Evaluation of models of particulate suspension for a thorium ore stockpile

Thesis/Dissertation · Sat Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1983

OSTI ID:5164847

Smith, W J

Fifteen mathematical models of particle saltation, suspension, and resuspension were reviewed and categorized. Appropriate models were applied to the estimation of particulate releases from a hypothetical thorium ore storage pile. An assumed location (near Lemhi Pass, Montana) was used to permit the development of site specific information on ore characteristics and environmental influences. The available models were characterized in terms of suitability for representing aspects of the ore pile, such as rough surface features, wide particle size range, and site specific climate. Five models were selected for detailed study. A computer code for each of these is given. Site specific data for the assumed ore stockpile location were prepared. These data were manipulated to provide the input values required for each of the five models. Representative values and ranges for model variables are tabulated. The response of each model to input data for selected variables was determined. Each model was evaluated in terms of the physical realism of its response of each model to input data for selected variables was determined. Each model was evaluated in terms of the physical realism of its responses and its overall ability to represent the features of an ore stockpile. The two models providing the best representation were a modified version of the dust suspension subroutine TAILPS from the computer code MILDOS, and the dust suspension formulation from the computer code REDIST. Their responses are physically reasonable, although different from each other for two parameters: ore moisture and surface roughness. With the input values judged most representative of an ore pile near Lemhi Pass, the estimate of the release of suspended particulates is on the order of 1 g/m/sup 2/-yr.

• OSTI ID: 5164847
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Thesis (Ph. D.)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AIR POLLUTION
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
THORIUM ORES
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
EVALUATION
M CODES
MONTANA
PARTICLE RESUSPENSION
PARTICLE SIZE
PARTICULATES
R CODES
SURFACE PROPERTIES
SUSPENSIONS
COMPUTER CODES
DISPERSIONS
FEDERAL REGION VIII
NORTH AMERICA
ORES
PARTICLES
POLLUTION
SIZE
USA
053000* - Nuclear Fuels- Environmental Aspects
500300 - Environment
Atmospheric- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)