Date of Graduation

5-2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Chemical Engineering

Advisor/Mentor

Spicer, Tom

Abstract

The release of hazardous gases, especially accidental releases, can have a major impact on the surrounding environment and population. The history of accidental hazardous gas releases is filled with plant destruction, civilian injury, and even death. Knowledge of how these gases travel and disperse once released can significantly lessen physical harm and improve emergency procedures. The Jack Rabbit II field test was conducted in pursuit of this knowledge for a chlorine release. In this field test, a purpose-built chlorine tank was surrounded by CONEX trailers assembled in the desert in Utah to model an urban setting. Multiple releases of chlorine in this setting were conducted, and the concentrations downwind were measured and analyzed. Because of the limitations of field tests, a wind tunnel model of this field test program would be beneficial. Such model testing would allow for more releases while changing many of the test variables. A wind tunnel model would have repeatable tests, allowing for ensemble averages to improve data. In pursuit of this goal, a 1:50 scale model of the field test was created. Once the model was complete, several preliminary tests were conducted to test the design of the experiment. Using fog to represent chlorine, videos of these preliminary tests were obtained and compared to the field test videos.

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