Characterisation of Complex Pollutant Emissions from Industrial Sites
Large minerals and industrial sites are often very complex, with many potential controlled (stack, vent) and fugitive emissions of pollutants to the atmosphere. The impact of emissions, both on-site and in the local region, is often a significant issue in relation to the plant operation. To a large extent, the behaviour of the emissions (how they travel and mix) is a function of their initial characteristics (velocity, direction, temperature, height etc.) and near-field features that can affect initial plume behaviour. Air-quality assessment tools are limited in their ability to deal with non-standard emission scenarios, often poorly representing plume development and behaviour of more complex source or flow configurations.
Traditionally, physical model studies have been used to investigate complex flow and dispersion, providing improved representation of near-field plume behaviour for incorporation into dispersion modelling tools. With the development of computing power, CFD is now a viable companion or alternative to investigate complex emission configurations and develop parameterisations suitable for use in regulatory dispersion models.
Using case studies, this paper looks at the use of CFD to help understand and parameterise near-field behaviour of complex emissions from minerals and process industries to the atmosphere, enabling improved representation within dispersion models and thus more reliable impact assessment.