclei (microdroplets) that transmit aerosol infection, and to understand the behavior of the droplet nuclei.

[0079] In addition, when measuring the number of multiple liquid microparticles over time, in order to eliminate the influence of the number of other multiple microparticles that are normally present in the space being measured (within the collection space), it is preferable to measure the number of multiple microparticles present in the collection space before the release process and take the difference between this number as the number of multiple liquid microparticles.

[0080] (3) Process for evaluating the particulate removal capacity of the assembly space In this process, (2) during or after the process of tracking the number of multiple liquid particles, the particle removal capacity of the collection space is evaluated based on the recovery time t1, which is the time required for the number of multiple liquid particles to be sufficiently reduced.

[0081] "Particle removal capacity" refers to the capacity to remove multiple liquid particles from the air in the assembly space being evaluated. "Particle removal capacity" is a different concept from "ventilation capacity." "Ventilation capacity" refers to the capacity to exhaust multiple liquid particles from inside a assembly space to the outside through a ventilation system, such as a ventilator fan installed on the wall of the assembly space.

[0082] In contrast, "particle removal capacity" includes, for example, removal based on exhaust by a ventilation system, removal based on exhaust from an opening in a gathering space such as a window, air agitation by an air purifier, air conditioner, etc., decomposition of multiple liquid particles, removal based on adsorption, etc. In other words, in this specification, "particle removal capacity of a gathering space, which is an example of an evaluation target," means the capacity to remove multiple liquid particles based on the configuration of the gathering space. Note that "particle removal capacity" has the same meaning as the capacity to reduce multiple liquid particles, which will be described later. These capacities are evaluated to be higher as the recovery time t1 is shorter.

[0083] "Sufficiently reduced" means that the number of liquid microparticles released into the air of the collective space being evaluated is reduced from the air, so that the number of liquid microparticles becomes approximately the same as the number of microparticles present in the air of the collective space being evaluated, i.e., the number of microparticles before the release process.

[0084] As an example, the "time required for the amount of liquid particles to be sufficiently reduced" corresponds to the time elapsed until the maximum number of liquid particles present in the air in the collection space after the release process is reduced to one-hundredth of the original number.

[0085] Regarding the use of a 1 / 100th quantity when specifying the recovery time t1, there is an argument that if the quantity of virus released into the air is diluted to 1 / 100th of the maximum value or less, there will be no risk of infection (proposed by Takayuki Miyazawa, Associate Professor, Department of Virus Coevolution, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University). Even if the virus is present, it is believed that a person will not become infected unless a certain amount of the virus is taken into the body.

[0086] If the recovery time t1 is specified by using a tenth of the quantity, there is a risk that the recovery time t1 will vary depending on the average particle size of the liquid particles, etc. For this reason, in order to accurately specify the particle removal capacity, it is preferable to specify it based on the elapsed time until the quantity of the liquid particles present in the air in the collection space after the release step is reduced to one hundredth of the maximum value.

[0087] (4) Assessment process for aerosol infection risk in gathering spaces As an example, this process is a process carried out during or after (3) the process of evaluating the particulate removal capacity of the assembly space, in which the particulate removal capacity is compared with the required ventilation capacity of the assembly space, and if the particulate removal capacity is equal to or greater than the required ventilation capacity, the aerosol infection risk of the assembly space is evaluated as low (or there is no aerosol infection risk). Here, an example of a specific method for evaluation in this step is as follows.

[0088] (4A) First infection risk assessment method The first infection risk assessment method compares the particle removal amount Q1 with the person required ventilation amount Q2, and evaluates the aerosol infection risk in the gathering space as low (or nonexistent) if the particle removal amount Q1 is equal to or greater than the person required ventilation amount Q2, and evaluates the aerosol infection risk in the gathering space as high (or there is an aerosol infection risk) if the particle removal amount Q1 is less than the person required ventilation amount Q2.

[0089] In the first infection risk assessment method, the particle removal capacity is calculated from the following formula (1). The particle removal amount Q1 is the amount of 1 [m 2 ] removed in 60 [min] in the assembly space to be assessed. 3 Since the recovery time t1 can be regarded as the time required to remove all the liquid particles that have been released into the collecting space and filled it, the amount of removed particles Q1 can be calculated from the volume V of the collecting space and the recovery time t1. Equation (1): Particulate removal amount Q1[m 3 / h] = volume of assembly space V [m 3 ] × 60 [min] / recovery time t1 [min]

[0090] In the first infection risk assessment method, the required ventilation volume is determined by the person required ventilation volume Q2 calculated by the following formula (2): The person required ventilation volume Q2 is the ventilation volume required for the gathering space to be measured according to its capacity, and can be calculated from the required ventilation volume per customer and the capacity n of the gathering space. Equation (2): Human required ventilation Q2[m 3 / h] = Required ventilation volume per customer [m 3 / time / person] × capacity of meeting space n [persons]

[0091] According to the first infection risk assessment method, for example, the volume of the gathering space, its occupancy capacity, etc. can be taken into consideration to more accurately assess the infection risk. In some cases, measures such as ventilation cannot ensure a sufficient amount of particulate removal, and the occupancy capacity n is reduced. According to the first infection risk assessment method, an assessment is performed that takes into account the influence of the occupancy capacity n, for example.

[0092] The required ventilation volume per customer in Japan can be appropriately selected from the values ​​stipulated by the relevant laws and regulations. For example, 20 [m 3 / hour] (value based on Article 20-2 of the Enforcement Order of the Building Standards Act), 30 [m 3 / hour (a value that the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has indicated is necessary from the perspective of COVID-19 countermeasures, based on the environmental hygiene standards of the Act on Ensuring Sanitary Environments in Buildings). These standards based on laws and regulations are reliable values ​​that have been examined and established by environmental hygiene experts from the perspective of infectious disease prevention.

[0093] For reference, an example of a calculation method based on the law (Article 20-2 of the Enforcement Order of the Building Standards Act) is shown below. The effective ventilation volume (corresponding to the "required ventilation volume" in this specification) must be greater than or equal to the value calculated by the following formula. (Formula): V = 20Af / N In this formula, V, Af, and N respectively represent the following values. V: Effective ventilation volume [units / hour / m 3 ] Af: Floor area of ​​the room [m 2 (In the case where a room other than a room in a special building has a window or other opening that is effective for ventilation, the area obtained by multiplying the effective area of ​​the opening for ventilation by 20 and subtracting this area from the floor area of ​​the room) N: Occupied area per person according to actual situation [m 2 (For rooms in special buildings, when it exceeds 3, it shall be 3; for other rooms, when it exceeds 10, it shall be 10.)

[0094] (4B) Second infection risk assessment method The second infection risk assessment method compares the number of particle removal times N1 with the required ventilation rate N2, and assesses the aerosol infection risk in the gathering space to be low (or to have no aerosol infection risk) if the number of particle removal times N1 is equal to or greater than the required ventilation rate N2, and assesses the aerosol infection risk in the gathering space to be high (or to have an aerosol infection risk) if the number of particle removal times N1 is less than the required ventilation rate N2.

[0095] In the second infection risk assessment method, the particle removal capacity is assessed by the particle removal count N1 calculated by the following formula (3). The particle removal count N1 indicates how many times per hour all of the liquid particles that have been released into and filled the assembly space being assessed can be removed. Since the recovery time t1 can be regarded as the time required to remove all of the liquid particles that have been released into and filled the assembly space, the particle removal count N1 can be calculated from the recovery time t1. Equation (3): Number of particle removal times N1 [times / hour] = 60 [min] / recovery time t1 [min]

[0096] In the second infection risk assessment method, the required ventilation volume is determined by the required ventilation rate N2 for the gathering space, which is determined in accordance with the Sanitation Laboratory Guidelines. The required ventilation rate N2 is determined according to the business type and purpose of use of the gathering space being evaluated, and specifies how many times per hour the air filling the gathering space should be ventilated (replaced). For example, for cafeterias and restaurants, the required ventilation rate is specified as 6 times / hour.

[0097] The second infection risk assessment method is effective in that it allows for a simple assessment of the infection risk as long as the business type and purpose of use are known, even if the volume and capacity of the gathering space are unclear. However, since the Sanitary Laboratory Guidelines are based on the average occupancy density based on the business type and purpose of use, if a more accurate assessment is desired, it is preferable to use the first infection risk assessment method.

[0098] (4C) Third infection risk assessment method The third infection risk assessment method compares recovery time t1 with the required ventilation time t2, and evaluates the aerosol infection risk in the gathering space as low (or non-existent) if recovery time t1 is equal to or longer than the required ventilation time t2, and evaluates the aerosol infection risk in the gathering space as high (or there is a risk of aerosol infection) if recovery time t1 is shorter than the required ventilation time t2.

[0099] In the third infection risk assessment method, the particle removal capacity is determined from the recovery time t1. In addition, in the third infection risk assessment method, the required ventilation volume is determined from the required ventilation time t2 calculated by the following formula (4). The required ventilation time t2 specifies the maximum time required to remove the air that fills the gathering space to be assessed. The required ventilation time t2 can be converted from the required ventilation rate N2. Formula (4): Required ventilation time t2 [min] = 60 [min] / required ventilation rate N2 [times / hour]

[0100] The third infection risk assessment method, like the second infection risk assessment method, is effective in that it allows for a simple assessment of infection risk as long as the business type and purpose of use are known, even if the volume and capacity of the gathering space are unclear. However, since the Sanitary Laboratory Guidelines are based on the average occupancy density based on the business type and purpose of use, if a more accurate assessment is desired, it is preferable to use the first infection risk assessment method.

[0101] (4D) Fourth infection risk assessment method The fourth infection risk assessment method compares the particle removal amount Q1 with the required ventilation volume for area Q3, and evaluates the aerosol infection risk in the gathering space as low (or non-existent) if the particle removal amount Q1 is equal to or greater than the required ventilation volume for area Q3, and evaluates the aerosol infection risk in the gathering space as high (or there is a risk of aerosol infection) if the particle removal amount Q1 is less than the required ventilation volume for area Q3.

