Air pollution study
EOLIOS specializes in air quality studies
We can help you understand the risks associated with pollution on the scale of cities, buildings and systems.
- Modelling the atmospheric release of pollutants
- Indoor air quality study
- Modeling trichloramine diffusion in swimming pools, validation of HVAC systems
- Impact studies for new industrial sites
- Site audits, surveys and measurements
- Study of dust pollution
- Odor propagation studies
- Covid and virus risk study
- Sizing of pollutant capture systems in industry and laboratories
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Air quality and pollutant dispersion: major challenges
Air quality in the city
Outdoor air pollution is one of today’s major environmental problems. Urban areas are characterized by a wide range of pollutant sources, such as building heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, traffic, industry, and even certain tree species that promote allergenic risks.
Urban air pollution is associated with a wide range of acute and chronic health effects.
Moreover, outdoor air quality also affects indoor air quality through mechanical and/or natural ventilation, where indoor air is replaced by outdoor air. On the other hand, in highly ventilated areas, wind comfort and wind safety for pedestrians can be adversely affected. Therefore, in every practical situation, a compromise has to be found between urban ventilation for outdoor and indoor air quality on the one hand, and pedestrian wind comfort and wind safety on the other. Urban wind flow is strongly linked to urban morphology as a combination of urban density, building layout, shape and individual dimensions. Urban pollution flows can be assessed using large-scale measurements.
Impact of the industrial sector on air quality
Air quality and controlling the dispersion of atmospheric pollutants are key issues for industrial facilities. Whether we’re talking about plumes from chimneys or fine particles in suspension, these emissions must be controlled to limit their impact on the environment and populations.
CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) modeling is a powerful tool for analyzing these phenomena and ensuring that projects comply with current regulations.
Impact study and air quality simulation
Preserving air quality: a regulatory challenge
The presence of atmospheric pollutants, such as fine particles (PM10, PM2.5), heavy metals (lead, cadmium), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur oxides (SO2), can have an impact on human health. To limit these risks, standards have been set at European and national level, and in France they are governed by regulations specific to installations classified for environmental protection (ICPE). These standards define thresholds that must not be exceeded to guarantee air quality and public safety.
Manufacturers must ensure that their emissions comply with these limits, particularly around sensitive areas (homes, schools, hospitals). Compliance with these thresholds is an essential criterion for any industrial project.
Impact studies: simulations to assess and anticipate industrial emissions
CFD modeling is a key tool in environmental impact studies, enabling the dispersion of atmospheric pollutants to be simulated under realistic conditions.
By integrating parameters such as local weather, topography and thebuilt environment, CFD provides an accurate representation of pollutant diffusion, enabling emissions to be checked for compliance with current standards.
Study of steam emissions from an industrial site
CFD can also be used to simulate specific scenarios, such as the installation of new infrastructures, to anticipate their effect on pollutant dispersion. These simulations help to adjust projects according to the results obtained.
Finally, CFD provides clear 3D visualizations of pollution plumes, making it easier to understand the results. These representations help to communicate effectively with authorities, decision-makers and local residents, making visible thepotential impact of emissions on the environment.
Modeling the propagation of industrial air pollution
Parameters influencing pollutant dispersion
The dispersion of pollutants in the atmosphere is influenced by numerous environmental and structural factors. CFD modeling can integrate these parameters to accurately simulate the diffusion of pollutants in a variety of environments. Understanding these elements is essential for assessing the impact of industrial emissions and ensuring compliance with environmental standards.
The influence of weather conditions
The nature of the dispersion of cold or hot chemical air pollution and dust from all sources is influenced by the local wind regime.
Meteorological conditions play a key role in pollutant dispersion. Wind speed and direction determine the trajectory of pollution plumes, while temperature and humidity influence the density of gases and their ability to rise or remain on the ground. For example, strong winds favor rapid dilution of pollutants, while weak winds or atmospheric stagnation can cause local accumulation.
For each study, we carry out a detailed climatic analysis, based on local meteorological data. This analysis enables us to define with the customer the most representative or critical simulation scenarios, taking into account seasonal variations and extreme conditions.
Obstacles and environment: buildings, infrastructure and terrain
Surrounding infrastructures, such as buildings, industrial facilities or wind turbines, significantly modify air flows and influence the dispersion of pollutants. These structures can create zones of turbulence, wake effects or air recirculation, altering the trajectory and concentration of pollution plumes.
Natural relief, such as hills, valleys or variations in terrain, acts in a similar way, channeling or blocking air flows. For example, in a hilly environment, pollutants may remain locally trapped, while in open terrain, dispersion is generally facilitated.
Our CFD simulations integrate these elements to provide accurate results tailored to each site, whether in dense urban or more open rural environments. This approach enables us to anticipate sensitive areas and propose solutions to limit the impact of emissions. By integrating these parameters, CFD modeling offers a comprehensive view of pollutant dispersion mechanisms, enabling us to support our customers in controlling air quality and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Modeling the propagation of industrial air pollution
Expertise in air quality studies
At EOLIOS, our CFD modeling expertise goes far beyond simple simulations. We design customized studies that not only guarantee reliable and accurate results, but also help our customers achieve concrete objectives: on-site measurement campaigns, regulatory compliance, plant optimization, or clear communication of environmental impacts.
Realistic models for reliable results
Every project is unique. That’s why we create detailed 3D models adapted to the specific features of the site under study: industrial buildings, surrounding infrastructures, relief, or even disruptive elements such as wind turbines. This tailor-made approach enables us to simulate real-life situations and obtain accurate results, essential for assessing the dispersion of pollutants in a variety of environments.
- Study the impact of odors in the city or in the vicinity of an industrial, agricultural or waste reprocessing site.
- Study the impact on environmental safety by identifying areas where the maximum allowable concentration (MAC) of pollutants may be exceeded.
- Analyze the uneven distribution of residual pollutant concentrations.
- Impact study in the event of accidental pollutant release.
- Traffic impact study.
More than just results: guidance towards your goals
Our work doesn’t stop at producing accurate simulations. We work with our customers to meet specific needs, such as ensuring compliance with environmental standards, producing impact maps for environmental impact studies, or anticipating the concerns of local residents.
Thanks to clear, detailed 3D visualizations, we make it easy for everyone involved in the project– authorities, decision-makers and local residents– to understand the results. These visual renderings are effective tools for project communication and validation.
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