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Observations of Power Station Plumes using a Pulsed Ruby Laser Rangefinder

Abstract

As part of a comprehensive investigation of the dispersion of chimney gases from a power station, we have been much concerned with studying the behaviour of the buoyant plume during its initial rise. In order to understand its behaviour it is also desirable to have some knowledge of the atmospheric thermal structure. Since plumes from modern power stations are commonly too tenuous for optical observation and rise to heights above the range of convenient surface-based temperature sounding techniques, it has been necessary to develop new techniques. Collis et al.1,2 have already pointed out the value of the pulsed ruby laser rangefinder for studying the atmospheric aerosol.

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References

  1. Collis, R. T. H., and Ligda, M. G. H., Nature, 203, 508 (1964).

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  2. Collis, R. T. H., Fernald, F. C., and Ligda, M. G. H., Nature, 203, 1274 (1964).

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HAMILTON, P., JAMES, K. & MOORE, D. Observations of Power Station Plumes using a Pulsed Ruby Laser Rangefinder. Nature 210, 723–724 (1966). https://doi.org/10.1038/210723b0

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