Introduction to SCREEN3

Marti Blad
NAU College of Engineering and Technology

smokestacks image from Univ. of Waterloo Environmental Sciences

 Dispersion Models
 Repetitious solution of dispersion
equations
 Computer solves over and over again
 Based on principles of transport,
diffusion
 Complex mathematical equations
 Computer-aided simulation of
atmosphere based on inputs
 Best models need good quality and site-
specific data
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 Historically

Image from collection of Pittsburgh

Photographic Library, Carnegie
Library of Pittsburgh

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 Types of Dispersion Models
 Gaussian Plume
 Analytical approximation of dispersion
 Numerical or CFDs
 Transport & diffusional flow fields
 Statistical & Empirical
 Based on experimental or field data
 Physical
 Flow visualization in wind tunnels, etc.

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Computational Fluid
Dynamics Modeling
image from MAGNUM Technologies, Inc

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CFD Building Effects

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 Gaussian Dispersion
z

 Dh = plume rise

Dh h = stack height
H = effective stack
H = h + Dh height
H
h x

C(x,y,z) Downwind at (x,y,z) ?

y
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Gaussian Plume

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 SCREEN3 Model Assumptions
 Continuous pollutant emissions
 Conservation of mass in atmosphere
 Steady-state meteorological conditions
 Concentration profiles are represented by
Gaussian distribution—bell curve shape

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 SCREEN3 designed for…
 Single source, short-term calculations
 Estimate maximum ground level
concentrations
 Distance to max. concentration from source
 Concentrations at user defined distances
 Simple downwash algorithm
 Max. concentrations in near & far wake
 Estimate concentrations in cavity
recirculation zone
 Source types
 All options for point & flare
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 SCREEN3 designed for…(cont.)
 Full range of meteorological conditions accepted
 Stability classes
 Wind speeds
 Inversion break up
 Shoreline fumigation
 Determine plume rise for flare releases
 Includes effects of BID
 Buoyancy induced dispersion
 Simple area & volume sources

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Source Options

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Dispersion Model Structure
INPUT DATA: Operator
experience
EMISSIONS
METEROLOGY RECEPTORS

Model does calculations

Model Output: Estimates of

Concentrations at Receptors

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 Model Input Considerations
 Source type
 Point, area, volume, flare
 Stack or source emission data
 Pollutant emission data
 Stack- or source-specific data
 Temperature in stack
 Velocity out of stack
 Receptor data
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Input screen 1

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 Input Considerations
 Actual pattern of dispersion depends on
atmospheric conditions prevailing during
release
 Major meteorological factors that influence
dispersion of pollutants
 Atmospheric stability (& temperature)
 Mixing height
 Wind speed & direction

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 Meteorological inputs
 Appropriate meteorological
conditions
 Appropriate for location
 Appropriate for averaging time period
 Wind stability and speed
 Flat terrain or complex terrain
 Distances to points of interest
 Receptors
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Input screen: met data

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Discrete Distance input

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Automated Distances input

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Model Inputs not Covered Today
 Height of plume rise calculated
 Momentum and buoyancy
 Can significantly alter dispersion & location of
downwind maximum ground-level concentration
 Effects of nearby buildings estimated
 Downwash wake effects
 Can significantly alter dispersion & location of
downwind maximum ground-level concentration

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Building downwash option

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Run: screen update

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Model results: graphs

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View text results: editor

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Editor information

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 Review
 Dispersion = expand & diffuse
 Picture
 Gaussian = even spreading directions
 Highest along axis
 Input data quality critical
 Screen3 limitation for reactive chemicals
 No reactions assumed to create or destroy

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 SCREEN3
DEMONSTRATION

Software provided courtesy of

a division of Lakes Environmental Consultants Inc. 28

Exercise 1 input 1

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Exercise 1 input 2

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Run: Exercise 1

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Results exercise 1: graph

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Editor view1

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Editor: Model Summary

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Exercise 2 input 1

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Exercise 2 input 2

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Run: Exercise 2

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Exercise 2 results

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Editor: Exercise 2

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Editor: Model summary

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Exercise 3 input 1

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Exercise 3 results: graph

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Exercise 3: Model summary

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Model summary

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Input screen

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Editor: exercise 3

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