(54cc) Investigation of Site Elevation on Simple Dispersion and VCE Modeling

Facility siting typically utilizes release modeling to estimate hazards associated with flammable clouds. The results from the release modeling is subsequently used to perform explosion modeling. Release conditions are based on various process conditions including pressure, temperature, and composition. It is also common to address typical meteorological conditions (e.g., wind speed, humidity, temperature, and stability class). A potentially less common adjustment is accounting for a facility’s elevation (above sea level). The elevation of a facility defines the atmospheric pressure which is used directly in both the dispersion and explosion modeling. This analysis evaluates the effect of elevation on dispersions and explosions independently as well as the cumulative effect. It also examines at which point, if any, special interest should be taken to include facility elevation in facility siting hazard assessments.