Dispersion models height effects

The additional entrainment contribution can easily be added to existing dispersion models, as illustrated by Meroney (1991) and Meroney and Neff (1985). Figure 5.5 shows the predictions of centerline concentrations of Goldfish Test 1 (Meroney, 1991) with different fence heights at a downwind location of 100 m. Note that the effects of initial dilution become negligible in the far field. 

In Gaussian plume computations the change in wind velocity with height is a function both of the terrain and of the time of day. We model the air flow as turbulent flow, with turbulence represented by eddy motion. The effect of eddy motion is important in diluting concentrations of pollutants. If a parcel of air is displaced from one level to another, it can carry momentum and thermal energy with it. It also carries whatever has been placed in it from pollution sources. Eddies exist in different sizes in the atmosphere, and these turbulent eddies are most effective in dispersing the plume. 

Plume height is based on the assumed F stability and 2.5 m/s wind speed, and the dispersion parameter (o, ) incorporates the effects of buoyancy induced dispersion. If x , is less than 200 m, then no shoreline fumigation calculation is made, since the plume may still be influenced by transitional rise and its interaction with the TIBL is more difficult to model. 

Meteorology plays an important role in determining the height to which pollutants rise and disperse. Wind speed, wind shear and turbulent eddy currents influence the interaction between the plume and surroimding atmosphere. Ambient temperatures affect the buoyancy of a plume. However, in order to make equations of a mathematical model solvable, the plume rise is assumed to be only a function of the emission conditions of release, and many other effects are considered insignificant. 

Because of extreme venting conditions assumed, effective stack heights and resultant plumes from both 3- and 5-minute discharge conditions attain heights beyond the micro-meteorological conditions assumed in accepted computation models. It is therefore highly probable there will be considerably further atmospheric dispersion and diffusion of the VCM than predicted in the results shown. That is, the ground level concentration can be expected to be considerably lower than the values shown in Table 6. 

Predictions of the column height required for any given separation can be obtained by using either a staged approach or a transfer unit approach. The plug flow models for determining the height of a column are of limited value due to the effect of axial dispersion, which is caused by... 

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