Study will examine elevator airflow amid COVID-19 pandemic

Otis Worldwide Corporation has commissioned an independent study into elevator airflow amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The study will examine how elevator airflow affects the risk of transmission of the COVID-19 virus among passengers. It will also investigate how to mitigate those risks through science-based safety protocols.

The study will be led by Purdue University professor of mechanical engineering Dr. Qingyan (Yan) Chen. Chen is widely recognized for his research into the spread of infectious disease through indoor air systems, and how to prevent it.

Researchers will use sophisticated 3D modeling that has been used to study various indoor environments including aircraft cabins.