EXPERIMENTAL

ADVANCED FLOW
CHANNEL
SMT-FM-55 OPERATION MANUAL
 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 Sharp crested weir 5
4.2 Broad crested weir 5
4.3 Crump weir 7
4.4 Discharge beneath a sluice gate 8
4.5 Force on a sluice gate 9
4.6 Specific energy equation 10
4.7 The hydraulic jump 12
4.8 Venturi flume 13
4.9 Culvert Assembly 13
4.10 Flow around splitters 14
4.11 Flow over a dam spillway 15
4.12 Siphon weir 15
4.13 Flow over radial gate 17
4.14 Flow over false floor sections 18
4.15 Discharge over an Ogee weir 19
4.16 Flume bottom with pebble stones 19
5. Operating Procedures 21
5.1 Start-up 21
5.2 Shutdown 21
6. Experiments 22
6.1 Experiment 1 22
6.2 Experiment 2 24
6.3 Experiment 3 26
6.4 Experiment 4 28
6.5 Experiment 5 30
6.6 Experiment 6 32
6.7 Experiment 7 34
 6.8 Experiment 8 36
6.9 Experiment 9 37
6.10 Experiment 10 38
6.11 Experiment 11 39
6.12 Experiment 12 40
6.13 Experiment 13 41
6.14 Experiment 14 43

7. Accessories supplied with flume with flow patterns 44

8. Safety & Maintenance 47
8.1 Safety 47
8.2 Maintenance 47
 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 Experimental advanced flow channel has been developed to assist the
student to overcome this difficulty.
The SMT-FM-55 is supplied with a 10-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

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 2. General Description
The working section of flow channel has transparent side walls providing full view of
working section. Two reservoir tanks are 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 2

4 5 6

7 8 9

10

1. Inlet side 2. Working section

3. Outlet side 4. Inlet pipe
5. Motor 6. Inclination adjustment device
7. Reservoir tank 1 8. Transparent glass
9. Reservoir tank 2 10. Outlet pipe

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 11
16

12

13 15

14

11. LCD display and control 12. LED indicators

13. Emergency switch 14. Main power switch
15. Inclination control buttons 16. Reset button
(up/down)

20
17

18

19

17. Manometer tube 18. Scale

19. Manometer fittings 20. Degassing valve

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 3. Technical Specifications

Flow cross section (WXH) 300 x400 mm

Overall length 10000 mm
Tanks 2
Tanks capacity 8000 liters (each)

Pump
Quantity 1
Type centrifugal pump
Pump power consumption 7.46 kW
Max. flow rate 3110 LPM
Max. head 25ft

Accessories
The following accessories are supplied with the SMT-FM-55 flow channel

Sluice Gate (SMT-FM-55.1)

Radial Gate (SMT-FM-55.2)
Broad-Crested Weir (SMT-FM-55.4)
Crump Weir (SMT-FM-55.5)
Siphon Weir (SMT-FM-55.6)
Ogee-Crested Weir with Pressure Measurement (SMT-FM-55.7)
Elements for Energy Dissipation (SMT-FM-55.9)
Sill (SMT-FM-55.10)
Culvert (SMT-FM-55.11)
Set of Piers, Seven Profiles (SMT-FM-55.12)
Flume Bottom with Pebble Stones (SMT-FM-55.13)
Wave Generator (SMT-FM-55.15)
Sediment Feeder (SMT-FM-55.19)
Ten Tube Manometers (SMT-FM-55.24)

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 4. Summary of Theory

4.1 Sharp crested weir

For rectangular sharp crested weir

2
2 Q
Q  Cd b 2 g yc 3 therefore : Cd  3
3 2
b 2 g yc 2
3
When the rectangular weir extends across the whole width of the channel it is called
a suppressed weir and the Rehbock formula can be applied to determine Cd as follows:

yc
Cd  0.602  0.083
h

4.2 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 )

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 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

Qactual  Cd x Qtheoretical

The coefficient of discharge may therefore be determined as

Actual flowrate
Cd 
Theoretical flowrate

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 4.3 Crump weir

Modular flow:

