Date of Graduation
12-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Chemical Engineering (MSChE)
Degree Level
Graduate
Department
Chemical Engineering
Advisor/Mentor
Spicer, Tom O. III
Committee Member
Walker, Heather L.
Second Committee Member
Walters, Keith
Keywords
Along-wind dispersion; Dispersion coefficient; FID; Finite-Duration; Hazardous Gas Release; Wind Tunnel
Abstract
This thesis investigates the along-wind dispersion of hazardous gas releases within a turbulent boundary layer using controlled experiments in an ultra-low-speed wind tunnel, recognizing the limitations of numerical modeling and field tests. This study utilizes a neutrally buoyant gas mixture and dual Flame Ionization Detectors (FIDs) to capture representative, repeatable data on gas cloud behavior over finite durations. Ensemble averaging of 65 trials across varying release durations and downwind distances provided detailed insights into gas dispersion and the distinct time phases within finite-duration releases. Analysis revealed that along-wind dispersion coefficients depend on turbulence and vertical wind shear, with normalized coefficients demonstrating consistent trends. The results underscore the challenges in capturing reliable time distribution coefficients and highlight the effectiveness of wind tunnel experiments in assessing hazardous gas behavior. This work contributes to improved dispersion modeling approaches, enabling better prediction of hazardous gas release impacts and enhancing industrial safety protocols.
Citation
Williams, D. (2024). Wind Tunnel Investigation of the Along-wind Dispersion in Finite-Duration Neutrally Buoyant Gas Releases. Graduate Theses and Dissertations Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/5595
