Mixing Zone Models
Freely available mixing zone (MZ) models
distributed by the U.S. EPA
Visual Plumes (VP)
This family of mixing zone models simulate surface water jets and plumes for a range of temperature, depth, discharge buoyancy, and ambient velocity conditions. VP can be used in many marine and freshwater applications. It is capable of analyzing existing and potential future outfall design conditions including single pipe and a variety of diffuser configurations. Visual Plumes has a Windows-based interface. VP results are important components to many water quality evaluations including NPDES mixing zone studies, Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) analysis, temperature management plans, anti-degradation reports and other water quality efforts. The current draft manual for the Visual Plumes model is also available from the LEA website at Dilution Models for Effluent Discharges, 4th Edition by W.E. Frick, P.J.W. Roberts, L.R. Davis, J. Keyes, D.J. Baumgartner, K.P. George. The manual for PLUMES (DOS version, see below) is still very useful going into more model theory detail, and is also available from the LEA website at Dilution Models for Effluent Discharges, 3rd Edition (EPA/600/R-94/086).DOS PLUMES
These mixing zone models are the DOS-based models previous to Visual Plumes. DOS PLUMES is relatively simple to use and still quite useful. It models surface water jets and plumes for a range of temperature, depth, discharge buoyancy, and ambient velocity conditions. It can be used for a range of marine and freshwater conditions. It is capable of analyzing existing and potential future outfall design conditions including single pipe and a variety of diffuser configurations. Model results are important components to many water quality evaluations including NPDES mixing zone studies, TMDL analysis, temperature management plans, anti-degradation reports and other water quality efforts.DOS CORMIX
This group of models is no longer distributed or supported by the EPA's Center for Exposure Assessment Modeling (CEAM). However, earlier versions through Version 3.x were EPA CEAM supported and are still in some use. The current MS Windows Version 4.x is not in the public domain. The DOS CORMIX manuals are also referred to in many mixing zone analyses. These manuals are:Expert System for Hydrodynamic Mixing Zone Analysis of Conventional and Toxic Submerged Single Port Discharges (CORMIX1) [EPA/600/3-90/012]
CORMIX2: An Expert System for Hydrodynamic Mixing Zone Analysis of Conventional and Toxic Multiport Diffuser Discharges [EPA/600/3-91/073]
User's Manual for CORMIX: A Hydrodynamic Mixing Zone Model and Decision Support System for Pollutant Discharges into Surface Waters [for CORMIX Version 3.x]