Gaussian Plume Model Design of Effective Stack Hight For Control of Industrial Emissions

Abstract

The health impacts of exposure to generator exhaust fumes have long been identified by researchers as a major factor contributing to  igh morbidity and mortality rates in carcinogenic and cardiovascular related diseases. Notwithstanding, petrol and diesel generators are  used frequently in augmenting the usual interrupted electric power supply experienced in most developing countries by individuals,  institutions, and industries. Therefore, this research evaluated the quality of fume emitted by a diesel power plant and proffer solution for  save dispersion in compliance with World Health Organisation (WHO) standards. This was achieved by employing the Gaussian plume  dispersion model to design an effective stack height. The results showed that the existing stack height of the diesel power plants  being 2.88m produced a maximum ground level SO₂ concentration of 450.46 g/m³ at 150m downwind. This is 800% above the maximum  WHO emission limit of 50 g/m³. However, an effective stack height of 12.0m with an internal diameter of 150mm was designed for the  power plant based on information about the emission, and was noted that it will produce a maximum ground level SO₂ concentration of  36.16 g/m³ during worst scenario at downwind distance of 650m thus, complying with WHO standard. Hence, it was concluded that the  present installation of the diesel power plant with respect to stack height is a potential danger to the lives of humans and animals within the concerned area hence necessary recommendations were made.