Three-dimensional integrated puff model simulates smoke plume dispersion processes and estimates pollutant concentration during periods of low wind speed. Applications for model are given

Robert, J. J.

English

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Urban Air Pollution 
A multiple source, computerized, atmospheric dis-
persion model has been formulated and programmed for 
the IBM System/360-75 at Argonne National Laboratory. 
This "integrated-puff" model is based on a kernel 
which allows for time-dependent variations in meteoro-
logical and source variables. The model therefore pro-
vides a more realistic physical simulation of the processes 
of smoke plume dispersion than has hitherto been used 
by models based on the steady state, Gaussian-plume 
equation. Of special importance is the demonstrated 
capability of the model to estimate pollutant concen-
trations during periods of low wind speed. Furthermore, 
the simulation of area sources is greatly facilitated by 
the three-dimensional nature of the puff algorithm. 
The model can be used in combination with pre-
vious collected emission data as the primary analytical 
tool in the performance of a series of air pollution sys-
tems analysis studies. 
It has been validated by comparison with over 
10,000 hourly averages of sulfur dioxide monitored by 
the Department of Environmental Control of the City of 
Chicago. For example, the model accounts for 50 per-
cent of the variance in 6 hour averages of observed data 
and 70 percent of the variance in 24 hour averages. 
Primary uses for the dispersion model include cost 
effectiveness studies of alternative control strategies for 
specific source aggregates, such as power plants, the food 
processing industry, the steel industry and asphalt batch-
ing.
The model can also be used for development of 
rapid-response, automated, optimal, incident control 
strategies for the urban power-plant network; optimal 
gas allocation to dual fuel sources; , emission control, 
etc., using mathematical programming and other opera-
tions research techniques.
Dispersion Model 
Finally, the information may be applied to de-
velopment of long range air pollution abatement plans, 
oriented around the computer simulation of the city 
combined with projections of its population, fuel use, 
production, and transportation network growth patterns. 
Emission control legislation and zoning ordinances, for 
example, can be tested in a simulation of the region of 
the future, and cost effectiveness can be studied to 
evaluate the economic impact of pollution abatement 
measures. 
Note:
Requests for further information may be directed 
to:
Technology Utilization Officer 
Division of Technical Information 
U. S. Atomic Energy Commission 
Washington, D. C. 20545 
Reference: TSP72-1 0003 
Patent status: 
Inquiries concerning rights for commercial use of 
this information may be made to: 
Mr. George H. Lee, Chief 
Chicago Patent Group 
U. S. Atomic Energy Commission 
Chicago Operations Office 
9800 South Cass Avenue 
Argonne, Illinois 60439 
Source: J. J. Roberts, et al.
Argonne National Laboratory
under contract to
Atomic Energy Commission
(AEC-10004) 
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Urban air pollution dispersion model

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