[0102] In the fourth infection risk assessment method, the particle removal capacity is calculated from formula (1) in the first infection risk assessment method. In addition, in the fourth infection risk assessment method, the required ventilation volume is determined by the area required ventilation volume Q3 calculated from the following formula (5). While the person required ventilation volume Q2 used in the first infection risk assessment method was a ventilation volume determined based on the volume V of the gathering space, the area required ventilation volume Q3 is a ventilation volume determined based on the floor area of ​​the gathering space. Equation (5): Required ventilation volume for area Q3 [m 3 / h] = Required ventilation volume per floor area [m 3 / m 2 / hour] × floor area of ​​meeting space [m 2 ]

[0103] The required ventilation volume per area Q3 can be calculated from the required ventilation volume per floor area and the floor area of ​​the gathering space. Here, the required ventilation volume per floor area is a value set out in the Heating, Air-Conditioning and Sanitary Engineers of Japan Standard (HASS 102 1972). The required ventilation volume per floor area is determined according to the business type and intended use of the gathering space being evaluated. For example, in the case of a cafeteria or restaurant, the required ventilation volume per floor area is 30 [m2] for a "restaurant / cafe (normal)". 3 / m 2 / hour], and 17.7 [m 3 / m 2 / hours.

[0104] The fourth infection risk assessment method is effective in that it allows for a simple assessment of the infection risk even if the volume or capacity of the gathering space is unclear, as long as the business type, purpose of use, and floor area of ​​the space are known. The floor area is listed, for example, on the business license for a restaurant or other business, and is likely known by the business owner. However, since the Sanitation Laboratory Guidelines are based on the average occupancy density based on the business type and purpose of use, it is preferable to use the first infection risk assessment method if a more accurate assessment is desired.

[0105] 2. How to reduce the risk of aerosol infection The method for reducing infection risk of this embodiment reduces the risk of infection of infectious diseases in a gathering space. Specifically, when the result of carrying out the infection risk assessment method of this embodiment shows that the gathering space to be assessed has a high aerosol infection risk, the following improvement measures are taken until the aerosol infection risk in the gathering space becomes low (for example, until the particulate removal capacity becomes equal to or greater than the required ventilation capacity).

[0106] Specific examples of improvement measures include improving the capacity of ventilation systems such as ventilators, as well as taking at least one measure selected from the group consisting of opening windows, doors, or vents for ventilation, operating air conditioners, circulators, or air purifiers, installing screens or partitions, and reducing occupancy limits. These improvement measures can be suitably used to reduce the risk of infection in facilities where it is not possible to increase the ventilation system capacity for some reason.

[0107] Incidentally, the infection prevention measures implemented in Japan so far have been to detect COVID-19 cases through PCR or antigen tests, identify facilities from the behavioral history of infected people (active epidemiological surveillance), and restrict the use of facilities similar in size, structure, and other characteristics to the facilities where clusters have occurred. However, there is little scientific evidence for restricting the use of these similar facilities, and it is unclear whether these measures are effective. The aforementioned infection prevention measures have also caused chaos in Japanese society and are a factor in excessively shrinking Japan's economic activity.

[0108] In contrast, the infection risk assessment method of the present embodiment is effective in that it assesses the environment of a specific space regardless of whether or not there is actual infection, objectively assesses whether or not the space has taken infection prevention measures, and provides a sense of security to facility users. Furthermore, the infection risk reduction method of the present embodiment is effective in that it is performed based on the results of the infection risk assessment method of the present embodiment, and therefore can implement appropriate infection risk reduction.

[0109] 3. Working Example Hereinafter, examples of the method for assessing the risk of infection and the method for reducing the risk of infection according to this embodiment will be described.

[0110] The evaluation of Examples 1 to 27 was carried out in the experimental room 1 shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The experimental room 1 was assumed to be a restaurant. The experimental room 1 had dimensions of 2.6 m length (vertical direction in Fig. 1) × 3.0 m width (horizontal direction in Fig. 1) × 2.4 m height, and had a floor area of ​​7.8 m. 2 , volume V is 18.5m 3 It is a room.

[0111] The capacity of laboratory 1 is 6 people, and the required ventilation volume per customer is 30 [m 3 From these values ​​and formula (2), the required ventilation volume Q2 [m 3 / h] is 180[m 3 In addition, laboratory 1 corresponds to a "dining hall, restaurant, sushi shop" in the Hygiene Laboratory Guidelines, and the required ventilation frequency N2 is 6. From this value and formula (4), the required ventilation time t2 [min] is calculated to be 10 [min].

[0112] Furthermore, Laboratory 1 corresponds to the category of "restaurant / cafe (high-end)" according to the Standard of the Society of Heating, Air-Conditioning and Sanitary Engineers of Japan (HASS 102 1972), and the required ventilation volume per floor area is 17.7 [m 3 / m 2 / hour], floor space is 7.8m 2 From these values ​​and equation (5), the required ventilation volume for the area Q3 [m 3 / h] is 138[m 3 / hour].

[0113] The ventilation volume required for people Q2, required ventilation rate N2, required ventilation time t2, and required ventilation volume for area Q3 in experimental room 1 under the above conditions are as shown in Table 1 in Figure 20. By comparing these values ​​with the measured values, if the relationships of particle removal amount Q1 ≧ required ventilation volume for people Q2 (or required ventilation volume for area Q3), particle removal rate N1 ≧ required ventilation rate N2, and recovery time t1 ≧ required ventilation time t2 are satisfied, the risk of infection is evaluated as low, and if they are not satisfied, the risk of infection is evaluated as high.

[0114] The infection risk was evaluated by releasing liquid particles 4 from a smoke machine 2 in a laboratory 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2, tracking the reduction in the number of liquid particles 4 using a particle counter 6, and evaluating the particle removal capability based on the time required for the number of liquid particles to be sufficiently reduced (recovery time).

[0115] In addition, in Figs. 1 and 2, reference numeral 8 denotes a ventilation fan, reference numeral 10 denotes an air conditioner, reference numerals 12 and 14 denote windows, reference numeral 16 denotes a door, and reference numeral 18 denotes an installation stand.

[0116] In the examples, the smoke machine used was the "Z800II Fog Machine" (manufactured by ANTARI), the liquid chemical used as the raw liquid for the liquid particles was the "FLG5 Heavy Type" (manufactured by ANTARI), and the particle measuring instrument used was the "DT-9880" (manufactured by CEM).

[0117] [Effect of particle size of liquid particles] Example 1 In the experimental room 1 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, liquid particles 4 were sprayed from a smoke machine 2 at a concentration of 300 mg / m 3 The amount of liquid particles 4 with a particle diameter of 0.3 μm was measured using a particle counter 6. To simulate a gathering space with sufficient ventilation, the ventilation fan 8 was set to a volume of 1000 m 3 The test was performed at a rate of 100 / hour / hour. The evaluation results are shown in Table 2 of FIG. 21 and FIG. 3. The graph in FIG. 3 is a graph tracking the decrease in the number of liquid particles. In this graph, the number of liquid particles at the time of measurement is plotted as a percentage of the maximum number of particles after the liquid particles are released (the same applies to the graphs in the subsequent drawings).

[0118] (Examples 2-6) The decrease in the number of liquid particles was tracked in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the particle diameter of the liquid particles to be detected was changed to the value shown in Table 2. The results are shown in Table 2 of FIG. 21 and FIG.

[0119] (Examples 7-12) In order to simulate an insufficiently ventilated collective space, the reduction in the number of liquid particles was tracked in the same manner as in Examples 1-6, except that the ventilation volume of the ventilation fan 8 shown in Figures 1 and 2 was set to 400 m3 / hour. The results are shown in Table 3 of Figure 22 and Figure 4.

[0120] In the condition of sufficient ventilation in Examples 1-6, the risk of infection was evaluated as low regardless of the particle size of liquid particles tracked. Also, in the condition of insufficient ventilation in Examples 7-12, the risk of infection was evaluated as high regardless of the particle size of liquid particles tracked. That is, the same evaluation results were obtained regardless of the particle size of liquid particles tracked.

[0121] However, as seen from the data of Examples 1-12, the recovery time t1 tends to become shorter as the particle diameter increases. This is thought to be because as the particle diameter of the liquid particles increases, the liquid particles settle and are removed from the space. For this reason, it can be said that a smaller particle diameter allows for more accurate evaluation. In this respect, it can be said that it is preferable to track liquid particles with a particle diameter of 0.3 μm to 2.5 μm, and it can be said that it is more preferable to track liquid particles with a particle diameter of 0.3 μm to 0.5 μm.

[0122] [Effect of the amount of liquid particles emitted] (Example 13) In the experimental room 1 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, liquid particles 4 were sprayed from a smoke machine 2 at a rate of 517 mg / m 3 The amount of liquid particles 4 with a particle diameter of 0.3 μm was measured by a particle counter 6. The ventilation volume of the ventilation fan 8 was 600 m 3 The evaluation results are shown in Table 4 of FIG. 23 and FIG.

[0123] (Examples 14-22) The decrease in the number of liquid particles was monitored in the same manner as in Example 13, except that the amount of liquid particles released was changed to the value shown in Table 4. The results are shown in Table 4 and FIG.

[0124] In Examples 13-19, the risk of infection was evaluated as high regardless of the amount of released liquid particles. 3 Similar evaluation results were obtained within the range.

[0125] However, in Examples 20-22, the risk of infection was evaluated as low, showing a different tendency from Examples 13-19. This indicates that when the amount of liquid fine particles released is small, it becomes susceptible to the influence of the number of fine particles present in the natural environment, and it may become impossible to perform an accurate evaluation depending on the measurement conditions. In other words, it is necessary to release a sufficient amount of liquid fine particles so that the influence of the number of fine particles present in the natural environment can be ignored, specifically, 50 mg / m 3 It can be said that it is preferable to release the above liquid particles.

[0126] [Effect of air purifiers and electric fans on reducing infection risk] Example 23 In the experimental room 1 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, liquid particles 4 were sprayed from a smoke machine 2 at a concentration of 300 mg / m 3 After releasing the liquid, the air purifier and the electric fan were operated, and the reduction in the number of liquid particles 4 with a particle diameter of 0.3 μm was tracked using a particle counter 6.

[0127] The ventilation volume of the ventilator 8 is 400 m 3 The air purifier used was a humidified air purifier (product name: KC-G40-W, manufactured by Sharp), with a 240 m3 / hour output. 3 The fan was operated under conditions that purified the air. A living room fan (product name: AMT-KC30, manufactured by Yamazen) was used as the fan, and it was operated at maximum air volume. The evaluation results are shown in Table 5 and Figure 6.

[0128] (Examples 24 and 25) Except for changing the operating conditions of the air cleaner and the electric fan as shown in Table 5 of Fig. 24, the reduction in the number of liquid particles was tracked in the same manner as in Example 23. The results are shown in Table 5 of Fig. 24 and Fig. 6.

[0129] The recovery time t1 is shorter in the following order: Example 25, in which both the air purifier and the electric fan were stopped, Example 24, in which only the air purifier was operated, and Example 23, in which both the air purifier and the electric fan were operated. In other words, the effect of improving the infection risk by operating the air purifier and the electric fan was recognized. However, Example 24 and Example 23 were not evaluated as having a "low infection risk," and additional improvement measures were recognized as being necessary.

