Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) Investigation of NIST’s Scale Model Smokestack Simulator

Published

March 27, 2013

Author(s)

Aaron N. Johnson, Jacob E. Ricker, Joey T. Boyd

Abstract

Accurate flow measurements are essential to quantifying the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and other pollutants emitted from the smokestacks of coal-fired power plants (CFPPs). However, flow measurement accuracy is limited by the adverse flow conditions (i.e., asymmetric swirling flow) prevalent in CFPP smokestacks. Although protocols have been developed to measure flow, the uncertainty of flow measurements has not been quantified and is not documented. Quantifying the uncertainty of smokestack flow measurements and establishing a calibration platform with documented traceability to the derived SI unit of flow will be important should future regulations place a price on GHG emissions. NIST is constructing a 1/10th scale model smokestack simulator (SMSS) to determine the accuracy of CFPP smokestack flow measurements with a 1 % uncertainty at a 95 % confidence level. The SMSS is scheduled to be completed by 2014. This manuscript discusses the design of the SMSS and presents CFD predictions of the velocity field over the expected range of operating conditions.

Proceedings Title

Measurement Science Conference (MSC) 2013

Conference Dates

March 20-22, 2013

Conference Location

ANAHEIM, CA

Pub Type

Conferences

Keywords

Smokestack flow measurements, Greenhouse Gases, Coal-Fired Power Plants, Pitot Traverse, CEMS flow meters

Citation

Johnson, A. , Ricker, J. and Boyd, J. (2013), Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) Investigation of NIST’s Scale Model Smokestack Simulator, Measurement Science Conference (MSC) 2013, ANAHEIM, CA (Accessed October 8, 2025)