Need of Flow Measurement

Flow Measurement

The branch of engineering science deals with discharge measurement. Basic definition of flow measurement is " The measurement or assessment of volume of water passing per unit time from any point".

Needs of flow measurement 

Distribution of water from head works to main canals

Then main canals have specific design and discharge carrying capacity. To meet the designed water levels of water levels of canals off taking from head works,fixed discharge is diverted to these canals to irrigate their command areas. Discharge indicating gauges are fixed at several places in each canal and are monitored continuously to maintain designed discharge.

Maintaining designed depth of water in canals

To meet the designed discharges of outlets according to their command areas it is essential to operate/run canals at designed fully supply level. For maintaining full supply levels of distributaries and minors, measured discharge is provided/allowed from their parent canals, through regulatory gates.

 Equity in water distribution among end users (Farmers)

Equal distribution of water among farmers is of great concern, Evaluation of equity in water distribution among farmers can be made possible through regular flow measurement in watercourses or at farm levels.

Measured irrigation to crops

Saving of precious water is dire need of current drought situations. At farm level different techniques are adopted for saving of water.Thus it is very important to irrigate crops according to their water requirements and to avoid over or under irrigation by applying measured quantities of water.
Planning and Designing of Irrigation and Drainage structures
Different types of hydraulic structures are constructed on irrigation channels and on surplus water carrying drains. All such structures are designed for passing of a limited quantity of discharge.

Pre and Post improvement of irrigation system

For evaluating the performance of water management or irrigation projects, flow measurement in canals or watercourses before improvement is taken as base line. After completing such projects flow of these water channel is again measured for evaluation.

Water Management

The importance of flow measurement at different stages of irrigation system it can be said that without flow measurement , proper water management is not possible.