OPERATION MANUAL FOR COMPUTER CONTROLLED FLOW CHANNEL SMT-FM-51

OPERATION MANUAL
COMPUTER CONTROLLED
FLOW CHANNEL
SMT-FM-51
Note
This manual has been made accurate to the most of our knowledge, however there is no
liability for errors. If there is an error discovered, please notify the company with complete
details. Experimental results provided are for the sole purpose of guidance and are not
guaranteed to be the answers obtained for any given apparatus. Variables involved may or
may not affect the experimental results.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction 1
2. General Description 2
2.1 Unit Assembly 2
3. Technical Specifications 4
4. Summary of theory 5
4.1 Broad crested weir 5
4.2 Discharge beneath a sluice gate 6
4.3 Force on a sluice gate 7
4.4 Specific energy equation 7
4.5 The hydraulic jump 9
4.6 Flow over radial gate 10
4.7 Discharge over an Ogee weir 11
4.8 Rectangular and triangular weir 12
5. Operating Procedures 13
5.1 Start-up 13
5.2 Shutdown 13
6. Experiments 22
6.1 Experiment 1 14
6.2 Experiment 2 16
6.3 Experiment 3 18
6.4 Experiment 4 20
6.5 Experiment 5 22
6.6 Experiment 6 24
6.7 Experiment 7 26
6.8 Experiment 8 27
7. Safety & Maintenance 28

7.1 Safety 28
7.2 Maintenance 28
1. Introduction
When studying Hydraulics, the fundamental concepts of energy and momentum are
sometimes difficult to grasp, particularly where free surface flow is concerned. The
ESOLS Computer Controlled flow channel has been developed to assist the
student to overcome this difficulty.
The SMT-FM-51 is supplied with a 2.5-meter-long working section. A set of basic
models is included with all versions of the flume. A range of optional models is also
available to extend the experimental capabilities of student experiments in open
channel flow. The construction of the flume allows for easy disassembly if at a later
date it is required to move the unit to a different location.
The working section has transparent side walls providing full view of working section.
A tank provides for a closed water circuit and adequate supply of water. Once filled,
the flow channel is independent of the mains water supply. A centrifugal pump, a
shutoff valve and a variable-area flow sensor are integrated into the water circuit.
By means of an inclination adjustment device the channel can be steplessly tilted in
longitudinal direction through control box, in order to equalize flow losses or to
simulate a natural gradient, for example
Computer Controlled Flow Channel

1
SMT-FM-51
2. General Description
The working section of flow channel has transparent side walls providing full view of
working section. A reservoir tank is provided with the flow channel for a closed water
circuit and adequate supply of water. Once filled, the flow channel is independent of
the mains water supply. A centrifugal pump, a shutoff valve and a variable-area flow
sensor are integrated into the water circuit.
By means of an inclination adjustment device the channel can be steplessly tilted in

longitudinal direction through control box, in order to equalize flow losses or to
simulate a natural gradient, for example
2.1 Unit Assembly
1
7
6
3
4 5
1. Toggle switch for LCD/Software 2. USB port for computer connection
3. Inclination up indicator 4. ON/OFF switch

5. Power indicator 6. Water pump indicator
7. Reset button

2
SMT-FM-51
8
10
11
8. Air vent valve 9. Measuring scale in mm

10. Transparent tubes 11. Manometer tubes

3
SMT-FM-51
3. Technical Specifications
Flow cross section (WXH) 53 x 120 mm

Overall length 2500 mm
Tank 1
Tank capacity 100 liters
Pump
Quantity 1
Type centrifugal pump
Pump power consumption 1.2 kW
Max. flow rate 10 m3/h
Max. head 30m
Accessories
The following accessories are supplied with the SMT-FM-51 flow channel
Sluice Gate
Radial Gate
Broad-Crested Weir
Ogee-Crested Weir
Rectangular notch weir
V-notch weir
Elements for Energy Dissipation (SMT-FM-55.9)
Eight Tube Manometers for pressure measurement

4
SMT-FM-51
4. Summary of Theory
4.1 Broad crested weir
From conservation of energy and ignoring losses
vo 2 v2
H 0  H1  y0   y1  1
2g 2g
Therefore
v1  2 g ( H o  y1
The flow rate Q is given by :

