RP-813 -- Forced Dispersion of Ammonia Plumes into the Atmosphere PDF

The search for replacements for the CFCs has extended to revisiting established refrigerants such as ammonia. One consideration that has to be addressed in any ammonia plant is the proper control of releases to the atmosphere. Such releases can occur through the discharge of relief valves, venting components or subsystems during repairs, and unplanned leaks or spills. Most refrigerant professionals believe that the controlled release of ammonia directly to atmosphere is the preferable means of discharging ammonia. The concept of forced dispersion of ammonia vapor is to deliver the ammonia-rich mixture with a high upward velocity into the air to minimize the downwind concentration and to offer the possibility of dilution of the ammonia/air mixture with more air at the point of release. The objectives of this project are to perform field experiments measuring ammonia concentrations downwind from releases involving large upward vertical velocities and develop a model suitable for use by engineers designing equipment for dispersing ammonia into the atmosphere.

Principal Investigator: Donald Fenton, Kansas State University

Conducted: April 1994 -November 1998

Sponsored by: TC 10.1, Custom Engineered Refrigeration Systems