Hydro Thermodynamic Modeling of an Outfall System Discharging Into the Near Shore Area Considering the Environmental Conditions

The outlet location of an outfall system usually depends on the location of the water intake chamber, discharge and temperature of the waste and cooling water, sea temperature, near shore hydrodynamics and environmental conditions. Sometime, when it is not possible to discharge the circulated water by an open channel to the shoreline due to environmental restrictions then finding the appropriate water depth where the water can be discharged will become more important. In this situation, the hydrodynamic conditions of worst scenarios should be simulated properly. Then, an advection-dissipation model should be set up in the region in order to find out the heat dissipation pattern of the discharged water for the defined scenarios. Having done the simulations, it is required to interpret the results considering the environmental restrictions. Finally, based on the interpretation of the results, decision about the proper water depth for jetting out the discharged water can be made. In this paper it is attempted to highlight the important issues which should be considered during the design procedure. In addition, as a case study the steps taken for the modeling of the outfall system of Phases 9 & 10 South Pars Refineries located in northern part of the Persian Gulf is explained. Finally, the results of the case study are discussed and consequently further recommendations are given.