Flow measurement using circular portable flume

The circular portable flume is a simple device to measure discharge in circular drainage networks. Since the unit can be easily installed and removed, it is helpful in water distribution measurement and management. First in this paper the available studies are reviewed for highlighting the effect of both the contraction ratio and the flume slope on the stage-discharge relationship. Then the Buckingham's Theorem of the dimensional analysis and the self-similarity theory are used to deduce the stage-discharge curve of the circular flume. The new theoretical stage-discharge equation is calibrated by the literature available experimental data and those obtained in this experimental investigation for a wide range of the contraction ratios. The developed analysis suggested that the contraction ratio, which was neglected so far from the functional relationship, would significantly affect the stage-discharge curve. Finally, the effect of the flume longitudinal slope on the stage-discharge equation is tested by the experimental data obtained in this study and some other available literature experimental data.