SOLTEQ Flow Over Weirs (MODEL: FM26)

1.0

INTRODUCTION
The Flow over Weirs (FM26) apparatus comes with two weirs plates of different shape
(rectangular notch & V-notch). This unit is to be used together with the Hydraulic Bench
(FM110). The unit consists of the following accessories:
a) A quick release connector at the base of the channel is unscrewed and a delivery nozzle
screwed in its place
b) A stifling baffle locates in the slots at the walls of the channel. The inlet nozzle and
stifling baffle in combination promote smooth flow conditions in the channel.
c) A Vernier hook and a point gauge are mounted on an instrument carrier which is located
on the side channels of the moulded top. The carrier may be moved along the channels to
the required measurement position.
d) The rectangular notch weir or (V) notch weir to be tested is clamped to the weir carrier
in the channel by thumb nuts. The weir plates incorporate captive studs to aid assembly.

SOLTEQ Flow Over Weirs (MODEL: FM26)

2.0

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
2.1

Description

The Flow over Weirs Apparatus is customly designed and developed to provide student
with comprehensive understanding of water flowing over weirs. The Flow over Weirs
Apparatus will enable student to understand the relationship between coefficient of
discharge, width of notch, height and flow rates.
A weir may be defined as an overflow structure built across an open channel. The structure
acting as an obstruction is designed and calibrated to measure the rate of open channels
flow.
The Flow over Weirs apparatus is experimented with the aids of a hydraulic bench.

3
4

8
1. Stilling Baffle
2. Vernier
3. Hook
4. Weir plate (V or rectangular)
2.2

5. Hydraulic Bench (FM 110)

6. Flow control valve
7. Water channel
8. Sump tank

Experimental Capabilities
Flow characteristics demonstration over a rectangular notch and a (V) notch.
Determination of the discharge coefficients.

2.3

Specifications
The Flow over Weirs Apparatus comes complete with the followings:
Weirs Plates:
Height

: 160mm
2

SOLTEQ Flow Over Weirs (MODEL: FM26)

Width
Thickness

: 230mm
: 4mm

Rectangular Notch:
Height
: 82mm
Width
: 33mm
V-Notch:
Angle
: 90
Hook and point gauge : 0 to 150mm, 0.1mm
2.4

Requirements
Hydraulics Bench (FM 110)

2.5

Manual
The unit is supplied with Operating and Experiment Manuals in English giving full
descriptions of the unit, summary of theory, experimental procedures and typical
experimental results.

SOLTEQ Flow Over Weirs (MODEL: FM26)

3.0

SUMMARY OF THEORY
3.1

Flow over Weirs

Weirs are hydraulic structures consisting of an obstruction placed across a water
channel with a specially shaped opening or notch. The weir structure will increase
the water level, which will be measured. Water level-discharge relationships are
available for standard-shaped openings or notches.
Two types of weirs are widely used: Rectangular shape opening and (V) notch.
Stilling baffle is used to ensure minimum turbulence. The stilling baffle will act as a
reservoir to collect water volume and slowly disperse the water from the opening at
the bottom of the stilling baffle.

3.2

Types of Weirs
Rectangular Weir:
The rectangular weir is able to measure higher flows than the v-notch weir and
over a wider operating range.
B, 33mm
89mm

Where

2
B 2g H 2
3

= Cd

Cd
B
H
Q

= Coefficient of discharge
= Width of notch
= Head above bottom of notch
=Flow rate

eq. (1)

V-Notch:
The V-notch weir is a notch with a V shape opening. V-notch weir is typically used
to measure low flows within a narrow operating range. Typical Cd values for Vnotch are in the range of 0.58 to 0.62.
90
50mm

SOLTEQ Flow Over Weirs (MODEL: FM26)

2 g tan H 2
15
2
= Coefficient of discharge
5

Where

= Cd

Cd

2
H

= Half the enclosed angle of the vee.

= Head above bottom of notch

eq. (2)

SOLTEQ Flow Over Weirs (MODEL: FM26)

4.0

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES
4.1

Objectives
1. Flow characteristics demonstration over a rectangular notch and a (V) notch.
2. Determination of the discharge coefficients.

4.2

General Start-up Procedures

1. Make sure the hydraulic bench pump is securely connected.
2. Ensure the collection tank drain valve is left OPEN to allow flow discharge
back into sump tank.
3. Set up the flow over weirs apparatus on the hydraulic bench.
4. Ensure thumb nuts are securing the rectangular notch weir plate is fully
secured.
Note: Weirs notch have sharp edges. Take safety precautions while installing and
changing weirs notch.

4.3

General Shut Down Procedures

1. Shut hydraulic bench flow control valve and close water supply
2. Empty the residue water from channel and sump tank by ensuring the drain
tank valve is left open.

4.4

Experiment 1: Flow Characteristics over Weirs

1. Level the weir apparatus on the hydraulic bench and install the rectangular
notch weir.
2. Slowly open the hydraulic bench flow control valve to admit water to the
channel until the water discharges over the weir plate. Ensure that the water
level is even with the crest of the weir.
3. Close flow control valve and allow water level to stabilize.
4. Set the Vernier Gauge to a datum reading using the top of the hook. Position
the gauge about half way between the notch plate and stilling baffle.
5. Admit water to the channel. Adjust the water flow by using the hydraulic bench
flow control valve to obtain heads (H).
6. Wait for water flow condition to stabilize, take heads readings in every
increasing of about 1 cm.
7. Repeat step 4 and 5 for different flow rate.
8. Take readings of volume and time using the volumetric tank to determine flow
rate.
9. After finish with rectangular notch, replace the notch with v-notch.
10. Record the results in the tables.

SOLTEQ Flow Over Weirs (MODEL: FM26)

Discussions:
Rectangular Notch
1. Tabulate recorded flow rates and heights.
2. Calculate Q2/3, Log H, Log Q and H/B.
3. Determine coefficient of discharge, Cd.
4. Plot graph Q2/3 against H, Log Q against Log H and Cd against H
5. Is Cd value constant for this notch?
6. Estimate an average value of Cd for the range of the test.
7. Is Q & H relationship described by an empirical formula Q = kHn? If yes, find
the values of K and n.
V-Notch
1. Tabulate recorded flow rates and height.
2. Calculate values of Cd using equation (2). Comment on your results.
3. Plot graph Q2/5 against H and use information from the graph to calculated Cd
values. Comment on your results.
4. Compare Cd values between rectangular notch and V-notch.
Note:
It is advisable to prevent damage to the knife edge of weir plate. A small head will
be present due to meniscus at the water which will result in a slight error. However,
use of this technique eliminate damage to the notches