Modular Flow occurs when the weir operates undrowned, with downstream
water level low. In this condition, the upstream head is not affected by the
downstream head; therefore, it is possible to determine the flow rate by taking
a single measurement of upstream head
1 3
Q
Qm  bCd g H 0 2 therefore : Cd  1 m 3
2

bg 2 H 0 2

Where:
Qm =Modular Volume flow rate m3s-1

Cd =Modular Coefficient of discharge dimensionless

b =breadth of weir m
H0 =Total head upstream of weir crest m
V0 2 Q0 2 Q0 2
 y0   y0   y0 
2g 2 gA0 2 2 g ( y0b) 2
g = Gravitational constant 9.81 ms-2
h =vertical height of weir m
yo =Upstream flow depth m
Q0 =Upstream flowrate = modular volume flow m3s-1

Non-Modular flow:

Non-Modular Flow occurs when the weir operates drowned, with downstream
water level high. In this condition, a single measurement of upstream head is
not adequate to determine the actual flow because the upstream head is affected
by changes in the downstream head. For Non-Modular Flow (weir crest
drowned, downstream water level high). The weir ceases to act in modular
fashion when:
H1
 0.70
H0

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 H1 =Total head downstream of weir crest m
V2 Q2 Q12 Q1=
 y1  1  y1  1 2  y1  downstream flowrate
2g 2 gA1 2 g ( y1b) 2
H0 =Total head upstream of weir crest m
2 2 2
V0 Q Q0
 y0   y0  0 2  y0 
2g 2 gA0 2 g ( y0b) 2

A reduction factor can be used to correct for non-modular flow where:

Q
f  (dimensionless)
Qm
where Q is measured using timed volume collection or flowmeter and Qm
calculated from
1 3
Qm  bCd g H 0 2 2

using the upstream flow head and the value of Cd determined during modular
flow.

4.4 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

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 V0 2 Q0 2 Q0 2
H 0  y0   y0   y0 
2g 2 gA0 2 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

4.5 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 
Fg   gby12  02  1  1  
2  y1  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

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 4.6 Specific Energy Equation

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

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 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
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.

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 4.7 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:
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

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 4.8 Venturi Flume

Widening or narrowing the width of a channel has the same effect as raising or
lowering the bed of the channel. Therefore, the throat created by a Venturi flume
has the same characteristics as the Broad Crested Weir (Exercise B) and the
discharge is given by:

3 3
2 2g
Q .b.H 2  1.704b1H 0 2
3 3

4.9 Culvert Assembly

The culvert is a covered channel of comparatively short length which is

typically installed to drain water through an embankment. The culvert acts as
on open channel, as long as the section is partly full, and is normally used in
this condition. However, under flood conditions the inlet or outlet may become
submerged and a variety of flow patterns can exist. A culvert will run full, like
a pipe, when the outlet is submerged or when the upstream level is sufficiently
high.

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 The objective is to view the range of patterns which can exist, to determine the
head/discharge characteristics and to determine the conditions necessary for the
culvert to run full.
y
The performance of a culvert is defined by the ratio o (typical values are in
d
the range 1.2 to 1.5 depending on geometry and conditions).

where:
y0 = Depth of flow upstream of the culvert at the point where the culvert runs
full (m)
d = Height of the culvert (m)

4.10 Flow around flow splitters

The flow splitter represents an obstruction in an open channel, typically the pier of a
bridge, the support structure on the top of a dam spillway etc. The effect of the
obstruction is similar to a constriction but the flow is split into two streams instead of
one. The obstruction causes a disturbance to the flow and turbulence is created where
the two streams mix resulting in head loss. This head loss also produces a force on the
object known as form drag. The magnitude of the losses and forces depends on the
shape of the obstruction and the degree of narrowing of the channel. The objective is to
view the disturbances caused by the splitter and to determine the headloss/discharge
characteristics. The performance of an obstruction can be defined by the d’Aubuisson
formula which states:
1
Q  K Ab1 y2 (2 gh2  v0 )
2 2

Where:
Q =Volume flow rate m3s-1
=volume/time(using volumetric tank
KA = Coefficient of contraction dimensionless
b1 =Remaining width of channel at m
obstruction

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 y2 =Depth of flow downstream of m
obstruction

g = Gravitational constant 9.81 ms-2

h2 =Height of backwater=y0-y2 m
v0 =Main upstream velocity m

4.11 Flow over a dam spillway

The dam spillway model may be fitted with three different shapes of toe. The flow
pattern over each type may be studied through observation as the flume is operated.

