Sensitivity, applicability and validation of bi-gaussian off- and on-line models for the evaluation of the consequences of accidental releases in nuclear facilities

A computer code CAERS (Computer Aided Emergency Response System) has been developed for the simulation of the short-term concentrations caused by an atmospheric emission. The concentration calculations are based on the bi-gaussian theorem with the possibility of using twelve different sets of turbulence typing schemes and dispersion parameters or the plume can be simulated with a bi-dimensional puff trajectory model with tri-gaussian diffusion of the puffs. With the puff trajectory model the emission and the wind conditions can be variable in time. Sixteen SF6 tracer dispersion experiments, with mobile as well as stationary time averaging sampling, have been carried out for the validation of the on-line and off-line models of CAERS. The tracer experiments of this study have shown that the CAERS system, using the bi-gaussian model and the SCK/CEN turbulence typing scheme, can simulate short time concentration levels very well. The variations of the plume under non-steady emission and meteo conditions are well simulated by the puff trajectory model. This leads to the general conclusion that the atmospheric dispersion models of the CAERS system can give a significant contribution to the management and the interpretation of air pollution concentration measurements in emergency situations