Field experiments on dense gas dispersion

Abstract This paper comprises a review of field experiments which have been performed to study the dispersion of dense gases in the atmosphere. Tests are compared by deriving and using parameters which indicate the effective scale of the various experiments, and the extent to which density effects influence the dispersion. The instrumentation used is also specified in each case. In addition, a description is given of the recent tests conducted by Shell Research Ltd. at Maplin Sands, which involved spilling up to about 25 m 3 of refrigerated liquid propane and LNG onto the sea. Available information on other experiments now at the planning stage is reported.