Dispersion and Deposition of Particulate Matter from Stacks

Teck Cominco Ltd. is a diversified mining, smelting and refining group, a world leader in the production of metallurgical coal and zinc and a major producer of copper and gold. The company was interested in investigating the dispersion of particulate matter from its Trail facility into the surrounding area under the influence of diffusion, advection by the wind and settling effects. In particular, the company was interested in estimates of yearly release rates from particular release points which are very difficult and costly to measure directly. The intern research team studied the modelling of the problem including the equations governing the flow from these points, the effects of the gravity and drag forces on the particles, the outflow and the deposition boundary conditions under varying atmospheric states. The release rates for different chemicals were then estimated using constrained numerical optimization techniques resulting from the modelling of the inverse problem and work is currently being done on improving the accuracy, stability and convergence of the algorithm.

Faculty Supervisor:

Drs. Mary Catherine Kropinski & John Stockie

Student:

Enkeleida Lushi

Partner:

Teck Cominco Metals Ltd.

Discipline:

Mathematics

Sector:

Mining and quarrying

University:

Simon Fraser University