WEIR Weirs are overflow structures which are built across an open channel for the purpose of measuring or controlling the flow of liquids. Weirs have been commonly used to measure the flow of water, but it is now being adopted to measure the flow of other liquids. The formulas and principles that will be discussed on this chapter are general, ie, applicable to any type of liquid. Classification of Weirs According to shape, weirs may be rectangular, triangular, trapezvidal, circular, parabolic, or of any other regular form. ‘The most commonly used shapes arc the rectarigular, triangular and the trapezoidal shapes. According to the form of the crest, weirs may be sharp-crested or broad-crested. ‘The flow over a weir may either be free or submerged. If the water surface downstream from the weir is lower than the crest, the flow is free, but if the downstream surface is higher than the crest, the flow is submerged. Definitiori of Terms Nappe - the overflowing stream in a weir. Crest of weir - the edge or top surface of a weir with which the flowing, liquid comes in contact. Contracted weir - weirs having sides sharp-edged, so that the nappe is contracted in ‘width or having end contractions, either one end or two ends, Suppressed weir or full-width weir - weirs having its length L being equal to the width of ‘the channel so that the nappe suffers no end contractions. : Drop-down curve - the downward curvature of the liquid surface before the weir, Head, H - the distance between the liquid surface and the crest of the weir, measured before the drop-down curve. Scanned with CamScanneri Ae Figure 6 - 12: Pathlines of flow over a rectangular sharp-crested weir RECTANGULAR WEIR * Figure 6 - 13: Section A-A of Figure 6 - 12. Consider a differential arca of length L and height dh to be located /t meters below the liquid surface. By orifice theory, the theoretical velocity through this area i m= {23H where the total head producing flow H’ = h + lty, where h is the velocity head of approach and is equal to v2/2g. ‘The discharge through the elementary strip is then, dQ.=dAv dQ, = 1. dh Jf2g(h +h) Scanned with CamScannerfea = (2g frat 7 H =e b [Goran] Q= 3 J2g LL (+ hy2- (0+)? ] Actual Q =CQ, Q= 8 ial (+k, P27] Ba.6-30 It is a common practice to combine 3 2g C into a single coefficient Cs called the weir factor. The general formula for a discharge through a rectangular weir considering velocity of approach then becomes a Q= Cat (44H, 2? -1] Bq. 6-31- If the ratio H/P is sufficiently small, the velocity of approach becomes very small and the term 4? may be neglected. The discharge formula becomes Q=cyLHt Eq. 6-32 In situations where the discharge is required considering the velocity of approach, using Eq. 6 - 30 or Eq. 6 - 31 would lead to successive trials to solve for Q (since the velocity of approach ft, is a function of Q). The following simplified equation may be used: Q=¢,LHt [es 84.6233 ‘ C= SxS 8g: 6-34 where d= depth of water upstream d=H+P Scanned with CamScannerStandard Weir “The following specifications must be applied to a standard rectangular weirs without end contractions: 1, The upstream face of the weir plate should be vertical and smooth. 2. The crest edge shall be level, shall have a square upstream corner, and shall be narrow that the water will not touch it again after passing the upstream corner, 3. The sides of the flume shall be vertical and smooth and shall extend a short distance downstream past the weir crest. 