[0130] [Effect of air conditioners on reducing infection risk] (Example 26) In the experimental room 1 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, liquid particles 4 were sprayed from a smoke machine 2 at a concentration of 300 mg / m 3 After releasing the air, the air conditioner was operated and the reduction in the number of liquid particles 4 with a particle diameter of 0.3 μm was tracked using a particle counter 6.

[0131] The ventilation volume of the ventilator 8 is 400 m 3 The temperature was set to 1 / hour. A Corona air conditioner, product name: CSH-B2220R, was used and operated at maximum cooling and air volume. The evaluation results are shown in Table 6 of FIG. 25 and FIG. 7.

[0132] Example 27 Except for turning off the air conditioner, the reduction in the number of liquid particles was monitored in the same manner as in Example 26. The results are shown in Table 6 of FIG. 25 and FIG.

[0133] Compared to Example 27, in which the air conditioner was stopped, the recovery time t1 was shorter in Example 26, in which the air conditioner was operated. In other words, the effect of improving the infection risk by operating the air conditioner was recognized. However, Example 26 was not evaluated as having a "low infection risk," and additional improvement measures were recognized as necessary.

[0134] [Case 1: Improving infection risk in brick-and-mortar stores] The evaluation of Examples 28 to 32 was carried out in a hall 101 of a pub shown in Figures 8 and 9. The hall 101 had a length (vertical direction in Figure 8) of 4.9 m, a width (horizontal direction in Figure 8) of 4.85 m, and a height of 2.69 m, and a floor area of ​​23.8 m.2 , volume V is 63.9m 3 It is a room.

[0135] The capacity of Hall 101 is 14 people, and the required ventilation volume per customer is 30 [m 3 From these values ​​and formula (2), the required ventilation volume Q2 [m 3 / h] is 420[m 3 The required ventilation time t2 [min] is calculated as 10 [min]. Hall 101 corresponds to "dining hall, restaurant, sushi shop" in the assumed hygiene testing laboratory guidelines, and the required ventilation frequency N2 is 6. From this value and formula (4), the required ventilation time t2 [min] is calculated as 10 [min].

[0136] Furthermore, Hall 101 is classified as a "restaurant / cafe (high-end)" in the Air Conditioning and Sanitary Engineers of Japan standard (HASS 102 1972), and the required ventilation volume per floor area is 17.7 m 3 / m 2 / hour], floor space is 23.8m 2 From these values ​​and equation (5), the required ventilation volume for the area Q3 [m 3 / h] is 420[m 3 / hour].

[0137] The person required ventilation volume Q2, required ventilation rate N2, required ventilation time t2, and area required ventilation volume Q3 in experimental room 1 under the above conditions are shown in Table 7 of Figure 26. By comparing these values ​​with the measured values, if the relationships of particle removal volume Q1 ≧ person required ventilation volume Q2 (or area required ventilation volume Q3), particle removal rate N1 ≧ required ventilation rate N2, and recovery time t1 ≦ required ventilation time t2 are satisfied, the infection risk is evaluated as low, and if they are not satisfied, the infection risk is evaluated as high.

[0138] (Example 28) In the hall 101 shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, liquid particles were sprayed from a smoke machine at a rate of 300 mg / m 3 The air was released, and the air purifiers 110 (2 units), the air conditioners 114 (2 units), and the total heat exchanger 112 were operated, and the reduction in the number of liquid particles having a particle diameter of 0.3 μm was tracked using the particle counter 106.

[0139] The ventilation volume of each of the 108 ventilators (2 units) is 170 m 3 / hour, the ventilation volume of the ventilator 109 is 78 m 3 The air purifier 110 was a humidified streamer air purifier (product name: ACK55X, manufactured by Daikin Industries, Ltd.), and the air purifier was set to 330 m per hour. 3 The air conditioner 114 was a commercial air conditioner (model unknown) that was installed and operated at maximum cooling and air volume. The total heat exchanger 112 was a total heat exchanger unit (product name: VAH500GB, manufactured by Daikin Industries) with a ventilation volume of 500 m 3 The evaluation results are shown in Table 8 of FIG. 27 and FIG.

[0140] (Examples 29-32) Except for changing the operating conditions of the air purifier, the air conditioner, and the total heat exchanger as shown in Table 8 of Figure 27, the reduction in the number of liquid particles was tracked in the same manner as in Example 28. The results are shown in Table 8 of Figure 27 and Figure 10.

[0141] The recovery time t1 is shorter in the following order: Example 32 in which the air purifier, air conditioner, and total heat exchanger were all stopped, Example 31 in which only the air conditioner was operated, Example 30 in which the air conditioner and total heat exchanger were operated, Example 29 in which one air purifier, an air conditioner, and a total heat exchanger were operated, and Example 28 in which two air purifiers, an air conditioner, and a total heat exchanger were operated. That is, the improvement effect of the infection risk by operating the air purifier, the air conditioner, or the total heat exchanger was confirmed. In addition, with regard to Example 28, these improvement measures were able to improve the hall 101 shown in Figures 8 and 9 of Figure 27 to an evaluation of "low infection risk," and a particularly good improvement effect was obtained.

[0142] [Case 2 of reducing infection risk in brick-and-mortar stores] The evaluation of Examples 33 and 34 was carried out in a semi-private room 201 of an izakaya shown in Fig. 11. The semi-private room 201 had a length (vertical direction in Fig. 11) of 2.3 m × width (horizontal direction in Fig. 11) of 3 m × height of 2.7 m, a floor area of ​​6.9 m2, and a volume V of 18.6 m 3The semi-private room 201 is not equipped with an air conditioner or a ventilation fan. As shown in FIG. 13, one wall 222 of the four walls that divide the semi-private room 201 has two windows 224 that communicate with the outside, and as shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 14, transoms 220A, 226A, and 228A are formed in the upper parts of the remaining three walls 220, 226, and 228. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12, a crosspiece 216A is built into the upper and lower parts of the sliding door 216, forming multiple gaps. The crosspiece part of the wall and the crosspiece part of the door communicate with the outside of the semi-private room, allowing for ventilation.

[0143] FIG. 19 shows air conditioning equipment of a store including the semi-private room 201 of a bar shown in FIG. 11 and the semi-private room 301 shown in FIG. 16 described later. A ventilation fan 408, an air purifier 410, a total heat exchanger 412, an air conditioner 414, a sliding door 416, and a window 424 are installed outside the semi-private room 201 and the semi-private room 301. In Tables 8 and 10, the "open" of the window indicates a state in which not only the window 224 but also the window 424 are open, and the "closed" of the window indicates a state in which the window 224 and the window 424 are closed. Furthermore, the "operation" of the air conditioner indicates a state in which not only the air conditioner 314 but also the air conditioner 414 are operated, and the "stop" of the air conditioner indicates a state in which the air conditioner 314 and the air conditioner 414 are stopped. Furthermore, the "operation" and "stop" of the air purifier indicate the operation / stop of the air purifier 410, and the "operation" and "stop" of the total heat exchanger indicate the operation / stop of the total heat exchanger 412.

[0144] The capacity of the semi-private room 201 is 8 people, and the required ventilation volume per customer is 30 [m 3 From these values ​​and formula (2), the required ventilation volume Q2 [m 3 / hour] is 240[m 3 The semi-private room 201 corresponds to a "dining hall, restaurant, or sushi shop" in the guidelines for the assumed hygiene testing laboratory, and the required ventilation frequency N2 is 6. From this value and formula (4), the required ventilation time t2 [min] is calculated to be 10 [min].

[0145] Furthermore, the semi-private room 201 corresponds to the "restaurant / cafe (normal)" category in the Air Conditioning and Sanitary Engineers of Japan Standard (HASS 102 1972), and the required ventilation volume per floor area is 30 [m3 / m 2 / hour], floor space is 6.9m 2 From these values ​​and equation (5), the required ventilation volume for the area Q3 [m 3 / hour] is 207[m 3 / hour].

[0146] The required ventilation volume for persons Q2, required ventilation rate N2, required ventilation time t2, and required ventilation volume for area Q3 for the semi-private room 201 under the above conditions are shown in Table 9 of Fig. 28. By comparing these values ​​with the measured values, if the relationships of particle removal volume Q1 ≥ required ventilation volume for persons Q2 (or required ventilation volume for area Q3), particle removal rate N1 ≥ required ventilation rate N2, and recovery time t1 ≤ required ventilation time t2 are satisfied, the risk of infection is evaluated as low, and if they are not satisfied, the risk of infection is evaluated as high.

[0147] (Example 33) In the semi-private room 201 shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 19, liquid particles were sprayed from a smoke machine at a rate of 300 mg / m 3 The air was discharged, the windows 224 and 424 were closed, and the ventilation fan 408, the air cleaner 410, and the total heat exchanger 412 were operated, and the reduction in the number of liquid particles having a particle diameter of 0.3 μm was monitored using the particle counter 206.

[0148] The air purifier 410 and the total heat exchanger 412 used were the same models as those used in Example 28, and were operated under the same operating conditions as in Example 28. The evaluation results are shown in Table 10 and FIG.

[0149] (Example 34) The reduction in the number of liquid particles was tracked in the same manner as in Example 33, except that the opening and closing status of the windows 224, 424 and the operating status of the air purifier 410 and the total heat exchanger 412 were changed as shown in Table 10 in Figure 29. The results are shown in Table 10 in Figure 29 and Figure 15.

[0150] The recovery time t1 was significantly shorter in Example 34 in which the windows 224, 424 were opened and the air purifier 410 and the total heat exchanger 412 were operated than in Example 33 in which the windows 224, 424 were closed and the air purifier 410 and the total heat exchanger 412 were operated. That is, the effect of improving the infection risk by opening the windows 224, 424 was confirmed. In addition, in Example 34, these improvement measures were able to improve the semi-private room 201 shown in Figures 5 and 6 to an evaluation of "low infection risk," and a particularly good improvement effect was obtained.

[0151] [Case 3 of reducing infection risk in brick-and-mortar stores] The evaluation of Examples 35 to 37 was carried out in a semi-private room 301 of an izakaya shown in Figures 16 and 19. The semi-private room 301 had a length (vertical direction in Figure 16) of 1.8 m, a width (horizontal direction in Figure 16) of 3.3 m, and a height of 2.7 m, and a floor area of ​​5.9 m. 2 , volume V is 16m 3 The semi-private room 301 has the same structure as the semi-private room 201 shown in FIG. 11, except that it does not have a window. Specifically, the wall with the sliding door 316 is configured similarly to the wall 220 shown in FIG. 12, the two walls adjacent to the wall with the sliding door 316 are configured similarly to the walls 226 and 228 shown in FIG. 14, and the wall 322 facing the wall with the sliding door 316 has a transom 322A formed in the upper part of the wall 322 as shown in FIG. 18. That is, a transom is formed in the upper part of the four walls that divide the semi-private room 301, and a batten is built in above and below the sliding door 316, forming a plurality of gaps. The transom part of the wall and the batten part of the door are connected to the outside of the semi-private room, and the structure allows ventilation.

[0152] The capacity of the semi-private room 301 is 8 people, and the required ventilation volume per customer is 30 [m 3 From these values ​​and formula (2), the required ventilation volume Q2 [m 3 / hour] is 240[m 3 The semi-private room 301 corresponds to a "dining hall, restaurant, sushi shop" in the assumed hygiene testing laboratory guidelines, and the required ventilation frequency N2 is 6. From this value and formula (4), the required ventilation time t2 [min] is calculated to be 10 [min].

[0153] Furthermore, the semi-private room 301 corresponds to the "restaurant / cafe (normal)" category in the Air Conditioning and Sanitary Engineers of Japan Standard (HASS 102 1972), and the required ventilation volume per floor area is 30 [m 3 / m 2 / hour], floor space is 5.9m 2 From these values ​​and equation (5), the required ventilation volume for the area Q3 [m 3 / hour] is 177[m 3 / hour].

[0154] The required ventilation volume for people Q2, required ventilation rate N2, required ventilation time t2, and required ventilation volume for area Q3 for the semi-private room 301 under the above conditions are shown in Table 11 of Fig. 30. By comparing these values ​​with the measured values, if the relationships of particle removal volume Q1 ≥ required ventilation volume for people Q2 (or required ventilation volume for area Q3), particle removal rate N1 ≥ required ventilation rate N2, and recovery time t1 ≤ required ventilation time t2 are satisfied, the risk of infection is evaluated as low, and if they are not satisfied, the risk of infection is evaluated as high.

[0155] Example 35 In the semi-private room 301 shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 19, liquid particles were discharged from a smoke machine at a rate of 300 g / m 3 The air was discharged, the windows 224, 424 were closed, the ventilation fan 408, the air purifier 410 and the total heat exchanger 412 were operated, and the air conditioners 314, 414 were stopped, and the reduction in the number of liquid particles with a particle diameter of 0.3 μm was tracked using the particle counter 306.

[0156] The layout of the air conditioner 314 and the total heat exchanger 412 is shown in Fig. 17 and Fig. 19. The air purifier 410 and the total heat exchanger 412 were the same models as those used in Example 28, and were operated under the same operating conditions as in Example 28. As the air conditioners 314 and 414, ceiling-embedded air conditioners (product name: FHCP160EC, manufactured by Daikin Industries) were used, and they were operated in cooling mode with maximum airflow. The evaluation results are shown in Table 10 of Fig. 29 and Fig. 15.

[0157] (Examples 36 and 37) The reduction in the amount of liquid particles was tracked in the same manner as in Example 35, except that the operating conditions of the air purifier 410, the air conditioners 314, 414, and the total heat exchanger 412 were changed as shown in Table 10. The results are shown in Table 10 of FIG. 29 and FIG. 15.

[0158] The recovery time t1 is shorter in the following order: Example 35, in which the windows 224, 424 were closed, the air conditioners 314, 414 were stopped, and the air purifier 410 and the total heat exchanger 412 were operated; Example 36, in which the windows 224, 424 were closed, and the air purifier 410, the air conditioners 314, 414, and the total heat exchanger 412 were operated; and Example 37, in which the windows 224, 424 were opened, and the air purifier 410, the air conditioners 314, 414, and the total heat exchanger 412 were all operated. That is, an improvement effect of the infection risk by opening the window and operating the air purifier, the air conditioner, and the total heat exchanger was recognized. However, none of Examples 35-37 reached the evaluation of "low infection risk," and additional improvement measures were recognized as necessary.

[0159] Even under the same conditions as in Example 37, the semi-private room 301 can be improved to have a "low risk of infection" rating by installing an additional air purifier or total heat exchanger, or by reducing the capacity of the semi-private room 301.

[0160] For example, in Example 37, the amount of fine particles removed Q1 is 139 [m 3 / h], and the required ventilation volume Q2 is 240 [m 3 / h], it is evaluated that there is a high risk of infection. However, if the capacity n of the semi-private room 301 is reduced from 8 to 4, the required ventilation volume Q2 becomes 120 [m 3 / hour]. In other words, if the capacity n of the semi-private room 301 is four people, the amount of particulate removal Q1 (139 [m 3 / h]) is 120 [m 3 / hour], the risk of infection can be assessed as low.

[0161] <Summary and supplement of 4.1~3> Below, we will explain the summary and supplement of 1 to 3, which were created in the first phase.

[0162] <Summary> The following inventions are included in the descriptions of Nos. 1 to 3 and the drawings referred to herein. The inventions are described as Appendices 1 to 13, respectively. [Appendix 1] An infection risk assessment method for assessing the infection risk of an infectious disease in a gathering space in a facility, comprising: The risk of infection is a risk of aerosol infection caused by aerosols containing pathogens, Discharging liquid particles into the collection space; After releasing the liquid particles, the decrease in the amount of the liquid particles is monitored over time; Based on the recovery time t1, which is the time required for the amount of the liquid particles to be sufficiently reduced, evaluating the particulate removal capacity of the collection space; The particulate removal capacity is compared with the required ventilation capacity of the gathering space, and if the particulate removal capacity is equal to or greater than the required ventilation capacity, the risk of aerosol infection in the gathering space is evaluated as low. [Appendix 2] The infection risk assessment method according to claim 1, This is used to track the decrease in the amount of liquid particles with a particle diameter of 0.3 μm or more and 10 μm or less over time. [Appendix 3] The infection risk assessment method according to claim 1, The reduction in the amount of liquid particulates is tracked by a particulate counter. [Appendix 4] The infection risk assessment method according to claim 1, The particle removal ability is evaluated based on the particle removal amount Q1 calculated by the following formula (1): The required ventilation volume is determined by the person required ventilation volume Q2 calculated by the following formula (2): The amount of particle removal Q1 is compared with the amount of ventilation required by a person Q2, and if the amount of particle removal Q1 is equal to or greater than the amount of ventilation required by a person Q2, the risk of aerosol infection in the gathering space is evaluated as low. Equation (1): Particle removal amount Q1[m 3 / h] = volume of assembly space V [m 3 ] × 60 [min] / recovery time t1 [min] Equation (2): Human required ventilation Q2[m 3 / h] = Required ventilation volume per customer [m 3 / hour / person] x number of people in the meeting space n [persons] [Appendix 5] The infection risk assessment method according to claim 1, The particle removal ability is evaluated based on the particle removal count N1 or recovery time t1 calculated by the following formula (3): The required ventilation volume is determined by the required ventilation rate N2 of the assembly space as determined in accordance with the Sanitary Testing Laboratory Guidelines or the required ventilation time t2 calculated by the following formula (4), The number of particle removal times N1 is compared with the required ventilation time N2, or the recovery time t1 is compared with the required ventilation time t2, and if the number of particle removal times N1 is equal to or greater than the required ventilation time N2, or if the recovery time t1 is equal to or greater than the required ventilation time t2, the risk of aerosol infection in the gathering space is evaluated as low. Equation (3): Number of particle removal times N1 [times / hour] = 60 [min] / recovery time t1 [min] Formula (4): Required ventilation time t2 [min] = 60 [min] / Required ventilation rate N2 [times / hour] [Appendix 6] The infection risk assessment method according to claim 1, The particle removal ability is evaluated based on the particle removal amount Q1 calculated by the following formula (1): The required ventilation volume is determined by the area required ventilation volume Q3 calculated by the following formula (5): The particle removal amount Q1 is compared with the area required ventilation amount Q3, and if the particle removal amount Q1 is equal to or greater than the area required ventilation amount Q3, the risk of aerosol infection in the gathering space is evaluated as low. Equation (1): Particle removal amount Q1[m 3 / h] = volume of assembly space V [m 3 ] × 60 [min] / recovery time t1 [min] Equation (5): Required ventilation volume for area Q3 [m 3 / hour] = Required ventilation volume per floor area [m 3 / m 2 / hour] × floor area of ​​meeting space [m 2 ] (However, the required ventilation volume per floor area shall be the value specified in the Standard of the Society of Heating, Air-Conditioning and Sanitary Engineers of Japan (HASS 102 1972).) [Appendix 7] The infection risk assessment method according to claim 1, A liquid particulate containing ethylene glycol and water is released into the collection space. [Appendix 8] The infection risk assessment method according to claim 1, The collection space is filled with at least 50 mg / m 3 Emits more than this. [Appendix 9] The infection risk assessment method according to claim 1, After the liquid particles are released into the collection space, the number of liquid particles is tracked over time within the shorter of the time it takes for the number of liquid particles to decrease to 1 / 100 of its maximum value or 60 minutes. [Appendix 10] The infection risk assessment method according to claim 1, The risk of infection is a risk of aerosol infection caused by aerosols containing the novel coronavirus, This is to evaluate the risk of aerosol infection with COVID-19 in the gathering space. [Appendix 11] The infection risk assessment method according to claim 1, The gathering space is not a space used exclusively by employees, but a customer space accessible to customers or customers and employees. [Appendix 12] An infection risk reduction method for reducing the risk of infection of an infectious disease in a gathering space in a facility, comprising: Evaluate the aerosol infection risk in the gathering space by the infection risk assessment method described in Supplementary Notes 1 to 11; If the gathering space is assessed to have a high risk of aerosol infection, improvement measures will be implemented until the particulate removal capacity is equal to or greater than the required ventilation capacity. [Appendix 13] 13. The method for reducing an infection risk according to claim 12, The remedial measures include ventilation by opening windows, doors or vents; operating exhaust fans, total heat exchangers, air conditioners, circulators or air purifiers; installing screens or partitions. ;Reduction of detention capacity; and take at least one measure selected from the group consisting of:

[0163] <Supplementary Information> The liquid particles in Supplementary Notes 1 to 13 may be particles other than liquid particles. Also, they may be a mixture of liquid particles and solid particles. In other words, the liquid particles in Supplementary Notes 1 to 13 may be replaced with solid particles, or simply referred to as particles as a general term.

