CFD Investigation of Toluene Emission In a Printing Room

Abstract

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) comprise several harmful chemical such as benzene and toluene, that can cause acute and chronic health effects for individuals. One of contributors of VOC are printers, photocopiers, and fax machine that use ink that when it is heated during printing operations will emit VOC. Printing shops heavily operate these devices (machines) and often several of them at the same time and this will cause the VOC level inside the premises to be higher compared to home and offices that have similar equipment. This study estimates the VOC, particularly toluene, concentration, and distribution inside a printing room, by using Computer Fluid Dynamic (CFD) analysis approach software. The software aid in physical modelling of the emission flow based on copiers machine numbers and influence of parameters like concentration levels and anthropometric data. Despite implementing ventilation and at a minimum number of operating copiers, the study reveals that toluene emissions exceed the recommended limit, particularly among females who have higher exposure than males due to height. The quantity of copiers and the positioning influenced the dispersion of toluene in the investigated area.