Analysis of the Effect of Stack Height and Exit Gas Velocity on Boiler Emission Dispersion at a Palm Oil Mill Using the AERMOD Model
Abstract
Air pollution generated from fuel combustion in palm oil mill boilers poses potential risks to both environmental quality and public health. One of the main factors influencing pollutant dispersion is the stack height and flue gas exit velocity. This study was conducted at PT X, Indragiri Hilir, to analyze the effect of stack height variations (45–70 m) and exit gas velocities (15–25 m/s) on the maximum concentrations of SO₂, NO₂, and particulate matter (PM). Meteorological data were obtained from ECMWF and NASA for a ten-year period (2015–2024), while topographical data were processed using a Digital Elevation Model (DEM). Meteorological inputs were prepared with AERMET, and topography was processed using AERMAP as inputs for AERMOD dispersion modeling. The results indicated that increasing stack height significantly reduced maximum pollutant concentrations in ambient air. Similarly, higher exit gas velocity (25 m/s) enhanced plume rise and mixing, producing lower pollutant concentrations compared to lower velocities (15 m/s). Under the actual operating condition of six active boiler stacks, the maximum hourly and daily concentrations of SO₂, NO₂, and PM were found to be well below the Indonesian ambient air quality standards set by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK). In conclusion, technical variations in stack design play an essential role in reducing pollutant concentrations, and AERMOD modeling can serve as a reference for formulating emission control strategies in palm oil mill industries.
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