[0164] 5. Aerosol infection risk assessment device and assessment program Next, the aerosol infection risk assessment device 50 of this embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as the assessment device 50) will be described in the order of configuration, function, operation, and effect of the assessment device 50 with reference to the drawings.

[0165] <Configuration and Functions of Evaluation Device of This Embodiment> 30 is a block diagram of an evaluation device 50 of this embodiment. The evaluation device 50 includes an emission source 60 (an example of an emission unit), a particle counter 70 (an example of a determination unit), a control device 80 (an example of a control unit and evaluation unit), and a report creation unit 90 (an example of a creation unit).

[0166] [Emission Source and Particle Counter] The emission source 60 is disposed in a space having a fixed volume (for example, the aforementioned collection space) and has a function of emitting a plurality of fine particles into this space. For example, the emission source 60 may be a machine that emits a plurality of fine particles, such as a commercially available smoke machine. The type of fine particles emitted from the emission source 60 may be liquid fine particles, solid fine particles, or a mixture of these.

[0167] The particle counter 70 has the function of measuring the quantity of multiple particles in this space multiple times, deriving a specific elapsed time until the quantity of multiple particles is reduced to a predetermined quantity from the relationship between the elapsed time from the end of the emission of the multiple particles by the emission source 60 and the measured quantity of the multiple particles, and determining the reduction capacity of the multiple particles in the space from the specific elapsed time. Here, the "predetermined quantity" means "the quantity that is 1 / 100 of the maximum quantity of the liquid particles present in the air in the collection space after the release step" as described above. Accordingly, the "specific elapsed time" means the time equivalent to the recovery time t1.

[0168] [Control device] As shown in FIG. 30, the control device 80 has a calculation unit 82 (another example of a control unit, an example of an evaluation unit), an input unit 84, a storage unit 86, and an output unit 88. The input unit 84 has a function of receiving an input signal from an external device. In this embodiment, as an example, the emission source 60 and the particle counter 70 correspond to the external device. The output unit 88 has a function of outputting to the outside a result of the calculation unit 82 applying arithmetic processing to the data input to the control device 80. In this embodiment, as an example, the report creation unit 90 corresponds to the external device, and the result corresponds to data output by the calculation unit 82 applying arithmetic processing to the data input to the input unit 84 using a program P described later. The calculation unit 82 has the function of performing calculation processing based on the program P (aerosol infection risk evaluation program) described later, and the function of controlling the components in the control device 80 other than the calculation unit 82, as well as the emission source 60, the particle counter 70, and the report creation unit 90. The storage unit 86 has a function of storing the program P and the results of calculations performed by the calculation unit 82. The algorithm of the program P and the details of the calculation process of the calculation unit 82 will be explained in the explanation of the operation of the evaluation device 50 described later.

[0169] [Report Writing Department] The report creation unit 90 has a function of creating a report on the evaluation results evaluated by the control device 80 and information associated with the evaluation results. The contents of the report will be explained in the explanation of the operation of the evaluation device 50 described later. In addition, the evaluation device 50 of this embodiment includes the report creation unit 90 as an example, but as an effect described later, the evaluation of the aerosol infection risk can be realized even if the report creation unit 90 is not provided. From this viewpoint, the report creation unit 90 is not necessary.

[0170] <Operation of the evaluation device according to this embodiment (method of evaluating aerosol infection risk)> Next, the operation of the evaluation device 50 of this embodiment (the aerosol infection risk evaluation method S100 of this embodiment) will be described with reference to FIGS. 30 and 31. FIG. 31 is a flowchart of a method for evaluating a risk of aerosol infection, which is performed using the evaluation device 50 of this embodiment. The method for evaluating a risk of aerosol infection of this embodiment includes the following multiple steps. ===================================== ·Release process S10 ·Specific process S20 A step S30 for determining whether the reduction capacity is equal to or greater than the required ventilation capacity (determination step S30) Evaluation step S32 to evaluate that there is no risk of infection (positive evaluation step S32) - Evaluation step S34 for evaluating that there is an infection risk (negative evaluation step S34) · Report creation process S40 ===================================== The contents of each of the above steps will be explained below. Each step is realized by the calculation unit 82, which performs calculation processing based on the program P stored in the memory unit 86, controlling the components other than the calculation unit 82 in the evaluation device 50.

[0171] [Release process S10] The method for evaluating an aerosol infection risk in this embodiment starts with a release step S10. The release step S10 is a step in which a release source 60 arranged in a space having a set volume releases a plurality of fine particles into the space. Specifically, the calculation unit 82 of the control device 80 operates the release source 60, causing the release source 60 arranged in the space to be evaluated to release a plurality of fine particles into the space for a set period of time. This step ends when a state is formed in which a plurality of fine particles are contained in the space. The number of the particles released into the space is the same as in the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0172] [Specific process S20] The determination step S20 is a step performed after the release step S10 is completed. The determination step S20 is a step of measuring the number of the plurality of particles in the space into which the plurality of particles are released by the release step S10 multiple times, deriving a specific elapsed time until the number of the plurality of particles is reduced to a predetermined number from the relationship between the elapsed time from the end of the release of the plurality of particles by the release source 60 and the number of the plurality of particles measured, and determining the reduction capacity of the plurality of particles in the space from the specific elapsed time. This step is performed by the particle counter 70 controlled by the calculation unit 82. Here, the predetermined number is, for example, 1 / 100 of the number measured as the maximum number of the plurality of liquid particles present in the air of the space after the release step S10. Also, the specific elapsed time is, for example, the elapsed time until the number measured as the maximum number of the plurality of liquid particles present in the air of the space after the release step S10 is reduced to 1 / 100 (i.e., the above-mentioned recovery time t1). The reduction capacity of a plurality of particles in a space is a value determined from a specific elapsed time. The reduction capacity is lower as the recovery time t1 is longer. After the particle counter 70 has determined the reduction capability, data on the reduction capability is stored in the storage unit 86 via the input unit 84, and this process ends.

[0173] [Decision step S30, positive evaluation step S32, and negative evaluation step S34] The judgment step S30 is a step performed after the identification step S20, and is a step of judging whether the reduction capability is equal to or greater than the required ventilation capability. The positive evaluation step S32 and the negative evaluation step S34 are steps performed after the judgment step S30. The positive evaluation step S32 is a step of making a positive evaluation (no (or low) risk of aerosol infection) when a positive judgment is made in the judgment step S30, that is, when it is judged that the reduction capability is equal to or greater than the required ventilation capability. In contrast, the negative evaluation step S34 is a step of making a negative evaluation (there is (or is high) risk of aerosol infection) when a negative judgment is made in the judgment step S30, that is, when it is judged that the reduction capability is less than the required ventilation capability. This process ends when the calculation unit 82 uses the reduction capacity data and the required ventilation capacity data stored in the memory unit 86 to compare them and determines whether the evaluation is positive or negative.

[0174] [Report creation process S40] The report creation step S40 is a step performed after the positive evaluation step S32 or the negative evaluation step S34. In the report creation step S40, the report creation unit 90 creates a report on the evaluation results evaluated by the control device 80 (the calculation unit 82) and information accompanying the evaluation results. Here, the report on the information accompanying the evaluation results includes, for example, any of the following contents: ======================================== The reduction capability identified in the identification step S20 Information on the relationship between the elapsed time from the end of emission of the plurality of particles by the emission source 60 and the number of the plurality of particles measured in the identification step S20 (for example, a table, a graph (two-dimensional spectrum), etc.) -Information on the insufficient reduction capability required to assess that there is no aerosol infection risk in the space being evaluated, if a negative judgment is made in the judgment step S30 If a positive judgment is made in the judgment step S30, information on the excess reduction capacity required to evaluate that there is no aerosol infection risk in the space being evaluated ======================================== The report creation unit 90 is, for example, a display device such as a display, a printing device such as a printer, a transmission device that transmits a report to an information terminal used by a user via a network or the like, or other device. This process ends when the report is created by the report creation unit 90. The aerosol infection risk assessment method S100 of this embodiment ends when the report creation process ends.

[0175] [Program P Algorithm] The algorithm of the program P is an algorithm for realizing the operation based on the flowchart of FIG. 31, which is an example for executing the aerosol infection risk assessment method S100 of this embodiment.

[0176] <Effects of the evaluation device according to this embodiment> Next, effects of the evaluation device 50, the evaluation method, and the program P of this embodiment will be described. The aerosol infection risk assessment method S100 of this embodiment can easily assess whether there is an aerosol infection risk within a space having a specified volume by identifying the reduction capacity obtained from the reduction rates of multiple fine particles. In addition, the method S100 for evaluating the risk of aerosol infection in this embodiment can inform the user of the reduction capability through a report created by the report creation unit 90. In addition, the aerosol infection risk assessment method S100 of this embodiment can visualize the relationship between the elapsed time from the end of the release process of multiple particles and the number of multiple particles measured through the report created, thereby informing the user. In addition, the aerosol infection risk assessment method S100 of this embodiment can, through the report creation function of the report creation unit 90, inform the user of the insufficient reduction capability in a space when it is assessed that there is an aerosol infection risk in the space. In addition, the aerosol infection risk assessment method S100 of this embodiment can inform the user of the excess reduction capacity in a space when it is assessed that there is no aerosol infection risk in the space, using the report creation function of the report creation unit 90. In addition, the aerosol infection risk evaluation program (program P) of this embodiment enables a computer (as an example, evaluation device 50) to easily evaluate whether or not there is an aerosol infection risk within a space having a specified volume.

[0177] ≪6. HACCP-type aerosol infection risk assessment device and assessment program≫ Next, with reference to FIG. 32, a modified example of the aerosol infection risk assessment device 50 of the present embodiment, an HACCP-type aerosol infection risk assessment device (hereinafter referred to as the HACCP-type assessment device), will be described in the order of the purpose of creating the HACCP-type assessment device, the configuration and functions of the HACCP-type assessment device, the operation, and the effects. In the following description, only the points different from the above-described assessment device 50 will be described. Also, in the following description, note that the same reference numerals are used for those having the same functions as the above-described constituent elements of the present embodiment.

[0178] <Purpose of creating the HACCP-type assessment device> HACCP is an abbreviation for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point. It is a hygiene management method in which food business operators themselves identify hazard factors such as food poisoning bacteria contamination and foreign matter mixing, and then manage the particularly important processes in all steps from the receipt of raw materials to the shipment of products in order to remove or reduce those hazard factors and ensure the safety of the products. That is, HACCP is a hygiene management method in the field of food and the like. The required ventilation capacity described so far is based on a standard determined simply by considering the volume of the space. However, it is considered that the required ventilation capacity may be different even for spaces of the same volume depending on the usage method of the space. For example, even in the case of holding a concert in a collective space of the same volume with 1000 people gathered, it is obvious that there can be a large difference in the amount of droplets generated in the collective space between a concert of hard rock or the like and a concert of classical music. Therefore, Tetsuya Mizuno, the inventor of the present application, believes that incorporating the concept of HACCP into hygiene management in the environmental field is the true method of environmental hygiene management, and thus created the HACCP-type assessment device and the HACCP-type assessment program described below.

