Stack Design Parameters Influencing Plume Rise

Abstract

This paper presents techniques for determining the mean plume rise of a given stack primarily for design purposes. Equations presented are not intended to provide a means for forecasting day-to-day variations in plume rise for a given stack. The investigation is based on plume rise data obtained from stacks ranging in size from the relatively small (such as the Argonne Meteorology Stack) to very large (such as those of the Tennessee Valley Authority). Measurements for England and Germany are also included. Plume rises range over three orders of magnitude and heat emission rates over four. Making use of stack parameters (effluent velocity [V_s], stack diameter [d], heat emission rate [Qt,]) and meteorological factors (wind speed [U] and atmospheric stability), an empirical formula was derived for predicting plume rise (Ah) by regression techniques.

Work performed under the auspices of the U. S. Atomic Energy Commission.