# Neutrally Buoyant Gas #fundamental #gas-dispersion #safety Neutrally buoyant gases have approximately the same density as air, resulting in no intrinsic upward or downward movement. They mix quickly with surrounding atmosphere. ## Characteristics - Density similar to air - No intrinsic vertical movement - Driven by wind or artificial air streams - Mixes extremely quickly due to turbulence and vortices - Reaches density equilibrium with air at workplace limits (ppm range) ## Examples - Ethylene - Ethane - Carbon Monoxide - Ethanol ## Detection Strategy - Position detectors level with potential release points - Consider predominant wind direction - Account for rapid mixing characteristics - May require multiple detector locations due to unpredictable dispersion ## Behavior When toxic gases mix with air down to workplace limits (ppm range), they reach density equilibrium and behave as neutrally buoyant gases. ## Related Concepts - [[Dense Gas Dispersion]] - [[Aerosol Formation]] - [[Gas Detector Placement]]