[0179] <Functions, configuration, and operation of the HACCP-type assessment device> In this modified example, the differences from the aforementioned embodiment are as follows. That is, in the evaluation flow shown in FIG. 32 (HACCP - type aerosol infection risk evaluation method S100A), the corrected required ventilation capacity (refer to the correction step S5 in FIG. 32), which corrects the required ventilation capacity based on the usage patterns of one or more users in the space to be evaluated, is replaced in the determination step S30 of the aforementioned evaluation flow (refer to FIG. 31) (refer to determination step S30A). Thus, for example, when the required ventilation capacity of the space to be evaluated is a value Q, for example, when the collective space is a concert such as a hard rock concert, based on past evaluation results and the like, it may become a value of 5×Q, and when it is a classical music concert, based on past measurement results and the like, it may become a value of 0.3×Q. Here, the “5×” and “0.3×” parts are weight coefficients determined by the usage pattern of the collective space. These can be determined by conducting an evaluation test and stored in advance in the storage unit 86 of the control device 80. Also, the weight coefficients are also caused by the usage status of masks of the users using the collective space, the vocal intensity of each user (how loudly they speak), etc. Therefore, they may be varied according to the results of measuring these.

[0180] <Effects of HACCP - type evaluation devices, etc.> According to this modified example, a more appropriate evaluation of aerosol infection risk can be performed.

[0181] ≪7. Air purification system≫ Next, an air purification system 55 having the evaluation device 50 of the aforementioned embodiment (however, the report creation unit 90 may not be necessary) as a component will be described. That is, here, multiple types of air purification systems will be described.

[0182] <Air purification system of this embodiment> Hereinafter, the air purification system 55 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 33 to 35.

[0183] 〔Functions, configurations, and operations of the air purification system of this embodiment〕 FIG. 33 is a block diagram of an air purifying system 55 of this embodiment. FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram of an air purifying device 95 of this embodiment. The air purifying system 55 of this embodiment includes the evaluation device 50 of this embodiment (however, the report creation unit 90 may be omitted), an air purifying device 95, and an alarm device AD ​​(an example of an alarm unit). As shown in FIG. 32, the air purifying device 95 and the alarm device AD ​​are communicably connected to the evaluation device 50. The air purifying system 55 has a function of evaluating the aerosol infection risk by the evaluation device 50 and a function of purifying the air in the space by the air purifying device 95. Furthermore, the air purifying system 55 has a function of trying to maintain a state without an aerosol infection risk in the space based on the evaluation result of the aerosol infection risk by the evaluation device 50.

[0184] Air Purifier FIG. 35 is a flowchart of an aerosol infection risk assessment method S100B performed using the air purification system 55. 34, the air purifying device 95 has a fan 95A (an example of an air source), a filter 95B (an example of a catcher), and a housing 95C. An intake port 95D and an exhaust port 95E are formed in the housing 95C. The fan 95A has a function of sucking air into the intake port 95D and exhausting air from the exhaust port 95E. That is, the fan 95A has a function of sucking air in the space from the intake port 95D into the housing 95C and exhausting it into the space from the exhaust port 95E. Furthermore, since the air purifying device 95 is connected to the evaluation device 50 so as to be able to communicate with it, when the control device 80 makes a negative judgment in the judgment step S30 and proceeds to the negative evaluation step S34, the fan 95A has a function of increasing the rotation speed and blowing more air under the control of the calculation unit 82 or the control device (not shown) of the air purifying device 95. Furthermore, when the control device 80 makes a positive judgment in the judgment step S30 and proceeds to the positive evaluation step S32, the fan 95A has a function of decreasing the rotation speed and blowing less air under the control of the calculation unit 82 or the control device (not shown) of the air purifying device 95. In this way, by controlling the rotation speed of the fan 95A to increase or decrease, the air purification system 55 of the present embodiment can maintain a state without aerosol infection risk in the space.

[0185] Notification device The notification device AD ​​has a function of notifying the user of the fact in a report step S45 when the control device 80 (the calculation unit 82) evaluates that there is an aerosol infection risk in the space, that is, when the control device 80 makes a negative judgment in the judgment step S30 and proceeds to the negative evaluation step S34. The notification device AD ​​may be, for example, a light-emitting device, a speaker, a monitor, or the like, or may be a transmitting device or other device that transmits information to an information terminal used by the user via a network or the like. It is sufficient for the notification device AD ​​to be able to ultimately convey to the user that there is an aerosol infection risk in the space.

[0186] <supplement> Here, the timing for the air purification system 55 of this embodiment to perform the aerosol infection risk evaluation method S100B (see FIG. 35) may be, for example, to be periodically performed by providing a timer (not shown) in the control device 80. Also, the method may be performed when the user sends an instruction via a user interface (not shown). The air purifying device 95 may have either or both of a humidifying function and a temperature adjusting function. In particular, when the air purifying device 95 has a humidifying function, evaluation may be performed by mixing a plurality of particles into the steam that is released into the space together with the humidified air.

[0187] [Effects of the air purification system according to the present embodiment] Next, the effects of the air purification system 55 of this embodiment will be described. The air purification system 55 of this embodiment can automatically reduce the risk of aerosol infection when it is assessed that there is a risk of aerosol infection in a space. Furthermore, the air purification system 55 of this embodiment can inform the user of the risk of aerosol infection in a space if it is evaluated that there is such a risk. Furthermore, the air purification system 55 of this embodiment can perform one or both of a humidification function and a temperature adjustment function in addition to the air purification function that reduces the risk of aerosol infection. In particular, when the air purification device 95 has a humidification function, the air purification device 95 can have the function of the emission source 60. In other words, this is effective in that the emission source 60 is not required.

[0188] 8. Variations As described above, the present invention has been described using a number of embodiments and examples, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, etc. For example, the technical scope of the present invention also includes the following forms.

[0189] For example, the above-mentioned evaluation device 50 judges whether the reduction capacity is equal to or greater than the required ventilation capacity in the judgment step S30 (see Figs. 30 and 31), but for example, any of the above-mentioned second infection risk evaluation method to fourth infection risk evaluation method may be used in the judgment step S30. In addition, two or more of these evaluations may be performed, and if one of the evaluation results is a positive judgment, it may be evaluated that there is no infection risk. In addition, for example, two or more of these evaluations may be performed, and if all of the evaluation results are a positive judgment, it may be evaluated that there is no infection risk. In this case, the evaluation criteria can be stricter. For example, when the evaluation criteria are not clear for a new virus that will emerge in the future, the latter evaluation is performed to make it easier to ensure safety risks.

[0190] Furthermore, for example, the air purification system 55 described above adjusts the airflow rate by the fan 95A (see Figs. 33 and 34), but the air purification device 95 may be configured as follows: Specifically, the filter 95B may be, for example, a plasma cluster type dust collection mechanism (not shown, an example of a capture section), and when the control device 80 assesses that there is a risk of aerosol infection in the space, the control device 80 or the air purifier may control the plasma cluster type dust collection mechanism to have the plasma cluster type dust collection mechanism capture a large number of multiple fine particles.

[0191] In addition, for example, in the description of this embodiment, the evaluation target is the aerosol infection risk, but this embodiment can also be applied to the evaluation of risks other than the aerosol infection risk. For example, the present invention may be used as an evaluation method, evaluation device, and evaluation program for the risk of dust damage.

[0192] <<Additional information about 9.1-3 and 5-8>> The following provides a supplementary explanation of the above-described embodiments and modifications.

[0193] <Number of liquid particles discharged into space in the discharging step S10> The quantity is preferably equal to or greater than the amount of saturated vapor in the space. The reason for this is that if the amount of liquid particles (tiny liquid droplets) released into the space is less than the amount of saturated vapor in the space, there is a risk that a large difference will occur between the amount of multiple liquid particles released immediately after release in the release step S10 and the amount of multiple liquid particles measured in the determination step S20 (see FIG. 35, etc.) that determines the reduction capacity as a result of evaporation in the space. Moreover, in order to measure the number of liquid particles over time (for example, at regular time intervals), it is preferable that the control device 80 operates under the following conditions. Specifically, the conditions are: (1) the measurement device 50 causes the memory unit 80 to record the upper measurable limit of the particle counter 80 in advance, (2) the calculation unit 82 determines the number of liquid particles to be released by the release source 60 to a predetermined release amount corresponding to the volume of the space so that the concentration of liquid particles in the space to be measured does not exceed a concentration corresponding to the upper measurable limit, and (3) after determining the predetermined release amount, the calculation unit 82 sends a command to the release source 60 to perform a release operation.

[0194] <Components of the liquid particles discharged into the space in the discharging step S10> In the above embodiment, it has been described that the components of each liquid particle may include, for example, ethylene glycol and water, but the components included in each liquid particle may be a polyhydric alcohol other than ethylene glycol (glycerin as an example). The reason for this is as follows. First, the so-called artificial aerosol generated in the release step S10 is difficult to generate unless it is a liquid that has a "higher boiling point than water" and is "relatively soluble in water (= difficult to separate)." Furthermore, it cannot be used unless it is a "liquid that is safe to handle." For example, dimethyl sulfoxide is likely to explode, and dimethylformamide is toxic when inhaled by the human body and may cause eye irritation or genetic diseases. Therefore, polyhydric alcohols are preferred as the liquid other than water contained in the artificial aerosol. In addition, polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and glycols have chemical properties such as a relatively high boiling point and a small amount of saturated vapor, and therefore can be said to be suitable artificial aerosols for appropriately evaluating the risk of aerosol infection, which is the purpose of each embodiment.

