Vapour Plumes Expertise

Moisture in exhaust gases (i.e. cooling towers) can condense under suitable meteorological conditions and thus lead to visible vapour plumes. This analysis primarily focusses on the length of these plumes and the frequency with which they occur.

Visibility and Effect of Vapour Plumes

  • Of interest to: e.g. architectural and planning consultancies, plant operators, regional and other public authorities, project applicants.
  • Price: on request.
  • Contact: umwelt@geosphere.at

The moisture in exhaust gases can condense under suitable meteorological conditions and thus lead to visible vapour plumes. Even if vapour is not an air pollutant in itself, vapour plumes can have an impact on the surrounding area through possible shading of areas below or through effects on the landscape. If the vapour plumes hit the ground, traffic routes may also be affected, especially at low temperatures.

We use the ADMS 5 dispersion model to calculate the length and height of such vapour plumes. Whole complexes of emitters of a plant can also be considered.

Using meteorological time series from the monitoring network or the INCA analysis system, we calculate the frequency with which vapour plumes become visible over the year and how often they are expected to affect traffic routes.