AQ-Calc - Air Quality Data Calculation and Modeling System

AQ-Calc is a user-friendly, Windows-based system which has been designed for the air quality modeling of routine and accidental releases of air emissions. The AQ-Calc System constitutes a comprehensive integrated system for facility-wide air data management and assessing air quality impacts.

AQ-Calc consists of two major components:

• Data Management
• Air Quality Models

The output from the air quality models are graphically represented on either CAD maps, government geological survey maps or aerial photographs.

Data Management

 The air quality data used in the AQ-Calc system consists of:

·        Meteorological Data

·        Receptors

·        Sources

·        Pollutants

·        Buildings

·        Intakes

·        Facility Information

·        Site Maps

Meteorological Data

Air quality modeling guidance requires either one year of on-site measured meteorological data or five years of off-site data. The off-site meteorological data is typically from the closest government or airport weather tower.

 

 

Receptors

Receptors are locations on and around the facility where the air quality models will predict impacts.AQ-Calc includes the ability for the user to graphically select receptors as is seen in the figure below.

 

Sources

The sources database allows for entry of point, area and volume sources.

The general information required for each stack is stack location, stack height, stack diameter, stack temperature, volumetric flow and pollutant emission rates.

 

 

Pollutants

This database consists of pollutant chemical names and physical properties for all chemicals that are used on-site

 

 

Buildings

This database includes the corners locations and heights of all buildings, penthouses and tiers.  This information is put into the system so the air quality models can calculate aerodynamic building downwash effects.

 

Intakes

The AQ-Calc system allows the input of air intakes on the facility buildings.  This information is then used in the modeling to see if impacts from the stacks will cause high impacts at building fresh air intakes. 

Facility Information

This database includes general facility information such as site location, address, contacts, etc.

 

Site Maps

The system uses site maps as overlays for the air quality modeling impacts.  Site maps may either be CAD maps, government geological survey maps or aerial photographs.