With the easing of the pandemic on a global scale, social gathering events in various countries are gradually returning to normal. In March of this year, the Magic Cinema Theater in Rust, Germany started to open its doors to the public. For the first time since early 2020, when the pandemic broke out, people were able to meet once again in the cinema in Germany. To prepare for this opening, the cinema has chosen Palas®, expert for aerosol technology in Germany, as their partner. Three AQ Guards from Palas® were installed across the hall. The AQ Guard is the only measuring device in the world that offers the necessary aerosol resolution in combination with a CO2 measuring cell. This enables a more precise determination of the infection risk.
Palas® Supports the Pilot Project
This pilot project was granted special permission by the state of Baden-Württemberg. 140 viewers watched a movie together in a 550 square meter theater. The aim was to test whether and how an event concept could be implemented amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Such events can create many uncertainties, from the number of viewers to the ventilation. The only way to gain clarity is to take further measurements.
The focus of this pilot project was to test how to minimize risk at the cinema. The amusement park concept was adopted here, limiting the number of people with fixed seat to keep social distance. Also, masks were compulsory as extra protection for the viewers. The indoor space received continuous fresh air supply via a ventilation system, while the AQ Guard was running, monitoring, and reducing virus risk in real time.
Palas® Predicts and Prevents Risk
As the expert for aerosol technology, Palas® applies its long-term experience in the development of AQ Guard. Long before the start of this event, AQ Guard has been monitoring the air quality in the cinema to collect important reference values for virus and air quality. The cutting-edge technology of AQ Guard predicts the risk level on site, thereby further ensuring a smooth event.
First, Palas® determines the virus concentration with a recognized scientific model and the indoor CO2 concentration. AQ Guard has extended this model to include the influence of aerosol deposition. While the CO2 concentration is used to measure exhaled air and potential contamination with infectious aerosols, the measured aerosol concentration provides information on the extent to which these potentially infectious aerosols are separated by the air. The combination of both values enables a much more meaningful calculation of the risk of infection.
AQ Guard Guarantees the Quality of Viewing
In crowded areas, the risk of virus infection is higher due to prolonged gatherings of people. A confined space such as the cinema is a favorable environment for the coronavirus to spread quickly. In order to ensure the health of the viewers, AQ Guard was used as an important reference object for monitoring virus and air quality. Once the aerosol in the air exceeds the normal range, it will be reflected on the AQ Guard. The cinema has chosen AQ Guard to monitor aerosol concentration in the air in real time. In this way, the increased risk of virus infection due to group gathering can be reduced.
AQ Guard provides technical support both before and during the event, with collaboration of the viewers and the use of the ventilation system. This pilot project proved to be a success. Based on the data collected by the AQ Guard, the virus concentration remained below 0.6 throughout the 90 minutes. This means that even if one person in the room breathes out infectious aerosols, no other person would be infected. These results show that even more people could attend such an event without the risk of infection.
Air Quality Monitor AQ Guard
Advantages：
· Technology based on the type approved Fidas® 200 series (EN16450 and MCERTS)
· Simultaneous measurement of Cn, PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM10
· High accuracy with advanced algorithms
· Long term stability thanks to self-calibration for measurement of flow rate, particulates, and gaseous pollutants
· 2 years operation without calibration
· Operates on AC, DC, or power-over-Ethernet
Applications：
· Industry: Production processes, bulk material handling (mixing, discharge, storage, packaging, etc.), fenceline monitoring
· Construction sites: Roads, railroads, demolition sites
· Buildings: Schools, kindergartens, hospitals, hotels, offices, public service buildings
· Residential buildings near construction sites or other polluted areas
· Public transportation: Airports, train stations, tramway & underground stations, cruise ships, passenger cabin such as in tram and train
Palas® China will participate in the 19th China International Environmental Protection Exhibition and Conference at the China International Exhibition Center from July 13rd to 15th, 2021. Palas® will bring a variety of instruments to the exhibition, including advanced nano-particle measurement system SMPS (scanning mobility particle size spectrometer), aerosol spectrometer system Fidas® 200 series, and air quality monitor AQ Guard series. Please come and visit us. Palas® looks forward to your visit at booth 2618 in hall 2!
