What can Engineering Air Science do?
Whether you're looking for a basic air quality assessment, or expert advice, Engineering Air Science has the skills to get your job done right, the first time. John has conducted and managed air quality impact assessments and investigations across a broad spectrum of industries, including manufacturing, nuclear, mining, military, road, rail, agriculture, and waste.
Air Quality Assessments
An air quality assessment involves the determination of the quantity and character of the emission to the atmosphere, and the application of an atmospheric dispersion model to predict the transport and dispersion of the emissions in the surrounding environment. The assessment can focus on emissions including odours, pollutants, dust or other particulate matter.
An air quality assessment is often required for new developments or extensions on existing developments. Carrying out such an assessment early in the design process can help highlight and avoid potentially costly environmental compliance issues. This process can also be carried out in reverse, to determine the source of nuisance emissions. Monitoring programs can also be a great way to maintain environmental best practice.
Engineering Air Science has experience including model development, inter-comparison, validation and uncertainty evaluation studies, and the application of simple Gaussian based plume formula (R91, ISC, AUSPLUME), 'new generation' Gaussian models (ADMS, AERMOD), and more complex 3D modelling tools (CALPUFF, TAPM) to air quality impact investigations and assessments. John's work is differentiated by the effective use of tools in fluid flow analyses to result in a better Air Quality Assessment.
View the brochure on air quality assessments
Fluid Flow Analyses
John's advanced knowledge of fluid mechanics and expertise in the application of numerical simulation and physical modelling tools provide the ability to analyse complex fluid flows in a range of scenarios. Expertise in the field of boundary layer meteorology ensures that diurnal thermodynamic effects and the effect of ambient moisture is considered, providing precise results. Such an analysis provides essential design information to a range of industries.
In an urban environment, the construction of buildings and tunnels relies on fluid flow analyses to provide structural loading information, while the placement of road junctions requires knowledge of the fluid flow to ensure that those nearby don't suffer detrimental health outcomes. Similarly, ventilation requirements for tunnels rely on precise fluid modelling to ensure the health and safety of the communities both using and around the structure.
Suitability of locations can also be investigated, including for wind farms, where typical wind speeds can be studied, as well as the layout of the farm, such that turbulent interference between turbines is minimised and power outputs are maximised.
View the brochure on boundary layer meteorology
Simulation and Physical Modelling
The use of numerical simulation and physical modelling provides an improved understanding of complex fluid mechanical issues, where a number of factors, including turbulence, can cause results to diverge significantly from that expected by textbook results. These tools can also both improve the inputs to, and validate the results from, regulatory dispersion models, providing precise and accurate results.
Advanced simulation is carried out via the branch of fluid mechanics known as Computational Fluid Dynamics, which numerically solves the mathematical equations which describe the behaviour of the fluid. A single simulation can provide details on plume dispersion, plume and ambient velocity fields, and surface pressures.
Physical Modelling can provide valuable insight in situations with complex terrain and with turbulence. By simulating the scenario in a wind tunnel, the controlled environment can be used to provide a highly reliable representation of the fluid behaviour.
View the brochures on simulation and physical modelling
Expert Advice
John utilises his knowledge and experience in the fields of fluid modelling, boundary layer meteorology and bluff body aerodynamics to provide a range of expert services. The depth and breadth of this experience allows Engineering Air Science to provide peer review and auditing services to other organisations.
Where an environmental issue has been found in the late stages of a project, or after completion, mitigation and control strategies can be created to minimise environment impacts and ensure the success of the project.
John has previously developed specialist air quality and dispersion modelling units for a CQU Air Quality Management postgraduate course and specialist lectures on air quality and dispersion modelling in Australia and internationally.
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