OPEN CHANNEL FLOW MEASUREMENT (RECTANGULAR WEIR)

10.1. Student Outcomes (SOs) Addressed by the Activity

SO b, ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and
interpret data. SO d, ability to function on multidisciplinary teams.

10.2. Activitys Intended Learning Outcomes (AILOs)

At the end of this activity the student shall be able to:
a) Apply weir as hydraulic structure intended for flow measurement in an open channel.
b) Calculate the coefficient of discharge (flow rate factor) for rectangular weir.
c) Measure discharge using rectangular weir equation.

10.3. Objective/s of the Activity

The aim of this activity is to discuss and demonstrate the general equation of rectangular weir as
hydraulic structure intended to measure flowrate in an open channel.

10.4. Principle of the Activity

The accessory contains a channel section. The water enters at the bottom left and then flows to
the right over a weir into the volumetric tank. A weir with V-profile and a weir with rectangular
profile are available for experimentation purposes. The weir head is determined with the aid of
the height sensor. The volumetric flow rate can then be calculated from the above. The volumetric
flow rate is determined using the volumetric tank and the volume scale. The volumetric flow is set
on the ball cock, which regulates the pump of the HM 150.

Height Sensor

Weir
Channel

Volumetri
c Tank

Figure 10-1: HM 150 Flow weir demonstration

 h0
h

h1
z

The volumetric flow rate can be derived from the weir width b and the weir head z. The width b is constant.
b=6.0 cm. The weir head z, is measured indirectly. The height h of the water level is measured given the
constants: h0 = 4.7 cm, h1= 5.0 cm. The weir head z is calculated a follows, z = h0 + h1- h

"#$%"& = 3 2

The actual volumetric flow rate Q can be determined with the aid of the volumetric tank of the HM
150 using stopwatch. It is advisable to measure the filling time t for 10 liters. A good volume display
is obtained in the scale range between 20 and 30 liters.

10.5. Materials/Equipment
HM 150.03 Flow Weir Accessories
1 unit HM 150.0 Basic Hydraulic Bench
HM 150.0 Basic Hydraulic Bench Accessories
1 Set Timer
1 Set Thermometer
Power and Water Supply Supplies

10.6. Procedures
Performing of the Activity
1. Check the following: Water supply from the main source
2. Check whether the equipment is free from any kind of obstruction that can affect your operation.
3. After conducting preliminary check-up, start performing if everything is in order.
4. Fill the HM 150 with water and establish the power supply.
5. Attach the rectangular-profile for the first and second trial. Record the required data for
calculation and observation.
6. After performing and getting all the data, turn off machine and disconnect the plug from
the electricity source.
7. Clean the equipment.
10.7. Activity Report
Course Code:
Course Title: Activity No.:
Group No.: Section:
Group Members: Date Performed:
Date Submitted:
Instructor:

10.7.1. Data and Results

Table 10-1: Weir Data for Coefficient of Discharge Determination

Weir Theoretical Change in Actual Coefficient of
Trial Head Discharge, QT Volume, V
Time, t Discharge, QA Discharge,
(mm) (cms) (m3) (sec) (cms) QA/QT
-4
1 65 5.55x10 0.01 66.89 1.495x10-4 0.2682
-4 2.244x10-4
2 59 8.33x10 0.01 44.56 0.27
-4
3 51 1.11x10 0.01 44.28 2.99x10-4 0.269
4 55 9.72x10-4 0.01 38.23 2.616x10-4 0.268
-3 8.755x10-4
5 62 3.226x10 0.01 32.6 0.2714
-3
Ave. 58.4 1.1394x10 0.01 27.6 3. 620x10-4 0.2694

Table 10-2: Application of Calibrated Rectangular Weir Formula

Weir Actual Change in Volumetric
Time, t Percent
Trial Head Discharge, QA Volume, V Discharge, QA
(mm) (cms) (m3) (sec) (cms) Difference, %

1 58.4 3.620x10-4 0.01 27.6 3.623x10-4 8

10.7.2. Computation
10.7.3. Conclusion/s