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Jakarta— Atmospheric Stability Determines CO₂ Dispersion Radius from Oil and Gas Facility in Central Java. Research conducted by Zulhaman Oktareno, Edison C. Sembiring, and Soehatman Ramli from Sahid University Jakarta, published in January 2026 in the Contemporary Journal of Applied Sciences (CJAS).

The research focuses on Pasquill atmospheric stability, a classification system that describes how easily air can mix vertically. Stable air tends to trap pollutants near the ground, while unstable air promotes faster dilution. To simulate real conditions, the team used PHAST 8.22, a modeling tool widely applied in the oil and gas industry for gas dispersion and risk analysis. Meteorological data—wind speed, temperature, and humidity—were combined with operational parameters from the facility to estimate how far CO₂ could travel and at what concentrations.

Key findings from the study:

  • At a concentration of 5,000 ppm, the CO₂ dispersion radius reached 17.06 meters during normal venting and 21.29 meters during emergency venting, under atmospheric stability Category D with a wind speed of 6.25 m/s.
  • Higher concentrations stayed closer to the source. At 30,000 ppm, the radius dropped to 4.68 meters (normal) and 2.50 meters (emergency).
  • Hot weather (35°C; 60% humidity) promoted wider dispersion compared to rainy conditions (23°C; 98% humidity), which slightly reduced spread.
  • Stronger winds expanded the dispersion radius, while weak winds increased gas buildup near the emission point.

Although 5,000 ppm over a 20-meter radius may seem moderate, long-term exposure still raises concerns. At very high levels, such as 100,000 ppm, the spread distance becomes short, but acute health risks rise because the gas remains concentrated near the source. High CO₂ exposure can cause shortness of breath, dizziness, and even loss of consciousness.

The Universitas Sahid Jakarta team emphasizes that understanding dispersion patterns provides a technical basis for risk management. Facility operators could schedule venting activities to avoid atmospheric conditions that widen dispersion. Installing real-time CO₂ monitoring systems would allow early detection of concentration spikes. Environmental measures—such as planting carbon-absorbing trees and creating buffer zones—could further reduce community exposure.

For policymakers, the modeling results help define safer activity distances for residents living or working near industrial sites, especially farmers in open agricultural fields. The data can inform emergency response planning, zoning regulations, and public awareness programs. As emission control becomes a national priority, simulation-based approaches like this connect industrial operations with public health protection.

Scientifically, the study reinforces that atmospheric stability is a decisive variable. Small changes in temperature, humidity, or wind can shift the local risk map. In practical terms, weather conditions can determine how far the impact of an emission event extends beyond the facility boundary.

Author Profiles

  • Zulhaman Oktareno –Universitas Sahid Jakarta.
  • Edison C. Sembiring –Universitas Sahid Jakarta.
  • Soehatman Ramli –Universitas Sahid Jakarta.

Research Source

Oktareno, Z., Sembiring, E.C., & Ramli, S. (2026). The Effect of Atmospheric Stability (Pasquil Stability) on the Distribution Radius and Concentration of CO₂ Using PHAST 8.22 Modeling from Oil and Gas Processing Facilities in Central Java.        Contemporary Journal of Applied Sciences (CJAS), Vol. 4(1), 43–54.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/cjas.v4i1.122

URL: https://ntlformosapublisher.org/index.php/cjas