Modelling and simulation the dispersion of water surface emitted hydrogen sulfide: Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) application

Abstract

Understanding the dispersion of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the environment is essential due to its heavier-than-air nature and varying dispersion patterns under different local conditions. This study focused on modelling and simulating H2S dispersion over complex terrain of Bakun hydroelectric plant (HEP) area using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The RNG k-ε turbulent model was employed to simulate the dispersion of H2S with varying wind speeds ranging from 1 to 10 m/s and blowing from the west-northwest direction. The effect of wind speeds on H2S dispersion and its concentration distribution were investigated. The results reveal that the higher concentrations of H2S were trapped in recirculation zone at low wind speed of 1 m/s and the higher wind speeds improve mixing, dispersion, and dilution, leading to lower H2S concentrations. At height of 2 m in front of the powerhouse, the maximum predicted concentration of H2S was about 546 ppb at wind speed of 1 m/s. These findings provide a viable method for assessing environmental risks related to H2S emissions and offer insights for improving safety and pollution control measures in affected areas.

Keywords

• Hydrogen sulfide
• Dispersion
• CFD
• Modelling