ABEn 172

Renewable Energy for AB Applications

Name: Angela T. Solayao Date: July 11, 2022

Program & Year: BSABE – 4

Laboratory Exercise No. 2

“STREAM DISCHARGE USING FLOAT METHOD”

Introduction

The volumetric flow rate of water (including any silt or additional chemicals that may
be dissolved or mixed in it) is known as stream flow or volumetric flow rate/discharge
(Somers, 1969). Numerous thousands of stream flow measurements are made each
year. They are applicable to a range of water body outputs, including floods and still
waters. It is strongly advised to determine the average velocity at several locations
inside the cross section of a stream because the flow velocity varies at various points.

The Float method is a somewhat easy way to gauge the flow rate across an open
channel. The float method can offer an educated estimate, however it is less precise
than a measuring tool like a flume or a flow probe. In a nutshell, this method entails
detecting the water's surface velocity with a floating object and multiplying that
velocity by the channel's width and average depth. The Float technique can be used
to estimate the runoff roughly. Using a floating device, the river's surface velocity is
monitored.

Learning Outcomes

1. Determine the backsight, foresight, height of the instrument and elevation of an

open channel.
2. Determine the distance, time and the velocity using float method in the open
channel.

Materials & Methods

A stadia rod, a theodolite, a measuring tape, a chaining pin, a timer/stopwatch, a

plastic ball, and a tripod stand were used to carry out the experiment. By calculating
the distance between the observation point and the rod's position, the stadia rod was
used. Theodolite measurements of the horizontal and vertical angles were made.
The measuring tape was also used to calculate the area's lengths and widths. A
chaining pin is a pointed stick or post that serves as a boundary marker and is
pushed into the ground. The stopwatch was used to keep track of how long the float
was moving. A ping pong ball was the last buoyant object used. It served as the
object that was used to float upstream from the section's start.

The Calbiga-a river in Baybay City served as the site of the experiment. Three
smaller groups were formed within the class. Each station was separated by 40
meters, and each group was entrusted with measuring a 120-meter distance for
leveling. The students measured their foresight and backsight using their automated
level. Using the theodolite and stadia rod, the desired length was measured and
noted on the data sheet. Up to the final station, which was 120 meters long, the steps
were repeated. The team assessed four monitoring stations located within 120
meters of the region to determine the discharge. The students then took
measurements every 40 meters along an open canal's width. Finally, the ball's time
in the water was measured using a stopwatch based on the time it was dropped into
the water against the current. After passing through the next station, time
automatically stopped, and the cycle continued until the next station was reached.

The formulas presented below were used in the computations.

 Height of the instrument, HI

��1 = ��1 + ���������1
 Elevation
���������2 = ��1 − ��2
 Change in elevation
Change in elevation = BS − FS = ���������� − ����������

Discussion

The 120-meter space was divided into three stations, each measuring 40 meters, for
this exercise (shown in Figure A). The information for the instrument height, elevation,
backsight, and foresight is shown in table 1. The elevation difference between
stations A and D is 0.82 meters, as shown in the table. The data needed to
determine the water flow velocity in the open channel can be found in Table 2 in the
Data Sheet section. The velocity along the 120-meter stream is not uniform, per the
figures collected. The stream water's velocity varies from 0.329 m/s in trial 1 to 0.421
m/s in trial 2 to 0.334 m/s in trial 3. As a result, 0.361 meters per second is the
determined average stream water velocity.

Data Sheet

Assumptions: Elevation at Station A= 100m Table 1.

Data for determining the change in elevation

Height of the
Station Backsight (BS) Foresight (FS) Elevation
Instrument (HI)
A 1.14 m 101.14 -- 100
B 1.035 m 101.615 1.56 m 99.58
C 1.038 m 100.392 1.261 m 99.354
D - - 1.22 m 99.172
Change in =4.041-3.213
3.213 - 4.041
Elevation =0.828 m

Table 2. Estimation of velocity of the steam water in the open channel

Average Time
Trial Distance (m) Time (s) Velocity (m/s)
(s)
113.92
1 40 142.92 121.61 0.329
108
2 40 93.35 94.90 0.421
 101.51
89.85
124.19
3 40 105.30 119.83 0.334
130.01
Average Velocity 0.361 m/s

Figure A. Float method set-up

Lifelong Learnings

This lab exercise shows how to compute stream discharge using the float method.
During flood circumstances, measuring stream discharge will be useful when such
measures are difficult and information on stream discharge is especially vital. The
practice of hydrology (particularly in developing nations) indicates a fundamental lack
of understanding of discharge during flood occurrences. Experience has taught us
that even the most sophisticated procedures and instruments can frequently fail
insufficient. As a result, understanding basic measuring methods that employ
standard equipment, allow for shorter metering times, and need little interaction with
the river is critical. Employee exposure to water appears to be one of the benefits
governing the rising float approach's continuous use.

References

Somers, T. J. (1969). Discharge measurements at gaging stations. USA: U.S.

Government Printing Office.

Estimating Open Channel Flow Rate (Float Method) Retrieved from:

https://www.inmtn.com/tools/float-method/