4. ‘The pressure under the nappe shall be atmospheric. 5. The approach channel shall be of uniform cross section for a sufficient distance above the weir, or shall be provided with baffles that a normal distribution of velocities exists in the flow approaching the weir, and the water surface is free of waves or surges.‘ Standard Weir Factor (C,,) Formulas Numerous equations have been developed for finding the discharge coefficient C, to be used in Eq. 6 - 31 and Eq. 6 - 32. Some of these are given below. FRANCIS FORMULA Based upon experiments on rectangular weirs from 1.07 m (3.5 ft) to 5.18 m (17 ft.) long under heads from 180 mm to 490 mm. = 184fi-+0.26(H /d)?] 61 Units) For H/P < 04, the following value of C,, may be used. Pa S.L, Unit, Go = 1.84 Eq, 6 - 36 English, C= 3.33 “Eq: 6-37 REHBOCK AND CHOW FORMULA EB q English Unit, Cy'=3.27 +0403. if SL. Unit, C= 18 +o Scanned with CamScannerBAZIN FORMULA For rectangular weirs of length from 0.5 m to 2.0 m under heads from 50 mm to 600 mm. Contracted Rectangular Weirs The effective length of L of a contracted weir is given by: E L=1-01NH ig.6-41 where _L’= measure length of crest N= number of end contraction (1 or 2) H = measured head Two-end Contraction (N=2) TRIANGULAR WEIR (V-NOTCH) At very low heads, the nappe of a rectangular weir has a tendency to adhere to its downstream face. A weir operating under such condition would give a vety inaccurate result. For very low heads, a V-notch weir should be used is accuracy of measurement is required.. The vertex angle 0 of a V-notch weir is usually between 10° to 90° but rarcly Jarger. Scanned with CamScannerFigure 6 - 14: Triangular (V-Notch) weir The discharge through the differential strip is: dQ=vdA /2gh (neglecting velocity of approach) dA=xdh : by similar triangles: H L = (H-h = H¢ ) L dA= =(H-h) dh dQ= J2gh EH dQ= = 2g 12 (H-H) ah aQ= i (2g (Hi? - h) dh Integrate R Q= = ig few? -ee\n 4 . Q= Eg [fHQW)-gn5ef Scanned with CamScannera= © ig (gu?) Q= 4 2g LiF? (thedretical Q) Actual Q2Cx Q; a Eq. 6 - 42 can be used even if the side inclinations are unequal, For triangular V-notch weir, L/2 tan (0/2) = 2 (0/2) H L =2H tan (0/2) then, Q= &Cy2g [2H tan(o/2)] HP Q= Be fag ian FRA Gotan 1g6- 89. | For standard 90°. weir: ; ~ 5 14H? (6.5. Units) : “Bg 6- ce Q = 25H? (English) “Tg. 6- Scanned with CamScanneraes Pree sp Sau BOR Felane Tew Mdaayrerperit TRAPEZOIDAL SHARP CRESTED WEIR ‘The discharge from a trapezoidal weir is assumed. the same as that from a rectangular weir and a triangular weir in cémbination, Figure 6 - 15: Trapezoidal sharp-crested weir Q= Ca EB? + CoB Eq.6-46 | where Z= z, substituted for tan 3 in Fq. 6 - 43. : CIPOLLETTI WEIR Cipolletti weirs are trapezoidal weirs with side slope of 1 horizontal to 4 vertical. The additional area at the sides adds approximately enough effective width of the stream to offset the side contractions. Q= 1. R59LED? (SI. Units) "By 6-47 Q=337LH? (English) - Bg. 6 +48. Scanned with CamScannerSUTTRO WEIR OR PROPORTIONAL FLOW WEIR It may be noted that, in a rectangular weir, discharge varies with 3/2 power of H and, ina triangular weir, with 5/2 power of H. There exist a shape for which the discharge varies linearly with the head, the proportional flow or Rettger weir, also known as Sultro weir. Hyperboli| Q=4Cak 2¢ H Kea fy SUBMERGED SHARP WEIR The discharge over a submerged sharp-crested weir is affected not only by the head on the upstream side H: but by the head downstream H;. The discharge for a submerged weir is related to the free or unsubmerged discharge. Villemonte expressed this relationship by the equation Submerged sharp- weir Scanned with CamScannerwhere 1 is the exponent of H in the equation for free discharge for the shape of weir used. For rectangular weir, n = 3/2 and n = 5/2 for triangular weir. UNSTEADY FLOW WEIR (VARIABLE HEAD) Eq. 6-52 If the flow is through a suppressed rectangular weir: i ( A, dH hn, Cy LA? H, te Ae fsegn = Ax [aut] CoE Jy C,L where Cy = weir factor L= crest length A,= constant water surface are of reservoir or tank Hh = initial head a Hy = final head Scanned with CamScannereta Pro Find the width, in meters, of the channel at the back of a suppressed weir using the following data: Head, H = 285m Depth of water, d = 2.485 m Discharge, Q = 0.84 m3/s Consider velocity of approach and use Francis formula. Solution Q=1.84 L[(H + fy)? - 2/2] Solving for L and h, using the formula: Q= 1.841? 0.84 = 1.841,(0.285)*? L=3m y= 2 = 84/8 x2485)F 9 ooa647 m ° 23 2g 0.84 = 1.84L(0.285 + 0.000647)? - (0.000647)97] L=3m Using Bq. 6 - 33: Q=CyLH? [rse(4)] = 3 Cy? _ 3 (1.84)? 22g 2 2g C= 0.2588 a 0.285) 7 140.2789 S22 oat= 12400209] 7 cas) | L=3m Problem 6 - 63 The discharge from a 150-mm-diameter orifice under a head of 3.05 m and coefficient of discharge C = 0.60 flows into a rectangular channel and over a rectangular suppressed weir. The channel is 1.83 m wide and the weir has height P = 1.50 m and length L = 0.31 m. Determine the depth of water in the channel. Use Francis formula and neglect velocity of approach. Scanned with CamScannerSolution ‘The discharge through the orifice equals the discharge through the weir. For the orifice: Q=CA, J2gH = 0.60 x (0.15)? /2(9.81)8.05) Q = 0.08202 m3/s For the weir (neglecting 2,) Q=1.84LH3?? 0.08202 = 1.84(0.31)H¥? H=0.274m Depth of water upstream of the weir: d=H+P =0.274+150 a=1.774m Problem 6 - 64 The flow in a rectangular channel varies from 225 liters per second to 350 liters per second, and it is desired to regulate the depth by installing standard 90- degree V-notch weir at the end. How many weirs are needed to regulate the variations in depth to 60 mm? Solution For standard 90° V-notch weir, Cy = 1.4 Q= 1.42 Let N be the required number of weirs Total flow, Qr= Nx Q= 14NH¥/2 : When the discharge is 0.225 m}/s 0.225 = 1.4NH49/? H= sas (head when the discharge is 225 L/s) When the discharge is 0.35 m3/s 0.35 =.1.4NH;3/2 = aor (head when the discharge is 350 L/s) Scanned with CamScannerA: 0.75 m/s D,? _ 0.752 2g 2g Jt = 0.0287 m 10.125 = 1.88(7.5)[(H + 0.0287)*/2 - (0.0287)9/2] H=0777m y= Height of weir, P=1.8-H =18-077 Height of weir, P = 1.023 m Problem 6 - 61 Determine the flow over a suppressed weir 3 m long-and 1.2 m high under a head of 900 mm. The weir factor C, = 1.91. Consider velocity of approach. Solution Scanned with CamScannerQ= Gu LH + fu)?/? — 9/9] how 22 2 Q/Gx20)P Wee Jip = 0.001284Q? It can be seen that the discharge (2 varies with fy which in turn varies with Q. Using this formula directly would lead to trial-an-error solution. First, we solve the approximate velocity of approach by solving the discharge using the formula: Q=CyL FE? Q=1.918)(0.90)9/? = 4.892 m/s iy = 0.001284 (4.892)? ry = 0.0307 m .91(3)[(0.9 + 0.0307)3/2 - (0.0307)°/2] 114 m/s New Q New Q he = 0.001284(5.114)? Jo = 0.03358 New @ = 1.91(3)[(0.9 + 0.03358)?/? - (0.03358)>/2] New (= 5.133 m3/s The discharge converges at 5.133 m/s Using Eq. 6 - 33: 4) Q=c, ups Gs ‘| 3Cy? _ 3(1.91) ine 2g 2 7 = 0.2789 .9)7 o=imyasr[sozm 2) | Q=5.143 ms approximately Scanned with CamScannerProblem 6 - 57 A rectangular, sharp-crested weir 15 m long with end contractions suppressed is 1.5 mhigh. Determine the discharge when the head is 300 mm. Solution Since the height of weir is large compared to the head H, the velocity head of approach can be neglected. Using Francis Formula: Q= 184 LH Q= 1.84 (15)(0.3)72 Q= 4.535 mys Problem 6 - 58 A rectangular, sharp-crested weir with end contractions is 1.4 m long. How high should it be placed in a channel to maintain an upstream depth of 2.35 m for a flow of 400 liters/second? Solution Using Francis Formula: Q=1.84LH¥? L=14-0.2H 0.40 = 1.84(1.4 - 0.2H)H?/? Solve for H by trial and error: ‘Try H=03 1.84(1.4 - 0.2(0.3)](0.3)°/2 = 0.405 = 0.4 (OK) From the figure shown above: P=d-H P=235-03= 205 m Scanned with CamScannerProblem 6 - 59 During a test on a 24-m suppressed weir 900 mm high, the head was maintained constant 1f 300 mm. In 38 seconds, 28,800 liters of water were collected. What is the weir factor Cu? Solution Q= Co LH + fe)? - hy] qq Volume (since the flow is steady) time 28,800 = —— =7579L/s 38 fs Q=0.7579 m/s _Q _ 0.7579 Velocity of approach, v« = 24(1.2) Velocity of approach, v,= 0.26316 m/s v4? _ (0.26316)? oe 2g 28 ty = 0.00353, Q= Co(24){(0.3 + 0.00353)"/2 - (0,00353)3/2] = 0.7579 Cy = 1.891 Problem 6 - 60 A suppressed weir 7.5 m long is to discharge 10.125 m?/s of water onto an open channel. The weir factor C, = 1.88. To what height P may the weir be built, if the water behind the weir must not exceed 1.80 m deep? Scanned with CamScannerVariation in depth = Hz ~ Hy = 60 mm 0574 0481 9 og We NPE 9,093 ne = 0.06 N=3 Problem 6 - 65 (CE November 1996) The discharge over a trapezoidal weir is 1.315 m?/s. The crest length is 2m and the sides are inclined at 75° 57 49” with the horizontal. Find the head on the weir in meters. Solution The side inclination angle given is that for a Cipolletti weir. Q= 1.859 L HY? . 1.315 = 1.859(2)HP? H=050m Problem 6 - 66 (CE November 1995) a spillway controls a reservoir 4.6 hectares in area. The permanent crest is at elevation 75 m. If water can be drawn from elevation 76.5 m to elevation 75.5 m in 42 minutos, find the length of the spillway in meters, Use- Francis formula neglecting velocity of approach LSm__8755m Fee] erm Scanned with CamScanner= 24, [4 © Col [Yi Ji A, = 4.6 hectares = 46,000 m? t= 42 minutes = 2520 seconds Cy = 1.84 - (Francis Formula) _ 2(46,000) [1 1 ] 329 = A | a = 1.84L lads 150 |} L=1186m Problem 6 - 67 (CE May 2002) A rectangular suppressed weir of length 1 m is constructed of cut at the top of a tall rectangular tank having a horizontal section 20 m by 20m. If the initial head over the weir is 1 m, compute the time required to discharge 72 cu. m. of water. Use Francis formula. Solution “8 i] Water surface area at any time, A; = 20(20) = 400 nv; Scanned with CamScannerAen Length of weir, L = 1m Initial head, Hy= 1m. The drop of water level after discharging 72 a1’ is: Drop= =0.18m 20(20) Final head, Hy = 1 ~ 0.18 = 0.82 m Weir factor (Francis), C, = 1.84 | 2000) Fo] t 784) te # 45.35 seconds Problem 6 - 68 (CE November 1991) A V-notch weir is located or cut at one end of a tank having a Horizontal square section 10 m by 10 m. If the initial head on the weir is 1.20 m and it takes 375 seconds to discharge 100 m* of water, what could have been the vertex angle of the weir. Use C = 0.60. Solution When 100 m?is discharged from the tank, the water level drops by y meters. 100 x y=100 : y=im Thus, the flow is unsteady with initial head Hy = 1.20 m and final head Hy, =0.2m. 1 § sot + | Scanned with CamScannerA Bee a i aM eeaatiers a tty ont Ac=10 x 10 = 100 m? Qua = £ CY2g tan$ He2= & (0.60) f2g tan} H9? Qos = 1.417 tan $ HE/2 += 375 seconds 120 100dH 355 | ————__ Jo2 1.417 tan H/? 1.20 5.3137 tan $= JH /2 dH a20 [ ly al 20 oF 020 5.3137 tan $= - [(1.20)*? - (0.20)9] $ =130726 e= 1057° 5.3137 tan$ Problem 6 - 69 Water flows through a parabolic weir that is 2 m deep and 2 m wide at the top under a constant head of 1.50 m. Assuming C = 0.65, determine the discharge through the weir. Solution Scanned with CamScannerConsider the horizontal strip shown (treated as an orifice under head h) adQ= dA [2gh dA = 2x dh Express x in terms of h by squared property of parabola: x? 1 15-h 2 x=0.707V15-h aA = 200.707 J15—h Jah 4Q= 20.707 V15—h )dh f2gh 4Q= 6263 /15-h Vh dh 5 Q=6.263 |VI5—hvii ah 0 By trigonometric substitution: Let h=15sir?6 vh = 1.2247 sin 0 dh =3 sin 8 cos 6 d0 when h = 0,0= 0° | when h = 1.5,0=90°= x/2 x/2 ae Q= 6.263 J v15-15sin2 8(1.2247 sin 0X3sin ®cos6d0) lo 2/2 Q= 28.182 fer cos? 648 a By Walli’s formula: = 10) 2 Q=28.182 (2 3] Q=5:5336 m'/s (theoretical discharge) ‘Actual discharge = CQ = 0,65(5.5336) Actual discharge = 3.597 m/s Scanned with CamScannerProblem 6 - 70 A trapezoidal weir having side slope of 1H to 2V discharges 50 m?/s under a constant head of 2 m. Find the length of the weir assuming C = 0.60. Solution Consider the horizontal strip shown (treated as an orifice under head h) dQ= CdA J2gh dA=xdh x=L+2z z= 44(2~h) x=L+2A(2-h]=L+2-h dA=(L+2-A)th dQ=C 2g (L+2-hdhf2gh Q=C2g forever ee 0 2 Q=C2g [gus 4443/2 249/72 |; 50 =06/3g [3112)°/* + 40)? -3@)*? | L=918m _ Using the combined rectangular and triangular weir formulas: Q= $C 2g LH? + & CY2g tan$ H? From the figure, tan 2 = 4 50= 3 (0.6) 2g LOY? + (0.6) J2g ( $Y)" L=918m Scanned with CamScannerA sharp-crested suppressed rectangular weir 1 m long and a standard 90- degree V-notch weir are placed in the same weir box with the vertex of the V- notch weir 150 mm below the crest of the rectangular weir. Determine the head on the rectangular weir when their discharges are equal. Use Francis formula. Solution Let H be the head on the rectangular weir: For the rectangular weir: (Hr = H) Qa = 1,84LH°/2 =1,84(1) 9/2 Qe =1.84H9/2 For the V-notch weir: (Hv = H+ 0.15) Qr=14Hy/2 Qr=14(H + 0.1592 A(H + 0.15)5/2 Square both sides 1.727 HB = (H+ 0.15) , By trial and error: H=0891m Scanned with CamScannera has a volume of 6 ins, ‘Find the velocity. " time requited to fill the container is 3 minutes arid 287, 2 he truncated cone shown has.0°= 60% How long Seioliquid surface down from it=5.m toh =2m0?*-- Scanned with CamScanner