4.12 Siphon weir

Urban or industrial inflow channels must always be protected from an excessive water
level so that neither people or goods are put at risk. Relief channels are therefore used,
having relief structures such as side weirs which can immediately divert an excessive
amount of water. The siphon weir is one such relief structure.

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 As the name implies, it operates on the principle of the physical siphon (Fig.). In an
equally ingenious move, the inventor, whose name was Heyn, reconstructed a physical
siphon to meet the demands of hydraulic engineering. This siphon, known as the Heyn
siphon is today indispensable in hydraulic engineering. Compared with all other relief
structures, the Heyn siphon has the advantage that it „starts up “as early as when the
build-up is slight, and can remove the excess water very quickly

How does this Heyn siphon function? It is shown in below Fig.

The ingenious thing is the small edge (1) on the bottom end of the siphon section. The
falling water jet jumps weir bottom, thereby closing off the air space above it (Fig. b).
As a result, the water jet captures air from this air space until the air has been completely
removed and an under-pressure exists in the siphon. We now have the same situation
as with the physical siphon. The siphon has started up and sucks water with great energy
from the upstream water to the downstream water (Fig. c). In this case, it is actually no

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 longer accurate to talk of an overflow weir. Rather, a pipe flow exists. The water is
raised via an overflow crown on the upstream water level and is diverted to the
downstream water. When the inflow on the upstream water side levels off, the water
level falls again and frees a gap, causing air to flow to the siphon and the outflow to
end abruptly. Surge phenomena occur which, in practice, are extremely undesirable and
which in most cases can be remedied by subdividing the damming height with several
siphons arranged one behind the other

Every siphon weir has a maximum drainage capacity Q at a given water level
difference. It is calculated by
Q  . A. 2 gh

 - Outflow coefficient (normal Heyn siphon, achieved values of  =0.5 - 0.6)

A - Outflow cross section of the siphon
h - Fall height of the siphon
g - Acceleration due to gravity (g=9.81 m/s2)

To derive above equation, a Bernoulli stream thread must be laid between the intake
and outlet cross-section. The derivation itself is not shown here.

Similarly, outflow coefficient can be obtained experimentally by this conversion

Q

A. 2 gh

4.13 Flow under a radial gate

For an underflow gate with free discharge:

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 Q  Cd A 2 gy0

Note: If the downstream side is submerged then yo is replaced with (yo-y1) in the
above equation.

4.14 Flow over false floor sections

The above diagrams show the correct assembly of the three different arrangements of
the floor sections. Set up the laminated ramp in the flume ensuring that the flume is
level. Open the flow control valve and allow the water to enter the flume. By adjusting

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 the valve, the depth of water can be varied in stages. At each stage the flow pattern of
the water should be observed and noted. The critical depth can be determined as a
separate experiment if required. Since the ramp is fabricated in three sections the above
procedure can be repeated with the different profiles.
Close the flow control valve, allow the water to drain from the flume then replace the
laminated ramp with the false floor. Repeat the above.
Close the flow control valve, allow the water to drain from the flume then replace the
false floor with the raised floor. Repeat the above.

4.15 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.

4.16 Flume bottom with pebble stones

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 For uniform flow over a gravel bed, the Manning formula states that:
1
2 1
v    R3S 2
n

Note: For simplicity the slope S can be assumed to be the slope of the water surface, if the
small change in velocity head between inlet and outlet is ignored. When using the flume with
the bed inclined, the slope of the bed must be added to calculations of S, when using the hook
and point gauges with the bed as a datum. The actual fluid velocity can be calculated as:
v=Q/A

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 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. Weir can be fixed on the flume bed
via a retaining bar mounted on the flume bed and can be easily inserted in the
holes at the weir bottom.
5. Once the weir has been installed, slightly open the flume inlet valve.
6. Set the main power switch (14) to “ON” position. Main power led indicator
should light up and LCD display (11) should show the flow reading and pump
switch.
7. Press and hold the LCD display for the pump switch (red section). The pump
should start and LCD display for the pump switch changes from red 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.

5.1 Shutdown Procedure

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

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 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. Ensure
that the weir is secured via a retaining bar mounted on the flume
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.

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 Observations
Breadth of Weir b =…………(m)
Height of weir h =…………(m)

S.No yo y1 Qactual Ho Qtheoretical Cd

1
2
3
4
5

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 6.2 Experiment 2
Objective
To determine the relationship between upstream head and flowrate for water
flowing over a Crump weir.
To determine the modular limit and to observe the flow patterns obtained.
Equipment required
ESOLS Flow channel
Crump 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) and the vertical height hw
(m) of the Crump weir.

4. 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.
5. Open the flow control valve and allow the water to flow into the flume
then adjust the valve to obtain a depth y0 of 0.070m upstream of the weir.
Maintain this level whilst measuring the downstream depth of flow y1
and the flowrate Q.
6. Repeat this for 0.010m increments of y0, recording the measurements of
y0, y1 and Q and noting any variation in the flow patterns over the weir.
7. Add stop logs one at a time at the discharge end of the flume. When the
levels have stabilized record the measurements of y0, y1 and Q.
8. Observe the changes in the flow patterns over the weir.
9. Determine the average coefficient of discharge for modular flow
conditions.
H
10. Plot values of f against 1 then determine the modular limit – the value
HO
H1
of where f ceases to be unity.
HO

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 Observations
Breadth of Weir b =…………(m)

S.No yo y1 Q Ho H1 Qm Cd f
1
2
3
4
5

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 6.3 Experiment 3
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
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.
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.

4. 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.
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.

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 Observations
Breadth of Weir b =…………(m)

S.No yg yo y1 Q Ho H1 Cd
1
2
3
4
5

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 6.4 Experiment 4
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
Adjustable Undershot 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.
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.
4. 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 the flume.

5. Adjust the knob on top of the weir to position the sharp edge of the weir
0.005m above the bed of the flume.
6. Gradually open the flow control valve and admit water until yo = 0.150m
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
Breadth of Weir b =…………(m)

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 S.No yg yo y1 Q Fg FH Fg yg
FH yo
1
2
3
4
5

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 6.5 Experiment 5
Objective
To determine the relationship between the specific energy and upstream head
for water flowing under an undershot weir.
Equipment required
ESOLS Flow channel
Adjustable Undershot 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.
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.
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.
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.

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 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.

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 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
Breadth of Weir b =…………(m)
Height of weir h =…………(m)

S.No yo y1 Q Eo E1 E
1
2
3
4
5

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 6.6 Experiment 6

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
Adjustable Undershot 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.
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.
4. 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.
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.

6. Adjust the knob on top of the weir to position the sharp edge of the weir
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.

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 v12 y
10. Calculate v1 and plot against 3
gy1 y1
H H y
11. Calculate and plot against 3
y1 y1 y1

Observations
Breadth of Weir b =…………(m)
Height of weir h =…………(m)

S.No yg y1 y3 Q Hb H
1
2
3
4
5

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 6.7 Experiment 7

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

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 Observations
Breadth of gate, b……………(m)

S.No yo y1 yg Q A Cd
1
2
3
4
5

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 6.8 Experiment 8

Objective
To determine the maximum drainage discharge capacity of a siphon weir at a
given water level difference
Equipment required
ESOLS Flow channel
Siphon weir

Procedure

1. Set the water level in the upstream water so that the water is slightly
below the upper edge of the weir crown
2. Set a low flow rate and observe the processes during the subsequent
start-up procedure if necessary, increase the flow rate.
3. Reduce the flow rate and observe the inflow of air and the end of the
outflow.
4. Calculate the drainage discharge capacity of a siphon weir

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 6.9 Experiment 9

Objective
To determine the effect of a roughened bed on the depth of water at different
flowrates and to obtain appropriate coefficients to satisfy the Manning
Formula.

Equipment required
ESOLS Flow channel
Flume bottom with pebble stones

Procedure

1. Ensure that the flume is horizontal with no stop logs installed at the
discharge end.
2. Line the bottom of the flume with the pebble stones.
3. Using the surface of the bed as a datum, measure and record the datum
height.
4. Measure the distance x between the two depth measurement points.
5. Open the flow control valve and allow water into the flume. Once a
small head of flowing water has been set, do not adjust the control valve
again so that the flow rate is maintained at a constant value through the
experiment.
6. Measure and record the flow rate Q, and the depths y0 and y1 above the
roughened bed at each end.
7. The procedure should be repeated at different fixed flow rates, and then
repeated while increasing the flume slope in stages, taking
measurements after each step change.
Observations
Breadth of bed, b……………(m)

S.No yo y1 x Q V S R n
1
2
3
4

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 6.10 Experiment 10

Objective
To observe the pressure distribution along the downstream side of the Ogee
weir for different discharges
To determine the coefficient of discharge in each condition

Equipment required
ESOLS Flow channel
Ogee weir with pressure measurement

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

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 6.11 Experiment 11

Objective
To observe the effect of different elements for energy dissipation.
To observe the hydraulic jump with and without end sills respectively.

