Modeling Tips

January 15, 2021

AERMOD View: Setting Stack Orientation

Air dispersion models typically have a variety of source types that can be used to represent sources of emissions. One of the most common source types is the point or stack release. Characterized by a well-defined exhaust point with buoyancy (via a defined exit temperature) and vertical momentum (calculated using the diameter of the release point and exit velocity), the point source is probably the most common source type employed in air dispersion modeling.

December 12, 2020

AERMOD View: Working with Labels

When working with Lakes Environmental Software applications, the drawing area affords users a lot of flexibility in how they add and visualize their project components. One way for users to make sense of the objects is to include object labels. These are controlled via the Labels tab on the Tree View.

November 16, 2020

Graphical Options: Contour Cut Off in Lakes Software Applications

When conducting an air dispersion modeling analysis, the ability to present high-quality graphical depictions of the output is extremely important. Such images provide context to modeled results, and they provide a valuable tool to modelers in understanding and explaining the model’s calculations.

October 15, 2020

AERMOD View: Distance Limitations

When conducting an air dispersion modeling analysis with AERMOD, a common question arises as to what limits – if any – exist on where calculations can be performed by the model. Understanding the range of the model’s validity is important in interpreting results.

September 15, 2020

SLAB View: Adding or Importing Chemicals

SLAB View can be an excellent choice for modelers needing to assess impacts and predict hazardous zones resulting from accidental releases. In addition to its easy-to-use source term and input wizard, SLAB View presents high-resolution graphical output in both 2D & 3D so modelers can quickly see how the release develops over time and what the total footprint of the release will be.

August 15, 2020

AERMOD View: Post-Processing Lead Concentrations in AERMOD with LEADPOST

In the United States, the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for Lead is 0.15 µ/m3 as a rolling three-month average. This differs from other NAAQS in that it uses a rolling period, so a new three-month period is calculated with each successive month (e.g., January-March, February-April, etc.).