METEOROLOGY – AIR QUALITY & ATMOPHERIC CHEMITRY CALCULATOR
Chimney Plume Rise
A precise tool.
What is the Chimney Plume Rise & How does it work?
The buoyant plume rise model is used to estimate the vertical height a smoke plume will reach in the atmosphere. This model assumes that the plume is well-mixed and that the temperature difference between the plume and the ambient air is constant.
The Briggs formula for buoyant plume rise is given by:
H = frac{Q}{pi D^2 v} left(1 + frac{4Dv}{H}right)^{-0.5}
H = plume rise height, Q = stack gas volumetric flow rate, D = stack diameter, v = wind speed at the stack exit.
This formula helps in understanding how different parameters like stack height, wind speed, and plume characteristics affect the dispersion of pollutants in the atmosphere.
Parameters
Result
β
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the buoyant plume rise model?
It’s a model used to estimate how high a smoke plume will rise in the atmosphere based on factors like gas flow rate, stack diameter, and wind speed.
How do I use the Briggs formula for chimney plume rise?
Input the stack gas volumetric flow rate (Q), stack diameter (D), and wind speed at the stack exit (v) into the formula H = Q/(ΟDΒ²v)(1 + 4Dv/H)^(-0.5) to calculate the plume rise height (H).
What factors affect chimney plume rise?
The plume rise is affected by the stack gas volumetric flow rate, stack diameter, wind speed at the stack exit, and the temperature difference between the plume and ambient air.
Why is the assumption of constant temperature difference important in this model?
This assumption simplifies the calculations and allows for a more straightforward estimation of plume rise height based on the given parameters.
Can I use this model for any type of chimney?
The buoyant plume rise model is generally applicable to chimneys emitting gases into the atmosphere, but it assumes well-mixed conditions and constant temperature differences, which may not hold true in all scenarios.
What are the limitations of the Briggs formula for chimney plume rise?
The formula assumes a well-mixed plume and constant temperature difference between the plume and ambient air, which might not always be the case. It also doesn’t account for atmospheric stability or other complex factors that could influence plume behavior.
How does wind speed affect chimney plume rise?
Wind speed at the stack exit can significantly impact plume rise height; higher wind speeds generally cause the plume to disperse more quickly and may reduce the maximum height reached by the plume.
Results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice.