Computer Controlled Flow Channels

The Computer Controlled Flow Channels, are hydrodynamic channels to perform multiple hydraulic tests.

ATENG 11798 — Computer Controlled Flow Channels

• 1. ATENG 11798 unit:
     Channel made up of group of modular parts of 2.5 m
     long. Each rectangular piece of different sections with
• transparent walls of 10 mm thick is made in such a
  way that guarantees a uniform section along the entire
  channel. All the sections are made of tempered glass,
  stainless steel and anodized aluminum, guaranteeing
  corrosion resistance.
  The alignment process and level testers guarantee a
  perfect alignment of the perfectly watertight assembled
  unit.
  The assembly has inlet and outlet gates to carry out
  different experiments and safety level switches that
  prevent water from exceeding the maximum level.

ROBUST METAL FRAME

Robust metal frame, made of welded steel, to support the assembly

of sections. It allows for adjusting the tilt from -0.5 % to 2.5 %.

The tilt of the channel is controlled and monitored from the

computer through a displacement sensor.

Fiberglass inlet tank with draining valve and safety water

level switch.

Fiberglass reception tank with draining valve and safety

water level switch.

Recirculating water storage tanks. The tanks are provided

• with cover and drain valve on the lower part, capacity:
  1200 l.
  Computer controlled variable speed driving pump. The
  power of the pump varies in function of the channel
• version from 140 m³/h, 4 kW up to 480 m³/h, 12 kW. Water
  velocity inside the channel can be controlled from 0 m/s
  to the maximum flow rate supplied by the pump.

ATENG 11798 Computer Controlled Flow Channels

INSTRUMENTATION

Displacement sensor to obtain the channel height

position (tilt). The readout is displayed in the computer

at all times.

Two differential pressure sensors for inlet flow

measurement (included in CFGCTVC).

Displacement sensor (included in CFGCRM).

Differential pressure sensor (included in CFGCTP).

• Available versions to choose:
• CFGC300/5. Computer Controlled Flow Channel (section: 300 x 450 mm), length: 5 m.
• CFGC300/7. Computer Controlled Flow Channel (section: 300 x 450 mm), length: 7.5 m.
• CFGC300/10. Computer Controlled Flow Channel (section: 300 x 450 mm), length: 10 m.
• CFGC300/12. Computer Controlled Flow Channel (section: 300 x 450 mm), length: 12.5 m
• CFGC310/5. Computer Controlled Flow Channel (section: 310 x 450 mm), length: 5 m.
• CFGC310/7. Computer Controlled Flow Channel (section: 310 x 450 mm), length: 7.5 m.
• CFGC310/10. Computer Controlled Flow Channel (section: 310 x 450 mm), length: 10 m.
• CFGC310/12. Computer Controlled Flow Channel (section: 310 x 450 mm), length: 12.5 m.
• CFGC400/5. Computer Controlled Flow Channel (section: 400 x 500 mm), length: 5 m.
• CFGC400/7. Computer Controlled Flow Channel (section: 400 x 500 mm), length: 7.5 m.
• CFGC400/10. Computer Controlled Flow Channel (section: 400 x 500 mm), length: 10 m.
• CFGC400/12. Computer Controlled Flow Channel (section: 400 x 500 mm), length: 12.5 m.
• CFGC600/5. Computer Controlled Flow Channel (section: 600 x 800 mm), length: 5 m.
• CFGC600/7. Computer Controlled Flow Channel (section: 600 x 800 mm), length: 7.5 m.
• CFGC600/10. Computer Controlled Flow Channel (section: 600 x 800 mm), length: 10 m.
• CFGC600/12. Computer Controlled Flow Channel (section: 600 x 800 mm), length: 12.5 m.
• CFGC600/17. Computer Controlled Flow Channel (section: 600 x 800 mm), length: 17 m.
• CFGC1000/5. Computer Controlled Flow Channel (section: 1000 x 1100 mm), length: 5 m.
• CFGC1000/7. Computer Controlled Flow Channel (section: 1000 x 1100 mm), length: 7.5 m.
• CFGC1000/10. Computer Controlled Flow Channel (section: 1000 x 1100 mm), length: 10 m.
• CFGC1000/12. Computer Controlled Flow Channel (section: 1000 x 1100 mm), length: 12.5 m.
• CFGC1000/17. Computer Controlled Flow Channel (section: 1000 x 1100 mm), length: 17 m.
• Note: We design any flow channel according to your specifications. Our proposal includes, for longer channels, the integration of
  channel expansion segments (CFGAM) and foot bridge (CFGPAS). Feel free to contact us for more information.

ATENG 11798 Computer Controlled Flow Channels

CFGCDS Adjustable Gate with Top Discharge

One of the ways to regulate the flow rate through a channel is

the use of control gates.

The “CFGCDS” accessory consists of a PVC gate that allows the

gate to be fixed at the desired inclination. It has flexible lateral

reinforcements that ensure watertightness.

CFGVD Sharp Crested Weirs

Sharp crested weirs are hydraulic weirs used, generally, to

measure flow rates. They are called sharp-crested weirs

because the discharge is done through a plate whose profile,

regardless its shape, ends in a sharp edge.

The “CFGVD” accessory includes four PVC weirs (one triangular,

two rectangular and one trapezoidal) lodged in slots designed

for that purpose at the outlet of the channel, reinforced with

flexible rubber, guaranteeing water-tightness.

CFGVG Broad Crested Weir

Broad crested weirs have a lower discharge capacity for the

same water load than sharp-crested weirs. They are most

frequently used as level control structures, although they can

also be calibrated and used as flow measurement structures.

The “CFGVG” accessory includes a broad-crested weir made of

PVC thick enough to keep the verticality of the weir and its non-

deformation and with flexible lateral reinforcements to assure

water-tightness. It can be fixed to any part of the bottom of the

channel. The weir can be located by one side (round edge) or

the other side (straight edge).

CFGVC Crump Weir

Crump weirs belong to control structures. It is a weir with

triangular longitudinal profile, triangular transverse profile and

smooth slopes. It is normally used as sill to reduce the flow rate

and prevent erosion.

The “CFGVC” accessory includes a critical weir made of PVC; it

can be fixed to any part of the bottom of the channel and has

flexible lateral reinforcements to assure water-tightness. It has

defined slopes upstream and downstream.

ATENG 11798 Computer Controlled Flow Channels

CFGPVO3 Outlet 3 of Ogee Profile Weir

Ogee-shaped weirs are fixed weirs and belong to control

structures. They are normally used to divert flows and create

pools in a river.

The “CFGPVO3” accessory is a type of outlet to be incorporated

into the spillway weir.

Ogee Type Weir with Pressure

CFGVOTP

Measurement

Ogee-shaped weirs are fixed weirs and belong to control

structures. They are normally used to divert flows and create

pools in a river.

The back of the weir is normally made to facilitate the flow,

having thus the largest discharge possible.

The “CFGVOTP” accessory includes an Ogee-shaped weir with

eight pressure tappings perpendicular to the surface. This way,

pressure distribution along the back of the weir can be studied.

It has tube manometers to measure pressure.

It can be fixed to any part of the bottom of the channel. It also

has flexible lateral reinforcements to assure water-tightness.

CFGSDL Syphon Spillway

One way to regulate the water level in a channel is by using

syphons.

Syphon weirs are part of fixed weirs. They are installed as

spillways in reservoirs and have a high specific discharge

capacity.

When the level exceeds a specific height water flows through

the syphon, being the upstream level regulated.

The syphon spillway can be fixed to any

part of the bottom of the channel and is made of PMMA to

visualize flow lines. It has flexible lateral reinforcements to

assure water-tightness.

ATENG 11798 Computer Controlled Flow Channels

CFGSDS Air Regulated Syphon

One way to regulate the water level in a channel is by using

syphons.

Syphon weirs are part of fixed weirs. They are installed as

spillways in reservoirs and have a high specific discharge

capacity.

When the level exceeds a specific height water flows through

the syphon, being the upstream level regulated.

The self-regulating syphon can be fixed

to any part of the bottom of the channel and is made of PMMA

to visualize flow lines. It has flexible lateral reinforcements to

assure water-tightness.

CFGMDE Energy Dissipation Accessories

The flow acquires kinetic energy during its descent. One of

the aspects that generally deserves special attention when

designing hydraulic works is to dissipate that energy. This

situation arises in surplus weirs, waterfall structures, culvert

outlets, etc.

Kinetic energy dissipation is achieved by applying different

• measures: generation of hydraulic jump, impact or roughness
  increase. The energy dissipating structure is an important part
  of the surplus work, whose objective is to dissipate the kinetic
  energy acquired by water when falling from the duct to an
  appropriate place at the bottom of the bed, where it does not
  generate erosion or scour problems.
  The “CFGMDE” accessory includes several energy dissipation
  elements, such as two jagged sills with five rectangular teeth,
  a jagged sill with five triangular teeth, two outlet sills with
  different heights and one block. They can be fixed to any part
  of the channel either in a combined or individual way.
  CFGRA Rake
  Rakes are used in the primary stages of treatment plants to
  stop thick dirt that might damage the system.
  The “CFGRA” rake prevents dirt from being introduced in the
  system. It includes different bar profiles so the tilt angle can
  be adjusted.

ATENG 11798 Computer Controlled Flow Channels

CFGP Long Piers

Accessory with two removable transparent long piers to study

the effect of flow between piers with or without sediments.

They are made of PMMA and can be fixed to any part of the

channel.

CFGPLR Artificial Roughened Bed

The flow behavior in a river depends particularly on slopes and

the roughness of the base of the channel.

The “CFGPLR” accessory consists of PVC plates with different

elements (three different sizes) that allow for simulating in the

fluids channel a riverbed of three different slopes. They can be

fixed to any part of the bottom of the channel.

CFGFS False Floor

The flow behavior in a river depends particularly on slopes and

the roughness of the base of the channel.

The “CFGFS” accessory consists of PVC plates with different

material of different roughness that allow for simulating in the

fluids channel a riverbed of three different roughness. They can

be fixed to any part of the bottom of the channel.

CFGVEN Venturi Meter

In the same way that the Venturi meter in tubes is used to

measure the flow in closed flows, the Venturi flume is used to

measure the flow in open channels.

It is made of a transparent material that enables to visualize

the flow inside.

It can be fixed to any part of the bottom of the channel and has

flexible lateral reinforcements to assure water-tightness.

ATENG 11798 Computer Controlled Flow Channels

CFGMP Parshall Meter

One of the most common methods to know the discharge of a

channel is the use of gauge flumes.

The Parshall meter is a device designed to measure flow rates

in channels or rivers.

It has particular elevations so the current concentrates in three sides.

It can be fixed to any part of the bottom of the channel and has

flexible lateral reinforcements to assure water-tightness.

CFGMT Trapezoidal Meter

One of the most common methods to know the discharge of a

channel is the use of gauge flumes.

The trapezoidal meter is a device designed to measure flow

rates in channels or rivers.

It has particular elevations so the current concentrates in three sides.

The section of the channel is trapezoidal and has smooth walls.

It can be adjusted to natural channel sections and fixed to any

part of the bottom of the channel. It also has flexible lateral

reinforcements to assure water-tightness.

CFGCGO Computer Controlled Wave Generator

The “CFGCGO” accessory enables to generate waves with a

displacement plate that develops a rotating motion.

The plate is made of PVC and is driven by an electric motor

with variable frequency drive. It enables the user to vary the

frequency and amplitude of the waves through a computer.

It is located on a frame made of aluminum profiles that enables

to place it in any part of the channel.

The Computer Controlled Wave Generator, “CFGCGO”, can be

adjusted, thereby altering the frequency and height of the

waves generated by the paddle. This adjustment allows for the

regulation of wave height as needed.

CFGCGOA Random Wave Generator

The “CFGCGOA” accessory enables to generate waves with a

displacement plate.

The plate is made of PVC and is driven by a software that

allows the generation of regular waves (height and period are

defined), irregular waves and user-defined wave generation

techniques.

It is located on a frame made of aluminum profiles that enables

to place it in any part of the channel.