Q  y1v1b1
 b 2 g ( H o y12  y13 )
Provided that the weir is not submerged (downstream water level is low), the flow
over a Broad Crested Weir may be assumed to be critical as it passes over the weir.
Hence
At maximum
dq
 0  2 H 0 y1  3 y12
dh
Therefore
2
y1  H0
3
Therefore
4 8
Qmax  b 2 g ( H 03  H 03
9 27
 1.705 bH 0 3/2
The actual flow over a Broad Crested weir will be less than the theoretical flow so a
coefficient is introduced into the equation:
Qactual  1.704 Cd bH 03/2
Where cd is the coefficient of discharge

5
SMT-FM-51
Qactual  Cd x Qtheoretical
The coefficient of discharge may therefore be determined as
Actual flowrate
Cd 
Theoretical flowrate
4.2 Discharge beneath a sluice gate
For flow beneath a sharp edged undershot weir it can be shown that;
Q
Q  Cd yg 2 gy0 therefore : Cd 
byg 2 gy0
Where:
Q =Volume flow rate m3s-1
=volume/time(using volumetric tank
Cd =Coefficient of discharge dimensionless
b =breadth of weir m
yg =Height of weir opening above bed m
g = Gravitational constant 9.81 ms-2

yo =Upstream flow depth m
V0 2 Q2 Q0 2
H 0  y0   y0  0 2  y0 
2g 2 gA0 2 g ( y0b)2
V12 Q2 Q12
H1  y1   y1  1 2  y1 
2g 2 gA1 2 g ( y1b)2
Where:
H0 =Total head upstream of weir m
H1 = Total head downstream of weir m
y1 =Downstream depth of flow m
V0 = Mean velocity upstream of weir ms-1

V1 = Mean velocity downstream of weir ms-1

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SMT-FM-51
4.3 Force on a sluice gate
It can be shown that the resultant force on the gate is given by the equation:
1  y 2   Q 2  y1 
 gby12  02  1 
Fg  1  
2  1
y  by1  y0 
The gate thrust for a hydrostatic pressure distribution is given by the equation:
1
FH   g ( y0  yg )2
2
Where:
Q =Volume flow rate m3s-1
=volume/time(using volumetric tank
 =Density of fluid kg m-3
b =breadth of gate m
yg =Height of gate opening above bed m
g = Gravitational constant 9.81 ms-2

yo =Upstream flow depth m
y1 =Down stream flow depth m
Fg =Resultant gate thrust N
FH =Resultant hydrostatic thrust N
4.4 Specific Energy Equation

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SMT-FM-51
The depth and velocity of a given flow at any section of an open channel adapt
themselves to the energy available at that section. For a constant discharge this
energy reaches a minimum value at the ‘critical’ depth. This parameter is
fundamental to a complete understanding of free flow behavior because the
response of a stream to energy (and force) depends on whether the actual depth
is greater than or less than the critical depth. In an open channel it is convenient
to use the bed as the datum and to compare the specific energy at different
sections where the specific energy is defined as the sum of the potential energy
(the depth of flow) and the kinetic energy (the velocity head):
V2
E  y
2g
Considering unit width of channel, the equation becomes:
Q2
E  y
2 gy 2
Note: When the datum coincides with the bed E = H

A plot of specific energy against depth of flow gives a curve called the specific energy
curve shown below. The shape of the curve shows that for a given specific energy there
are two possible depths called the alternate depths. At point C on the curve the specific
energy is a minimum with only one corresponding depth called the critical depth yc.
Flow at depths greater than critical is described as ‘slow’, ‘subcritical’ or ‘tranquil’.
Flow at depths less than critical is described as ‘fast’, ‘supercritical’ or ‘shooting’. A