[0195] In addition, because the facility is open for business and customers are present, it may be impossible (or difficult) to carry out measurements to assess the risk of aerosol infection based on this embodiment, in which artificial aerosols are filled into the space where customers are present. Therefore, for example, the following modified measurement method can be performed. Specifically, this modified measurement method involves (1) releasing a plurality of liquid particles composed of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the space to be measured instead of the plurality of liquid particles released from the release source 60, and (2) measuring the concentration of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) vaporized in the space using a gas concentration detection device (not shown) such as a gas sensor (VOC sensor) instead of the particle counter 70. Here, the concentration of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) measured by the gas concentration detection device essentially corresponds to the number of the plurality of liquid particles released from the release source 60 into the space to be measured. This is because there are air purifiers on the market that break down chemical substances such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and even if the VOCs are vaporized and measured, they are removed by the air purifier in the same way as artificial aerosols. In this modified example, the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from the emission source 60 into the space is preferably less than the saturated vapor amount. The reason for this is that if the amount of VOCs emitted is more than the saturated vapor amount, the liquid will adhere to the floor, wall, etc. that separate the space and gradually evaporate, which may cause errors in the measurement results. Among volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the method of evaporating volatile alcohol such as ethanol has the advantage that it can be easily emitted by using a spray, making it possible to easily and simply evaluate the risk of aerosol infection in any space, not just in a specific place. In view of the above, the main aspects of the invention described in the "Summary" above are particularly effective in the following modified examples. (Invention of a modified example of the method for evaluating the risk of aerosol infection according to the first aspect) a step of discharging a plurality of liquid particles into a space having a predetermined volume, the liquid particles (1) being composed of a volatile organic compound, (2) having an average particle size of 10 μm or less, and (3) such that the number of the liquid particles discharged into the space is an amount equivalent to less than the amount of saturated vapor of the volatile organic compound; a determining step of measuring the number of the liquid particles in the space a plurality of times after the discharging step, deriving a specific elapsed time until the number of the liquid particles is reduced to a predetermined number from a relationship between the elapsed time from the end of the discharging step and the number of the liquid particles measured, and determining a reduction capability of the liquid particles in the space from the specific elapsed time; an evaluation step of evaluating that there is an aerosol infection risk in the space if the reduction capability is less than the standard reduction capability required for the space; A method for assessing aerosol infection risk, including: (Invention of a modified example of an aerosol infection risk assessment program) On the computer, a discharge function for discharging a plurality of liquid particles into a space having a predetermined volume, the liquid particles (1) being composed of a volatile organic compound, (2) having an average particle size of 10 μm or less, and (3) such that the number of the liquid particles discharged into the space is an amount equivalent to less than the amount of saturated vapor of the volatile organic compound; a function of measuring the number of the liquid particles in the space a plurality of times after the discharge of the liquid particles is completed, deriving a specific elapsed time until the number of the liquid particles is reduced to a predetermined number from the relationship between the elapsed time from the end of the discharge of the liquid particles and the number of the liquid particles measured, and determining a reduction capability of the liquid particles in the space from the specific elapsed time; An evaluation function that evaluates that there is an aerosol infection risk in the space when the reduction capability is less than the reduction standard capability required for the space, and evaluates that there is no aerosol infection risk in the space when the reduction capability is equal to or greater than the reduction standard capability; An aerosol infection risk assessment program that will (Invention of a modified example of the device for evaluating the risk of aerosol infection according to the first embodiment) a determination unit that measures a number of liquid particles emitted into a space having a predetermined volume, the liquid particles being (1) composed of a volatile organic compound, (2) having an average particle size of 10 μm or less, and (3) equivalent to a quantity less than the saturated vapor amount of the volatile organic compound in the space, derives a specific elapsed time until the quantity of the liquid particles is reduced to a predetermined quantity from the relationship between the elapsed time from the end of the emission of the liquid particles and the measured quantity of the liquid particles, and determines a reduction capacity of the liquid particles in the space from the specific elapsed time; an evaluation unit that evaluates that there is an aerosol infection risk in the space when the reduction capability is less than or equal to a reduction standard capability required for the space, and evaluates that there is no aerosol infection risk in the space when the reduction capability is equal to or greater than the reduction standard capability; A control unit that controls the identification unit and the evaluation unit based on the aerosol infection risk assessment program according to claim 68; An aerosol infection risk assessment device comprising: The above modifications relate to the main aspects of the above-described embodiment, but it goes without saying that similar modifications are possible for aspects that refer to the main aspects.

[0196] Aerosol infection is said to be transmitted by droplets (saliva) released into the air by humans. Aerosol infection is said to be particularly likely to occur in restaurants that serve alcoholic beverages. In other words, droplets released by humans in such restaurants are liquid particles containing water and alcohol (a part of alcoholic beverages). From this perspective, the inventors of the present application have proposed that each liquid particle constituting the artificial aerosol contains water and alcohol, and in particular that the main components of each liquid particle are water and alcohol, which can be said to be highly reproducible in evaluating the risk of aerosol infection, especially in the aforementioned restaurants. In view of the above, the main aspects of the invention described in the "Summary" above are particularly effective in the following modified examples. (Invention of a modified example of the method for evaluating the risk of aerosol infection according to the first aspect) a step of discharging a plurality of liquid particles into a space having a predetermined volume, (1) each liquid particle containing water and a polyhydric alcohol, (2) having an average particle size of 10 μm or less, and (3) such that the number of the plurality of liquid particles in the space corresponds to a quantity equal to or greater than the saturated vapor amount of the polyhydric alcohol; a determining step of measuring the number of the liquid particles in the space a plurality of times after the discharging step, deriving a specific elapsed time until the number of the liquid particles is reduced to a predetermined number from a relationship between the elapsed time from the end of the discharging step and the number of the liquid particles measured, and determining a reduction capability of the liquid particles in the space from the specific elapsed time; an evaluation step of evaluating that there is an aerosol infection risk in the space if the reduction capability is less than the standard reduction capability required for the space; A method for assessing the risk of aerosol infection in restaurants that serve alcoholic beverages, including: (Invention of a modified example of an aerosol infection risk assessment program) On the computer, A function of discharging a plurality of liquid particles into a space having a predetermined volume, (1) each of which contains water and a polyhydric alcohol, (2) has an average particle size of 10 μm or less, and (3) such that the number of the liquid particles in the space corresponds to a quantity equal to or greater than the saturated vapor amount of the polyhydric alcohol; a function of measuring the number of the liquid particles in the space a plurality of times after the discharge of the liquid particles is completed, deriving a specific elapsed time until the number of the liquid particles is reduced to a predetermined number from the relationship between the elapsed time from the end of the discharge of the liquid particles and the number of the liquid particles measured, and determining a reduction capability of the liquid particles in the space from the specific elapsed time; An evaluation function that evaluates that there is an aerosol infection risk in the space when the reduction capability is less than the reduction standard capability required for the space, and evaluates that there is no aerosol infection risk in the space when the reduction capability is equal to or greater than the reduction standard capability; This is a program to assess the risk of aerosol infection in restaurants that serve alcoholic beverages. (Invention of a modified example of the device for evaluating the risk of aerosol infection according to the first embodiment) a determination unit that measures the number of multiple liquid particles emitted multiple times into a space having a specified volume, (1) each liquid particle containing water and a polyhydric alcohol, (2) having an average particle size of 10 μm or less, and (3) such that the number of the multiple liquid particles in the space corresponds to a number equal to or greater than the saturated vapor amount of the polyhydric alcohol, derives a specific elapsed time until the number of the multiple liquid particles is reduced to a predetermined number from the relationship between the elapsed time from the end of the emission of the multiple liquid particles and the number of the multiple liquid particles measured, and determines a reduction capacity of the multiple liquid particles in the space from the specific elapsed time; an evaluation unit that evaluates that there is an aerosol infection risk in the space when the reduction capability is less than or equal to a reduction standard capability required for the space, and evaluates that there is no aerosol infection risk in the space when the reduction capability is equal to or greater than the reduction standard capability; A control unit that controls the identification unit and the evaluation unit based on the aerosol infection risk assessment program according to claim 68; An apparatus for evaluating the risk of aerosol infection in a restaurant that serves alcoholic beverages. The above modifications relate to the main aspects of the above-described embodiment, but it goes without saying that similar modifications are possible for aspects that refer to the main aspects. [Industrial Applicability]

[0197] The infection risk assessment method of this embodiment can be used to assess and reduce the risk of infection in spaces such as eateries such as cafeterias, restaurants, izakayas, and cafes, clubs, bars, karaoke booths, and concert venues, as well as in work spaces where there is a risk of dust damage.

[0198] Currently, facilities similar to those where clusters have occurred and related industries are being uniformly requested to shorten business hours or close without evaluating each facility, even if they have taken sufficient infection control measures. Such countermeasures have led to reputational damage and economic losses, and have become a factor in the exhaustion of society as a whole. According to the infection risk assessment method and infection risk reduction method of the present invention, it is possible to easily and objectively evaluate whether a specific facility has taken infection prevention measures, and therefore it is possible to make rational decisions and measures such as lifting requests to shorten business hours or close facilities for facilities that meet the criteria, which is extremely beneficial in terms of achieving both infection prevention measures and the economy.

[0199] The above-mentioned required ventilation capacity and corrected required ventilation capacity are standards for determining whether or not there is an infection risk from the reduced capacity specified in the respective specification steps. Therefore, please note that in the claims of this application, the required ventilation capacity and corrected required ventilation capacity are specified by the comprehensive name of reduced standard capacity. [Explanation of symbols]

[0200] 1. Laboratory 2. Smoke Machine 4 Multiple liquid particles 6. Particle counter 8. Ventilator 10. Air Conditioning 12. Windows 14. Windows 16 Doors 18 Installation stand 50 Evaluation device 55 Air Purification System 60 Emission source 70 Particle Counter 80 Control device 82 Arithmetic section 84 Input section 86 Memory section 88 Output section 90 Report Writing Department 95 Air Purifier 95A Fan 95B Filter 95C Case 95D Air Intake 95E Exhaust port 101 Holes 102 Table 104 Chair 106 Particle Counter 108 Ventilator 109 Ventilator 110 Air Purifier 112 Total heat exchanger 114 Air Conditioner 116 Entrance 201 Semi-private room 202 Table 204 Chair 206 Particle Counter 216 Sliding Door 216A Crosspiece 220 Wall 222 Wall 226 Wall 228 Wall 224 Window 220A Transom 226A Transom 228A Transom 301 Semi-private room 302 Table 304 Chair 306 Particle Counter 314 Air Conditioner 316 Sliding Door 322 Wall 322A Transom 408 Ventilator 410 Air Purifier 412 Total heat exchanger 414 Air Conditioner 416 Sliding Door 424 Windows S100 Evaluation Method S100A Evaluation Method S100B Evaluation Method S10 Release process S20 Specific process S30 Judgment process S30A Judgment process S32 Positive evaluation process S34 Negative evaluation process S40 Report creation process S45 Reporting process AD Notification Device P Evaluation Program

Claims

1. a step of discharging a plurality of liquid particles into a space having a predetermined volume, (1) each liquid particle contains water and a polyhydric alcohol, (2) has an average particle size of 10 μm or less, and (3) the number of the plurality of liquid particles in the space corresponds to a quantity equal to or greater than the saturated vapor amount of the polyhydric alcohol; a determining step of measuring the number of the liquid particles in the space a plurality of times after the discharging step, deriving a specific elapsed time until the number of the liquid particles is reduced to a predetermined number from a relationship between the elapsed time from the end of the discharging step and the number of the liquid particles measured, and determining a reduction capability of the liquid particles in the space from the specific elapsed time; an evaluation step of evaluating that there is an aerosol infection risk in the space if the reduction capability is less than the standard reduction capability required for the space; A method for assessing aerosol infection risk, including:

2. In the evaluation step, if the reduction capability is equal to or greater than the standard reduction capability, it is evaluated that there is no aerosol infection risk in the space. The method for evaluating aerosol infection risk according to claim 1.