The Random Wave Generator, “CFGCGOA”, can adjust the

motor rotation frequency, thereby altering the frequency and

height of the waves generated by the paddle. This adjustment

allows for the regulation of wave height as needed.

ATENG 11798 Computer Controlled Flow Channels

CFGMPL Models of Beaches

The “CFGMPL” accessory represents different models of

beaches that enable to study the breakers in different beaches.

A wave generator is required to use this accessory.

It includes models of beaches, such as a smooth beach, a

rough beach and a permeable beach.

It enables to regulate the slope of the beaches to study the

breakers with different conditions. They are made of PVC and

have flexible lateral reinforcements to assure water-tightness.

CFGPVI Set of Vibrating Piles

Drilling platforms, such as oil platforms, normally stand on

piles in the water.

Circulating water exerts forces on the part of the piles

immersed in the water and causes vibrations.

Karman vortexes can be generated in the flow around a pile.

The separation of those vortexes makes the flow direction to

be modified.

The “CFGPVI” accessory allows to observe vibrating piles formed

by rods of different diameter with weights added.

CFGSRS Sediment Recirculation System

The sediment recirculation system consists of a pipe system

with pump to impel water with sediments from the sediment

trap to the sediment feeder.

The pump is located in the discharge tank of the channel

inside a mesh basket that allows the flow of fluids but retains

the sediments.

Recirculation is done through pipes with a flow regulation

valve to vary the flow of sediments.

The sediment feeder “CFGAS” and the sediment trap “CFGTS”

are required to use this accessory.

ATENG 11798 Computer Controlled Flow Channels

CFGAS Sediment Feeder

The “CFGAS” accessory transports and measures out sediments

of different grain size.

It consists of a vibrating hopper of 50 l and an arm that enables

to distribute the sediments in the channel uniformly at a

transport rate of 0.5 m³/h. It is mounted on a rail to facilitate its

motion along the whole channel.

This accessory requires the sediment trap “CFGTS” and the

sediment recirculation system “CFGSRS”.

CFGTS Sediment Trap

Flows in rivers, channels and coastal zones are normally

accompanied by sediment transport. In this case, the transport

of sediments dragged by the current plays an important role,

since solid matter moves in the base of the waters.

The “CFGTS” accessory consists of a fine mesh located under

the water outlet device, thus clean water flows to the tank. This

way the sediments do not go to the pump or to the flowmeter,

preventing them from blocking.

This accessory requires the sediment feeder “CFGAS” and the

sediment recirculation system “CFGSRS”.

CFGRMD Digital Water Level Indicator

In many cases it is decisive in hydraulics to know the discharge

depth. The ruler to measure the height is used to measure the

water level in the fluids channel.

The “CFGRMD” accessory is an instrument formed by a probe

tip in contact with water and the level is directly read in a

display.

Its length is enough to enable the measurement of any water

level in the channel and its main elements are made of

stainless steel.

The accessory is mounted on a movable support, which can be

displayed along the whole fluids channel.

ATENG 11798 Computer Controlled Flow Channels

CFGPM Gauge Panel (20 tubes)

Pressure gauge panel for pressure measurement.

CFGTAA Additional Water Tank

Additional water tank of 1200 l capacity.

CFGPAS Metallic Footbridge

This accessory is an elevated platform to facilitate the access to

the channel in order to work with it.

Kit for Pressure Measurement

CFG10SP-KIT

along the Channel

The kit for pressure measurement along the channel consists

of ten measurement intakes with height indicating tube

distributed along the channel.

It enables to represent the pressure height in function of flow.

ATENG 11798 Computer Controlled Flow Channels

Additionally to the main items (1 to 6) described, we can offer, as optional, other items form 7 to 13.

• All these items try to give more possibilities for:
  ESN. Scada-Net.
  ICAI. Interactive Computer Aided Instruction Software.
  ECR. Industrial Modular System with NI CompactRIO.
  ELK. Software Development KIT, Powered by NI LabVIEW™.
  PLC. PLC Industrial Process Control.
  PLCHMI. IIoT local/remote Control and Monitoring with HMI.
  ECL. Cloud Learning.