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SMT-FM-51
family of such curves will exist for different flowrates through the channel. When
considering a rectangular channel of unit width, where the streamlines are parallel, it
can be shown that:
Q2 3
yc  3 and Ec  Emin  yc
g 2
where:
Ec = Minimum specific energy (m)
yc = Critical depth (m)
When the slope of a channel is just sufficient to maintain a given flowrate at a uniform
and critical depth the slope is called the critical slope Sc. It should be noted that the
surface of the water may appear wavy when the flow is near to the critical state because
a small change in specific energy is accompanied by a large change in depth of flow –
predicted by the shape of the specific energy curve.
4.5 The hydraulic Jump
When water flowing rapidly changes to slower tranquil flow a hydraulic jump or
standing wave is produced. This phenomenon can be seen where water shooting under
a sluice gate mixes with deeper water downstream. It occurs when a depth less than
critical changes to a depth which is greater than critical and must be accompanied by a
loss of energy. An undular jump occurs when the change in depth is small. The surface
of the water undulates in a series of oscillations which gradually decay to a region of
smooth tranquil flow.
A direct jump occurs when the change in depth is great. The large amount of energy
loss results in a zone of extremely turbulent water before it settles to smooth tranquil
flow.
By considering the forces acting within the fluid on either side of a hydraulic jump of
unit width it can be shown that:

9
SMT-FM-51
Va 2  V2
H  ya    yb  b 
2g  2g 
Where:
Because the working section is short ya  y1 and yb  y3

Therefore, simplifying the above equation:
(y3  y1 )3
H 
4 y1 y3
4.6 Flow under a radial gate
For an underflow gate with free discharge:

Q  Cd A 2 gy0

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SMT-FM-51
Note: If the downstream side is submerged then yo is replaced with (yo-y1) in the
above equation.
4.7 Discharge over an Ogee weir

Generally, ogee shaped weirs are provided for the spillway of a storage dam. The crest
of the ogee weir is slightly rises and falls into parabolic form. Flow over ogee weir is
also similar to flow over rectangular weir. The crest of the weir rises up to a maximum
of 0.115H, where H is the head over the weir.
For a given ogee weir theoretical discharge can be calculated by following

formula,
3
2
Q 2 g LH 2
3
The coefficient of discharge can be found by following relation,
Qact
Cd 
Qth.

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SMT-FM-51
4.8 Rectangular and Triangular weir
The depth of water above the base of a weir is related to the flow rate through it;
therefore, the weir can be used as a flow measuring device. The relationships of flow
over weirs can be obtained by applying the energy equation from a point well upstream
of the weir to a point just above the weir crest. This approach requires a number of
assumptions, and it yields the following results:
for a triangular weir
8   5
Q  Cd 2 g .tan   H 2
15 2
for a rectangular weir
2 3
Q  Cd 2 g .bH 2
3
Where:
H = height above the weir base
b = width of rectangular weir (R-notch)
 = angle of triangular weir (V-notch)
Cd = discharge coefficient to account for the effects of simplifying assumptions in
the theory, which has to be determined by experiment

12
SMT-FM-51
5. Operating Procedures
5.1 Start-up Procedure
1. Make sure all wires are connected to their respective ports.
2. Check the water level in water tank. If low, then fill the water tank with clean
water.
3. Check the tube connection for leaks.
4. Install the weir model on the flume bed.
5. Once the weir has been installed, slightly open the flume inlet valve.
6. Set the main power switch to “ON” position. Main power led indicator should
light up and LCD display should show the flow reading and pump switch.
7. Press the LCD display for the pump switch. The pump should start and LCD
display for the pump switch changes from blue to green.
8. Set the flume inlet valve to desired flow with the help of inlet valve.
9. Flume inlet flow reading can be seen on control panel LCD display.
5.2 Shutdown Procedure

1. Switch off the pump. Press the pump switch indicated by green light on LCD
display. Once the pump is off, green light changes to blue.
2. Set the main power switch to “OFF” position

13
SMT-FM-51
6. Experiments
6.1 Experiment 1
Objective
To determine the relationship between upstream head and flowrate for water
flowing over a Broad Crested weir (long base weir).
To calculate the discharge coefficient and to observe the flow pattern obtained.
Equipment required
ESOLS Flow channel
Broad Crested Weir model
Procedure
1. Follow the operating procedure instructed in section 5 of this manual.
2. Carefully insert the weir in the flume taking care not to damage the weir.
3. Measure and record the actual breadth b (m) of the broad crested weir
4. Install the weir in the flume with the rounded corner upstream.
5. The datum for all measurements will be the top edge of the weir plate.
Record the datum reading with the help of transparent measuring scale
pasted on the transparent wall of flume. Measure the height of the weir
above the bed hw(m).
6. Adjust the flow of water into the flume to obtain flow depths yo,
increasing in about 0.010m steps. For each step measure the flowrate
Qactual, the upstream depth of flow above the weir y0 and the depth of
flow over the weir y1 (where the flow becomes parallel to the weir). The
flowrate Qactual can be determined using the direct reading flowmeter
located on the control box.
7. At each setting also observe and sketch the flow patterns over the weir.
8. Gradually increase the total depth of the water downstream of the weir
by adding stop logs at the discharge end of the channel. For each step
measure the flowrate Qactual, the upstream depth of flow y0 and the depth
of flow over the weir y1.
9. Observe and sketch the flow patterns over the weir.
10. Plot graphs of Qactual against H0 and Cd against H0.

14
SMT-FM-51
Observations
Breadth of Weir b =…………(m)
Height of weir h =…………(m)
S.No yo y1 Qactual Ho Qtheoretical Cd

1
2
3
4
5

15
SMT-FM-51
6.2 Experiment 2
Objective
To determine the relationship between upstream head and flowrate for water
flowing under a sluice gate (undershot weir).
To calculate the discharge coefficient and to observe the flow pattern obtained.
Equipment required
ESOLS Flow channel
Adjustable Undershot Weir model
Procedure
Clamp the undershot weir assembly securely to the sides of the channel
flume with the sharp edge on the bottom of the weir facing upstream.
3. Measure and record the actual breadth b (m) of the undershot weir.
pasted on the transparent wall of flume.
5. Carefully adjust the level gauges to coincide with the bed of the flume
and record the datum readings
6. Adjust the knob on top of the weir to position the sharp edge of the weir
0.005m above the bed of the flume.
7. Gradually open the flow control valve and admit water until yo = 0.150m
measured using the level scale. With yo at this height, measure Q using
the direct reading flowmeter. Also measure y1. Raise the weir in
increments of 0.005m maintaining yo at the height of 0.150m by varying
the flow of water.
8. At each level of the weir record the values of Q and y1.
9. Repeat the procedure with a constant flow Q allowing yo to vary. Record
the values of y0 and y1.
10. Plot graphs of Q against yg for constant y0 and y0 against yg for constant
Q to show the characteristics of flow beneath the weir.
11. Plot graphs of Cd against Q for constant y0 and Cd against yg for constant
Q to show the changes in Cd of flow beneath the weir.

16
SMT-FM-51
Observations
S.No yg yo y1 Q Ho H1 Cd
1
2
3
4
5

17
SMT-FM-51
6.3 Experiment 3
Objective
To determine the relationship between upstream head and thrust on a sluice
gate (undershot weir) for water flowing under the sluice gate.
Equipment required
ESOLS Flow channel
Procedure
pasted on the transparent wall of the flume.
measured using the transparent scale. With yo at this height, measure Q
using the direct reading flowmeter or the volumetric tank with a
stopwatch. Also measure y1. Raise the weir in increments of 0.005m
maintaining yo at the height of 0.150m by varying the flow of water.
7. At each level of the weir record the values of Q and y1.
8. Repeat the procedure with a constant flow Q allowing yo to vary. Record
the values of y0 and y1.
Fg yg
9. Plot a graph of the ratio against the ratio
FH yo
Observations

18
SMT-FM-51
S.No yg yo y1 Q Fg FH Fg yg
FH yo
1
2
3
4
5

19
SMT-FM-51
6.4 Experiment 4
Objective
To determine the relationship between the specific energy and upstream head
for water flowing under an undershot weir.
Equipment required
ESOLS Flow channel
Procedure
4. Clamp the undershot weir assembly securely to the sides of the channel
with the sharp edge on the bottom of the weir facing upstream.
measured using the upstream level gauge. With yo at this height,
measure Q using the direct reading flowmeter. Also measure y1 using
the downstream level gauge. Raise the weir in increments of 0.005m,
allowing the upstream and downstream levels to stabilize, then measure
and record the depths of flow yo and y1.
8. Increase the flowrate Q slightly, lower the weir until y0 = 0.150m.
9. Measure and record Q then repeat the above measurements by gradually
raising the weir.
10. Tilt the channel slightly, water flowing downhill, and gradually adjust
the combination of flowrate and height of weir until critical depth exists
along the length of the channel.
11. Calculate Eo and E1 for each value of Q.

20
SMT-FM-51
12. Plot E0 against y0 and E1 against y1 to establish the shape of the curve
on either side of the minimum energy point.
13. Plot your calculated values for Ec on the same axes.
14. On your graph draw a line through the critical point on each curve to
show the critical state (tranquil flow above the line, shooting flow below
the line).
Observations
S.No yo y1 Q Eo E1 E
1
2
3
4
5

21
SMT-FM-51
6.5 Experiment 5
Objective
To investigate the characteristics of a standing wave (the hydraulic jump)
produced when water flows beneath an undershot weir and to observe the flow
patterns obtained.
Equipment required
ESOLS Flow channel
Procedure
4. Clamp the undershot weir assembly securely to the sides of the channel
0.015m above the bed of the flume. Place one stop log at the discharge
end of the flume if hydraulic jump not created yet.
7. Gradually open the flow control valve and adjust the flow until an
undular jump is created with small ripples decaying towards the
discharge end of the flume. Observe and sketch the flow pattern.
8. Increase the height of water upstream of the weir by increasing the
flowrate and increase the height of the stop logs to create a hydraulic
jump in the centre of the working section. Observe and sketch the flow
pattern.
9. Measure and record the values of y1, y3, yg and Q. Repeat this for other
flowrates Q (upstream head) and heights of the gate yg.

22
SMT-FM-51
v12 y
10. Calculate v1 and plot against 3
gy1 y1
H H y
11. Calculate and plot against 3
y1 y1 y1
Observations
S.No yg y1 y3 Q Hb H
1
2
3
4
5

23
SMT-FM-51
6.6 Experiment 6
Objective
To determine the relationship between upstream head and flowrate beneath a
radial gate under different operating conditions.
To calculate the discharge coefficient in each condition.
Equipment required
ESOLS Flow channel
Radial gate assembly,
Procedure
1. Clamp the radial gate assembly securely to the sides of the channel.
Adjust the screw on the top of the gate to create a small gap between the
bottom of the gate and the bed of the channel.
2. Gradually open the flow control valve and allow the flow to stabilize
without the water flowing over the gate.
3. With the flow constant, measure and note the values of Q, yg and y0.
4. Raise the gate in increments, measuring and noting the values of Q, yg
and y0 for each step.
5. The procedure should be repeated with a varying flow and constant y0
thus obtaining a further set of results.
6. Stop logs can be added at the discharge end of the channel to submerge
the discharge side of the gate. Measurements should include the
downstream level in the flume.
y
7. Plot Cd against 1 for constant Q.
yo
y1
8. Plot Cd against for constant y0.
yo

24
SMT-FM-51
Observations
Breadth of gate, b……………(m)
S.No yo y1 yg Q A Cd
1
2
3
4
5

25
SMT-FM-51
6.7 Experiment 7
Objective
To determine the coefficient of discharge of the Ogee weir for different
discharges
Equipment required
ESOLS Flow channel
Ogee weir
Procedure
1. Insert the Ogee weir assembly securely to the bed of the channel.
2. Gradually open the flow control valve and allow time for steady
conditions to be achieved.
3. Note down the values such as Q, H and L
4. Calculate theoretical discharge by relation
3
2
Q 2 g LH 2
3
5. Calculate Cd by relation
Qact
Cd 
Qth.
6. Plot Qactual vs H

26
SMT-FM-51
6.8 Experiment 8
Objective
The objectives of this experiment are to:
a) determine the characteristics of flow over a rectangular and a triangular
weir, and
b) determine the value of the discharge coefficient for both notches.
Equipment required
ESOLS Flow channel
Rectangular and triangular notch weirs
Procedure
1. Insert the rectangular notch weir securely to the bed of the channel.
2. Gradually open the flow control valve and allow time for steady
conditions to be achieved.
3. Note down the values such as Q, H and b
4. Calculate theoretical discharge by relation
for a triangular weir
8   5
Q  Cd 2 g .tan   H 2
15 2
for a rectangular weir
2 3
Q  Cd 2 g .bH 2
3
Where:
H = height above the weir base
b = width of rectangular weir (R-notch)
 = angle of triangular weir (V-notch)
Cd = discharge coefficient to account for the effects of simplifying
assumptions in the theory, which has to be determined by experiment

27
SMT-FM-51
7. Safety and Maintenance
7.1 Safety
DANGER! of electric shock. Repairs must be carried out only by trained
personnel.
Protect the switch cabinet against water incursion!
DANGER! Never adjust the inclination beyond the specified range. One of
the supports may slip under load.
IMPORTANT! Store the system in a frost-free location. There is risk of

damage from frost. If the system is at risk from frost drain it.
IMPORTANT! Take care when working in the operating area of the flow
channel, especially with heavy tools. The glass may break.
IMPORTANT! Check the tanks, pump and connecting lines routinely for
leaks. Leaks may allow large amounts of water to escape unnoticed.
IMPORTANT! Never allow the system to run unsupervised. Operators must

be instructed as to the technical features of the system, especially the safety
features.
IMPORTANT! Never run the system with sediment! The centrifugal pump
and variable-area flowmeter would be destroyed.
IMPORTANT! Ensure that no small items, such as screws, tubes etc., are
swept into the reservoir! Items sucked into the centrifugal pump may destroy
it.
IMPORTANT! Only switch on the pump with the shutoff valve closed! The
pressure surge may cause the water in the inflow segment to splash up and out
of the channel.
7.2 Maintenance
1. After use, drain all water from reservoir tanks to prevent walls of tanks
from scaling.
2. Always keep the reservoir covered, as light will accelerate algae
growth.
3. Clean the panels with a mild detergent or plastic cleaner. Clean off
algae growth as soon as it occurs.

28
SMT-FM-51

OPERATION MANUAL FOR COMPUTER CONTROLLED FLOW CHANNEL SMT-FM-51

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OPERATION MANUAL

7. Safety & Maintenance 28

Computer Controlled Flow Channel

By means of an inclination adjustment device the channel can be steplessly tilted in

2.1 Unit Assembly

1. Toggle switch for LCD/Software 2. USB port for computer connection

3. Inclination up indicator 4. ON/OFF switch

Computer Controlled Flow Channel

8. Air vent valve 9. Measuring scale in mm

Computer Controlled Flow Channel

Flow cross section (WXH) 53 x 120 mm

Computer Controlled Flow Channel

4.1 Broad crested weir

From conservation of energy and ignoring losses

The flow rate Q is given by :

Qactual  1.704 Cd bH 03/2

Where cd is the coefficient of discharge

Computer Controlled Flow Channel

The coefficient of discharge may therefore be determined as

4.2 Discharge beneath a sluice gate

g = Gravitational constant 9.81 ms-2

V0 = Mean velocity upstream of weir ms-1

Computer Controlled Flow Channel

g = Gravitational constant 9.81 ms-2

4.4 Specific Energy Equation

Computer Controlled Flow Channel

Considering unit width of channel, the equation becomes:

Note: When the datum coincides with the bed E = H

Computer Controlled Flow Channel

4.5 The hydraulic Jump

Computer Controlled Flow Channel

Because the working section is short ya  y1 and yb  y3

4.6 Flow under a radial gate

For an underflow gate with free discharge:

Computer Controlled Flow Channel

4.7 Discharge over an Ogee weir

For a given ogee weir theoretical discharge can be calculated by following

Computer Controlled Flow Channel

Computer Controlled Flow Channel

5.2 Shutdown Procedure

Computer Controlled Flow Channel

Computer Controlled Flow Channel

S.No yo y1 Qactual Ho Qtheoretical Cd

Computer Controlled Flow Channel

Computer Controlled Flow Channel

Computer Controlled Flow Channel

Computer Controlled Flow Channel

Computer Controlled Flow Channel

Computer Controlled Flow Channel

Computer Controlled Flow Channel

Computer Controlled Flow Channel

Computer Controlled Flow Channel

Computer Controlled Flow Channel

Computer Controlled Flow Channel

Computer Controlled Flow Channel

for a triangular weir

Computer Controlled Flow Channel

IMPORTANT! Store the system in a frost-free location. There is risk of

IMPORTANT! Never allow the system to run unsupervised. Operators must

Computer Controlled Flow Channel

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