With the purpose of validating dispersion models, ammonia (NH3) releases were performed in September 2018 and anetwork consisting of NH3 detectors and temperature sensors were positioned in a grid in front of the source. In addition,the test grid was also monitored by a focal plane array imaging system based on a LWIR detector, which was positionedat a safe standoff distance of 1 km. With this setup, it was possible to monitor the release and the development of thegenerated cloud during the dissemination, as well as monitoring surrounding areas for risk assessment purposes during andafter each challenge. As the observation was performed in near real time (approximately 0.5 Hz frame rate for themeasurement, data transfer, Fourier transform and analysis), it was possible to give immediate feedback to the release teamand test control personnel. Of special interest are background concentrations below the detection limit, as once these areachieved this indicates whether an area is safe and/or when additional challenges/disseminations can occur.
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