Synergetics

Key outcomes:

  • Stockpile emission wind direction dependence assessed
  • Control measure effectiveness quantified and optimised

An image of showing a modelled plume released from a vent above a storage tank.
Figure 1: An exhaust plume from an unplanned release via an emergency release valve as modelled using CFD. The plume shape shows how the contaminants are carried downwind during the assessed weather conditions, with the nearby building causing significant downwash.

Industrial incidents can result in a rapid, large-scale release of hazardous substances. Understanding these risks is essential for effective incident response and evacuation planning. These uncontrolled emissions are prone to building downwash effects and other localised fluid mechanics interactions, leading to complex dispersion patterns. In these cases, simpler dispersion models, such as AERMOD, are often insufficient. An accurate understanding of the potential dispersion requires a detailed risk assessment to understand the release mechanisms and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling to simulate the dispersion of the plume.

An image of a modelled plume of an airborne pollutant released from a bund around a storage tank.
Figure 2: Simulated contours of an airborne pollutant being carried downwind following a leak from a storage tank. The low-level plume interacts with other nearby tanks and structures and therefore required CFD to accurately predict the dispersion.

Synergetics have undertaken modelling of incidents quantifying both likely effects post incident, and for providing understanding of potential responses in an emergency management plan. By analysing the potential impacts, the site management team can determine who needs to evacuate, and where they should go under any wind conditions. Similar modelling has also guided the placement of sensors to provide early detection of gradual releases.

See more examples of our CFD modelling in process industries here.