Adjustable Bed Flow Channel Unit Model FM 32

Study of open channel flows is a subject of interest in basic fluid mechanics and Hydraulics. A flow channel with a provision to control depth of flow over in the channel can provide a very useful tool to study several aspects of open channel flows. Adjustable Bed Flow Channel Unit is an essential equipment for fluid mechanics, hydraulics, civil, mechanical and related laboratories in science and engineering institutions.  

The Sci-techAdjustable Bed Flow Channel Unit Model FM 32is suitable for demonstrations and teaching of open channel flows. By closing the top of the channel, the unit can also be used to demonstrate duct flows. The complete unit is mounted on a mobile platform fixed on castor wheels. The apparatus is self sufficient with water recirculation system consisting of flow inlet tank, centrifugal pump, flow control valves, discharge tank, water flow meter and sump tank. The inlet tank consists of baffle plate and screens to reduce disturbances in the flow. The discharge tank consists of adjustable over flow weir which can be adjusted to control flow conditions in the working section. The working section is transparent and is made of clear acrylic. Other components of the unit are made of corrosion resistant materials. Experiments can be conducted in both open channel flow and duct flow modes. The channel consists of adjustable floor section which along with the transition section can be raised or lowered using suitable inserts. The combination of adjustable floor and upper boundary plate enable formation of various types of ducts to conduct experiments. Flow control valve is provided upstream of the inlet tank control flow rate. The mid-section of the upper boundary wall is made removable for fast changing and installation of models in the working section. Total pressure probes and static pressure tapings are provided at five locations along the working section. Total pressure probes can be moved vertically and fixed at different positions over the depth of the channel. Different models, such as hump, weirs etc., required to carryout studies mentioned in the list of experiments are supplied. Provision is made to fix models in the working section using suitable fixtures.  

Specifications:

1. Open channel flow and duct flow modes of operation.
2. Self-contained unit consisting of diaphragm flow control valve, inlet tank with baffle plate and screens, centrifugal pump, flow meter, discharge tank with adjustable over flow weir and sump tank.
3. Working section, clear acrylic, length: 4.7m, width: 50mm, height: 150mm.
4. Transition section and adjustable floor section.
5. Floor inserts for converging and converging-diverging duct flows.
6. Upper boundary plate.
7. Weirs (3 Nos).
8. Models: hump, sluice gate.
9. Model fixtures.
10. Total pressure probes (3 Nos) with fixtures to vary position. 
11. Static pressure taps (3 Nos).
12. Max. free surface depth: 150mm.
13. Max. bed height above channel: 120mm.
14. Max. pump flow: 2.liters/sec.

Options:

1. Flow visualization system consisting of dye injection tank of 0.5 liters reservoir capacity, 5 Nos. dye injection needles with needle valves at exit can be supplied on request. 
2. Any other models required by the user can be supplied on request.

3. ‘Sci-Cal’ Computer Control Software & Interface

Experiments:

1. Demonstration of open channel flows.
2. Demonstration of duct flows.
3. Demonstration of Bernoulli’s equation in converging flows.
4. Energy losses in converging and diverging flows.
5. Study of flow over weirs.
6. Specific energy relationships for sub-critical and super-critical flows.
7. Critical depth – upstream water level studies.
8. Flow over broad crested weirs.
9. Flow under sluice gate.
10. Study of hydraulic jump.
11. Surface wave studies.
12. Flow visualization and study of stream line patterns. (OPTIONAL)
13. Demonstration of laminar and turbulent flow by flow visualization. (OPTIONAL)