3. The reference reduced capacity is a required ventilation capacity required for the volume of the space or a modified required ventilation capacity obtained by modifying the required ventilation capacity based on the usage pattern of at least one or more users using the space. A method for evaluating aerosol infection risk according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a generating step of generating a report including the reduction capabilities identified in the identifying step; The method for evaluating an aerosol infection risk according to claim 3, further comprising:

5. The creating step creates the report by further including information on the two-dimensional spectrum of the relationship. The method for evaluating aerosol infection risk according to claim 4.

6. On the computer, a discharge function for discharging a plurality of liquid particles into a space having a predetermined volume, (1) each of the liquid particles contains water and a polyhydric alcohol, (2) the average particle size is 10 μm or less, and (3) the number of the liquid particles in the space corresponds to a quantity equal to or greater than the saturated vapor amount of the polyhydric alcohol; a function of measuring the number of the liquid particles in the space a plurality of times after the discharge of the liquid particles is completed, deriving a specific elapsed time until the number of the liquid particles is reduced to a predetermined number from the relationship between the elapsed time from the end of the discharge of the liquid particles and the number of the liquid particles measured, and determining a reduction capability of the liquid particles in the space from the specific elapsed time; An evaluation function that evaluates that there is an aerosol infection risk in the space when the reduction capability is less than the reduction standard capability required for the space, and evaluates that there is no aerosol infection risk in the space when the reduction capability is equal to or greater than the reduction standard capability; An aerosol infection risk assessment program that will

7. a determination unit that measures the number of a plurality of liquid particles emitted a plurality of times into a space having a predetermined volume, the liquid particles (1) each containing water and a polyhydric alcohol, (2) having an average particle size of 10 μm or less, and (3) such that the number of the plurality of liquid particles in the space corresponds to a number equal to or greater than the saturated vapor amount of the polyhydric alcohol, derives a specific elapsed time until the number of the plurality of liquid particles is reduced to a predetermined number from the relationship between the elapsed time from the end of the emission of the plurality of liquid particles and the number of the plurality of liquid particles measured, and determines a reduction capacity of the plurality of liquid particles in the space from the specific elapsed time; an evaluation unit that evaluates that there is an aerosol infection risk in the space when the reduction capability is less than or equal to a reduction standard capability required for the space, and evaluates that there is no aerosol infection risk in the space when the reduction capability is equal to or greater than the reduction standard capability; A control unit that controls the identification unit and the evaluation unit based on the aerosol infection risk assessment program according to claim 6; An aerosol infection risk assessment device comprising:

8. a creation unit that creates a report on the evaluation results evaluated by the evaluation unit and information accompanying the evaluation results; The aerosol infection risk assessment device according to claim 7, further comprising:

9. The aerosol infection risk assessment device according to claim 7, an air purifying device having a housing in which an air intake port and an exhaust port are formed, an air source for drawing air into the air intake port and exhausting the air from the exhaust port, and a capturing unit for capturing a plurality of liquid particles drawn into the air intake port together with the air, and being controlled by the control unit to purify the air drawn into the air intake port and exhaust the cleaned air from the exhaust port; Equipped with The air blowing source is capable of adjusting the amount of air blown, When the evaluation unit evaluates that there is an aerosol infection risk in the space, the control unit controls the air blowing source to make the air blowing source blow a large amount of air. Air purification system.

10. a notification unit that notifies a user of the evaluation unit's assessment that there is an aerosol infection risk in the space; The air purification system of claim 9 further comprising:

11. The aerosol infection risk assessment device according to claim 9 , an air purifying device having a housing in which an air intake port and an exhaust port are formed, an air source for drawing air into the air intake port and exhausting the air from the exhaust port, and a capturing unit for capturing a plurality of liquid particles drawn into the air intake port together with the air, and being controlled by the control unit to purify the air drawn into the air intake port and exhaust the cleaned air from the exhaust port; Equipped with the capturing portion is capable of adjusting the amount of the liquid particles captured; When the evaluation unit evaluates that there is an aerosol infection risk in the space, the control unit controls the capture unit to cause the capture unit to capture a large number of multiple liquid particles. Air purification system.

12. a notification unit that notifies a user of the evaluation unit's assessment that there is an aerosol infection risk in the space; The air purification system of claim 11 further comprising:

13. The air purifying device is capable of at least one of humidifying and adjusting the temperature of air drawn in through the air inlet and exhausted through the air outlet, 10. The air purification system of claim 9.

14. The air purifying device is capable of at least one of humidifying and adjusting the temperature of air drawn in through the air inlet and exhausted through the air outlet, 12. The air purification system of claim 11.

15. a step of discharging a plurality of liquid particles into a space having a predetermined volume, (1) each liquid particle contains water and a polyhydric alcohol, (2) has an average particle size of 10 μm or less, and (3) the number of the plurality of liquid particles in the space corresponds to a quantity equal to or greater than the saturated vapor amount of the polyhydric alcohol; a determining step of measuring the number of the liquid particles in the space a plurality of times after the discharging step, deriving a specific elapsed time until the number of the liquid particles is reduced to a predetermined number from a relationship between the elapsed time from the end of the discharging step and the number of the liquid particles measured, and determining a reduction capability of the liquid particles in the space from the specific elapsed time; an evaluation step of evaluating that there is a risk of dust damage in the space when the reduction capability is less than the reduction standard capability required for the space; A method for assessing the risk of dust hazard, including:

16. On the computer, a discharge function for discharging a plurality of liquid particles into a space having a predetermined volume, (1) each of the liquid particles contains water and a polyhydric alcohol, (2) the average particle size is 10 μm or less, and (3) the number of the liquid particles in the space corresponds to a quantity equal to or greater than the saturated vapor amount of the polyhydric alcohol; a function of measuring the number of the liquid particles in the space a plurality of times after the discharge of the liquid particles is completed, deriving a specific elapsed time until the number of the liquid particles is reduced to a predetermined number from the relationship between the elapsed time from the end of the discharge of the liquid particles and the number of the liquid particles measured, and determining a reduction capability of the liquid particles in the space from the specific elapsed time; An evaluation function that evaluates that there is no risk of dust damage in the space when the reduction capacity is equal to or greater than the reduction standard capacity required for the space; A dust damage risk assessment program that implements the following:

17. a determination unit that measures the number of liquid particles multiple times so that the number of the liquid particles in the space corresponds to a number equal to or greater than the saturated vapor amount of the polyhydric alcohol, derives a specific elapsed time until the number of the liquid particles is reduced to a predetermined number from the relationship between the elapsed time from the end of the emission of the liquid particles and the number of the measured liquid particles, and determines a reduction capacity of the liquid particles in the space from the specific elapsed time; An evaluation unit that evaluates that there is no risk of dust damage in the space when the reduction capacity is equal to or greater than a reduction standard capacity required for the space; A control unit that controls the identification unit and the evaluation unit based on the dust damage risk evaluation program according to claim 16; A dust damage risk assessment device comprising:

18. a step of discharging a plurality of liquid particles into a space having a predetermined volume, the liquid particles (1) being composed of a volatile organic compound, (2) having an average particle size of 10 μm or less, and (3) such that the number of the liquid particles discharged into the space corresponds to an amount less than the saturated vapor amount of the volatile organic compound; a determining step of measuring the number of the liquid particles in the space a plurality of times after the discharging step, deriving a specific elapsed time until the number of the liquid particles is reduced to a predetermined number from a relationship between the elapsed time from the end of the discharging step and the number of the liquid particles measured, and determining a reduction capability of the liquid particles in the space from the specific elapsed time; an evaluation step of evaluating that there is an aerosol infection risk in the space if the reduction capability is less than the standard reduction capability required for the space; A method for assessing aerosol infection risk, including:

19. In the evaluation step, if the reduction capability is equal to or greater than the standard reduction capability, it is evaluated that there is no aerosol infection risk in the space. The method for evaluating aerosol infection risk according to claim 18.

20. On the computer, a discharge function for discharging a plurality of liquid particles into a space having a predetermined volume, the liquid particles (1) being composed of a volatile organic compound, (2) having an average particle size of 10 μm or less, and (3) such that the number of the liquid particles discharged into the space is an amount equivalent to an amount less than the saturated vapor amount of the volatile organic compound; a function of measuring the number of the liquid particles in the space a plurality of times after the discharge of the liquid particles is completed, deriving a specific elapsed time until the number of the liquid particles is reduced to a predetermined number from the relationship between the elapsed time from the end of the discharge of the liquid particles and the number of the liquid particles measured, and determining a reduction capability of the liquid particles in the space from the specific elapsed time; An evaluation function that evaluates that there is an aerosol infection risk in the space when the reduction capability is less than the reduction standard capability required for the space, and evaluates that there is no aerosol infection risk in the space when the reduction capability is equal to or greater than the reduction standard capability; An aerosol infection risk assessment program that will

21. a determination unit that measures a number of liquid particles emitted into a space having a predetermined volume, the liquid particles being (1) composed of a volatile organic compound, (2) having an average particle size of 10 μm or less, and (3) equivalent to a quantity less than the saturated vapor amount of the volatile organic compound in the space, derives a specific elapsed time until the quantity of the liquid particles is reduced to a predetermined quantity from the relationship between the elapsed time from the end of the emission of the liquid particles and the measured quantity of the liquid particles, and determines a reduction capacity of the liquid particles in the space from the specific elapsed time; an evaluation unit that evaluates that there is an aerosol infection risk in the space when the reduction capability is less than or equal to a reduction standard capability required for the space, and evaluates that there is no aerosol infection risk in the space when the reduction capability is equal to or greater than the reduction standard capability; A control unit that controls the identification unit and the evaluation unit based on the aerosol infection risk assessment program according to claim 68; An aerosol infection risk assessment device comprising:

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