A joint assessment with IIT Ropar has validated a modular low-cost NPR, used to prevent airborne transmission of respiratory diseases in hospitals with a mechanical ventilation system that creates a lower operating pressure so that there is no ‘significant’ leakage of the contaminated air. These chambers, meant for isolating COVID-19 patients in hospitals and medical centres, ensure that released airborne contaminants do not stay suspended - or leak – outside, but are scavenged through the ventilation system. The NPR comprises of a sealed plastic canopy, a removable door around the patient’s bed and the suction-type ventilation system appropriately placed to maintain the negative pressure and efficient removal of the airborne contaminants.

The company has also evaluated, implemented and commissioned these NPRs and provided technological support to the institution to install negative pressure cabins in the government medical centres in the Rupnagar district of Punjab.

Working with professors from IIT Bombay, IIT Ropar and the Ashoka University, Ansys India came up with the design guidelines for a mobile sample collection booth conforming to BSL-2 (Biosafety Level 2) standards. These guidelines help in the design and assembly of the booths, making them easily deployed wherever they are needed.

Ansys will continue to play a major role in the functioning of many engineering companies, which are likely to increase their dependence on simulation to continue working remotely, Somani says. “This trend has caused a growing dependence on simulation versus physical testing. Engineering simulation has been able to show its worth during this COVID-19 phase,” he adds.