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. Activity’s 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
2

"#$%"& = 32

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
Trial Weir Theoretical Change in Time, t Actual Coefficient of
Head Discharge, 𝑸𝑻 Volume, ∆𝑽 (sec) Discharge, 𝑸𝑨 Discharge
(mm) (cms) (𝒎𝟑 ) (cms) 𝑸𝑨
⁄𝑸
𝑻

1 70 3.2814E-3 0.01 13.45 7.4349E-4 0.2266

Table 10-2: Application of Calibrated Rectangular Weir Formula

Weir Actual Change in Volumetric Percent

Trial Head Discharge Volume, ∆𝑽 Time, t Discharge, 𝑸𝑨 Difference, %
(mm) Discharge, 𝑸𝑨 (𝒎𝟑 ) (sec) (cms)
(cms)

1 70 7.4349E-4 0.01 13.45 7.4349E-4 0%

10.7.2. Computation
𝑄𝐴 7.4349𝐸−4 𝑐𝑚𝑠
𝐶𝑑 = ; 𝑄𝐴 = 𝐶𝑑𝑄 𝑇 𝐶𝑑 = = 0.2266
𝑄𝑇 3.2814𝐸−3 𝑐𝑚𝑠

2 ∆𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒
𝑄𝐴 = 𝐶𝑏𝑧√2𝑔𝑧 1 𝑚3
3 10𝐿 × 1000 𝐿
= 𝟎. 𝟎𝟏 𝒎𝟑
𝑣
𝑄𝐴 = Volumetric Discharge
𝑡 ∑(𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒)
10𝐿 =
𝑄𝐴 = 𝑛
13.45
7.4349𝐸−4
𝐿 1 𝑚3
= 1
𝑄𝐴 = 0.7435 𝑥
𝑠 1000 𝐿
𝑸𝑨 = 𝟕. 𝟒𝟑𝟒𝟗𝑬 − 𝟒 𝒄𝒎𝒔
𝑸𝑨 = 𝟕. 𝟒𝟑𝟒𝟗𝑬 − 𝟒 𝒄𝒎𝒔
Percent Difference
2
𝑄𝑇 = 𝑏𝑧√2𝑔𝑧
3 |(7.4349𝐸 − 4) − (7.4349𝐸 − 4)|
= 𝑥 100
2 6 7 7 (7.4349𝐸 − 4) − (7.4349𝐸 − 4)
𝑄𝑇 = ( )( )√2(9.81)( ) 2
3 100 100 100 = 0%
𝑸𝑻 = 𝟑. 𝟐𝟖𝟏𝟒𝑬 − 𝟑 𝒄𝒎𝒔
10.7.3. Conclusion/s

As you can see at the table, when you apply the values on the different formula it will have a different
result obviously. But the percentage difference is 0% which means it’s accurate.