Design and construction of an air quality monitoring system to mitigate virus spread

Ochie, S.; Ochie, K.

Air pollution is one of the most dangerous problems we face in the world today. It causes many illnesses and diseases that affect the immune system of humans and non-human animals and is also a means of propagating the novel COVID-19 or corona virus. Temperature, humidity, and the level of carbon dioxide characterize the air quality in an environment. In addition to abnormal temperatures and humidity causing direct problems to humans like headaches, heatstroke, hypothermia and hyperthermia, death and so on, it could also cause complicated problems like the acceleration of the growth and lifespan of harmful viruses like the corona virus especially in closed spaces like on a drilling rig or a processing facility. Multiple studies show that the influenza virus, coronavirus, and many others spread from host to host faster in areas with low humidity and high temperatures and upon infection, mortality rate is higher in low humidity regions. Inhalation of toxic levels of carbon dioxide has adverse effects ranging from drowsiness to coma and even death. Despite safety measures put in place in offshore facilities, there are still cases of corona virus outbreaks, hence this study aims to combat the facilitated spread of viruses and enhancement of good air quality via the design and construction of a device that measures the temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels, using a DHT11 and MQ135 sensor. The temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide levels of the living area, bedroom, kitchen, and balcony in a facility was captured by the device to determine the quality of air and characterized. The values were then compared with the expected values from a trusted website to determine the accuracy of the device. The device showed a 99.8% accuracy and passed quality check making it a recommendation to enhance air quality in facilities, houses, or offices. © Copyright 2021, Society of Petroleum Engineers