Puff and plume models

Puff models

Quasi-instantaneous and short-term releases are frequently viewed as "puff"

releases. A puff release scenario assumes that the release time and sampling
times are very short compared to the travel time from the source to the receptor.
In light of the limited data available to estimate the diffusion coefficients for puff
diffusion, a number of models use the Pasquill-Gifford values. Since these
coefficients were developed specifically for plumes, their use in puff models is
questionable. In addition, most puff models assume a normal, or Gaussian
concentration distribution within the plume. This assumption overlooks the inpuff fluctuations. Others, such as Hgstrm11 have conducted field experiments
to determine estimates of diffusion coefficients to support his theory of puff
spread.

Plume models

Continuous releases are generally modeled as a plume. The assumption here is

that the release time is much greater that the time of travel from the source to
the receptor. There are a number of approaches to modeling plumes, each with
its own focus, assumptions, and limitations. These approaches can be
categorized as (Hanna [12], Barr and Clements [13]):

Gaussian plume models

Meandering plume models
Probability distribution function (pdf) models
K models
Statistical models
Similarity models
Second order closure and eddy simulation models.
Within these categories are a number of different models. Not all models using
these approaches are at a developmental stage where they can be practicably
applied, however. Some, like the statistical and second-order closure approaches,
are too computer-intensive for routine use. Many of the other model types have
little in the way of the field validation needed for application to real-world

situations with confidence. Of the list, the most frequently used model types for
odor modeling are the Gaussian model and the fluctuating plume-puff model.

Fluctuating plume-puff model

The fluctuating plume-puff model, first developed by Gifford (14), is a hybrid

model which simulates the emissions from a source as a series of continuously
emitting puffs. The model assumes that the dispersion is divided into two
separate parts, one due to the instantaneous spreading of the Gaussian plume in
the crosswind and vertical directions, and another due to the meandering, or
fluctuation of the entire plume around its mean position.

Gifford visualized the fluctuating plume as an infinite series of overlapping disks.

The model tries to follow the path of the puffs (or disks) of contaminant under
the influence of varying wind fields and stability conditions and attempts to
predict the peak concentration as a discrete puff passes a given receptor.

One problem with this type of model is that few data are available to help in the
determination of the diffusion coefficients, [sigma]y and [sigma]z, needed to
estimate the spread of the disks. Hgstrm (15) developed a form of the
fluctuating plume-puff model and also performed field experiments to determine
the values of the diffusion coefficients. As with most of these types of models, it
was assumed the concentration distribution within the instantaneous plume
relative to the centerline to be constant and Gaussian; that is, fluctuations within
the instantaneous plume are not considered.

The Gaussian model of diffusion is the most widely used model for plume
dispersion. Its most attractive feature is that it fits what we see and experience
in the real world for a range of conditions. In addition, the mathematics of the
model are fairly straightforward. On the other hand, Gaussian models need
significant empirical input to be used for practicable dispersion estimates,
making the model results highly dependent on the conditions of the sampling
used to derive the empirical values.

The basic assumptions of the Gaussian model are:

Conservation of mass

Continuous emissions
Steady-state conditions
Lateral and vertical concentration profiles follow normal distribution.

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Involving