NON-IDEAL DISPERSION IN POWER PLANT PLUMES
Abstract
The dispersion of emissions from a plume in a cross stream was studied using both experimental and theoretical techniques. Wind tunnel experiments were done for three jet to cross stream ratios--R = 0.5, R = 1, and R = 2. The concentration in the plane perpendicular to the cross stream was measured using light scattering and photographic image analysis. The analysis of the negatives revealed the presence of two counterrotating vortices which greatly affected dispersion of smoke in the plume. Convection and random turbulent dispersion were modeled in a statistical-convection simulator model on the CYBER 205 computer. The input velocities to the convection model were obtained both experimentally and by a finite difference model using the k-(epsilon) closure equations. The model also revealed the effects of the vortices on dispersion, and was used to determine the concentration distributions across the plume once the vortices had dissipated. The existence of the counterrotating vortices and their effects upon plume dispersion showed that the Gaussian plume model, which is widely used for modeling pollutant dispersion, is inapplicable in the near range of the stack.
Degree
Ph.D.
Subject Area
Chemical engineering
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