Development of a Video Image-Based Methodology for Estimating Large Scale Transient Hydrocarbon Smoke Plume Size and Extent.
Development of a Video Image-Based Methodology for
Estimating Large Scale Transient Hydrocarbon Smoke Plume
Size and Extent.
(8632 K)
Leonard, J. T.; Budnick, E. K.; Back, G. G.; Ganey, S.
J.
NIST GCR 92-614; 186 p. August 1992.
Sponsor:
National Institute of Standards and Technology,
Gaithersburg, MD
Available from:
National Technical Information Service
Keywords:
smoke plumes; computer programs; crude oil; field
models; fire tests; pattern recognition; wind velocity
Abstract:
Interest in burning crude oil as a means to mitigate
large scale oil spills at sea led to mid-scale
evaluation of relevant crude oil burning
characteristics. As part of this effort, a
computer-based field measurement technique for
estimating the size, shape, and extent of visible smoke
plumes was developed. Of the experiments in which
measurements were made, Test 7 provided data on plume
trajectory for the largest distance from the pan. Good
agreement was obtained between corresponding 35 mm
photographs and digitized images used to estimate plume
volume and trajectory. In Test 7, at 600 s after
ignition, the leading edge of the smoke plume had risen
to 780 m and traveled 1800 m downwind from the pan. The
estimated total volume of the smoke plume at 600 s after
ignition was 3.8 x 108 m3. At that time, the total
volume of the smoke plume was increasing at a rate of
3.2 x 106 m3/s. Limited evaluation indicates that the
MS-DOS based method provides reasonably accurate
estimates of visible smoke plume geometry in the
near-field. Field accuracy depends on plume size, wind
speed and direction, and the resolution of the
equipment.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899