Equipment required
ESOLS Flow channel
Elements for energy dissipation assembly

Procedure
1. Install the energy dissipaters into the flow channel.
2. Gradually open the flow control valve and allow time for steady
conditions to be achieved.
3. Observe the flow characteristics at different flow rates
4. Note and observe the hydraulic jump with and without sills.
5. Repeat the procedure with different flowrate

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 7.12 Experiment 12

Objective
To observe the flow patterns obtained for water flowing around splitters with
different profiles.
Equipment required
ESOLS Flow channel
Flow splitters,

Procedure
1. Measure the width of the channel b0 (m) and the thickness of the splitter
t (m).
2. Position the model flow splitter mid-way along the channel with the
rounded end upstream.
3. The datum for all measurements will be the bed of the flume.
4. Gradually open the flow control valve and allow water to flow along the
channel.
5. Add stop logs at the discharge end of the channel to provide a head of
water which does not totally submerge the model.
6. Increase the flow in stages, ensuring that the model is not submerged
and at each stage observe and sketch the flow pattern around the model
then measure and record y0, y2 and Q.
7. Repeat the above procedure with the pointed end of the flow splitter
facing upstream.
Observations
Breadth of channel, bo =…………(m)
Thickness of splitter, t =…………(m)
b2 = b0 – t =…………. (m)

S.No yo y2 Q vo Ka
1
2
3
4
5

Experimental Advanced Flow Channel

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 6.13 Experiment 13

Objective
To determine the characteristics and observe the flow patterns obtained for
water flowing through a Culvert.
Equipment required
ESOLS Flow channel
Culvert block assembly,

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 culvert.
4. Clamp the culvert block securely to the sides of the channel at a position
approximately mid-way along the flume.
5. Measure and record the actual breadth b (m) and the height d (m) of the
culvert created.
6. The datum for all measurements will be the bed of the flume.
7. Record the datum readings with the help of transparent scales pasted on
the flume.
8. Gradually open the flow control valve and admit the water into the
flume. By altering the flow, gradually increase the depth of water
upstream of the culvert until the culvert runs full. Observe and sketch
the changing profile of the water flow as it passes through the culvert.
When running full, measure and record the depth of flow y0 upstream of
the culvert, the flow depth y1 downstream and the corresponding
flowrate Q.
9. Drain the culvert, add one stop log at the discharge end of the channel
then repeat the above observations and record y0, y1 and Q when the
culvert runs full.
10. Repeat the procedure adding stop logs at the discharge end until the
culvert remains full with no flow.
11. Remove the stop logs, drain the culvert then incline the channel bed
slightly (flow downhill). Gradually increase the flowrate until the
channel runs full as before then record y0, y1, Q and S (slope of the bed).
12. Repeat the procedure for increasing slope of the channel bed.

Experimental Advanced Flow Channel

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 Observations
Breadth of Culvert, b =…………(m)
Height of Culvert, h =…………(m)

S.No yo y1 Q S yo/d
1
2
3
4
5

Experimental Advanced Flow Channel

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 6.14 Experiment 14

Objective
To observe different wave shapes by installing wave generator in a flume.
Equipment required
ESOLS Flow channel
Wave generator assembly

Procedure
1. Follow the operating procedure instructed in section 5 of this manual.
2. Block the outlet of the flume with the help of gate provided.
3. Turn on the pump and fill the flume with water.
4. Once the flume is filled with approx. 300mm of water then turn off the
pump.
5. Carefully insert the wave generator at the outlet of the flume.
6. Turn on the wave generator
7. Observe the flow patterns.
8. Experiment is only performed without flow.
9. Check the behavior of waves with piers.

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 7. Accessories Supplied with Flume with Flow Patterns
1. Broad Crested Weir

2. Crump Weir

3. Sill

Experimental Advanced Flow Channel

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 4. Elements of Energy Dissipation

5. Siphon Weir

6. Sluice Gate

Experimental Advanced Flow Channel

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 7. Culvert

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 8. Safety and Maintenance
8.1 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.

8.2 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.

Experimental Advanced Flow Channel

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