Modern Methods in Canal Operations and Control

COURSE TOPICS

The curriculum includes a combination of classroom discussions, equipment demonstrations, and laboratory workshops. Course topics include:

Canal Hydraulics

Terminology
Open channel flow principles
Structure hydraulics

Canal Operation

Delivery concepts
Operation and control concepts
Methods of canal pool operation
Natural tendencies
Check gate operating techniques
Constraints

Flow Measurement

Weirs
Submerged orifices
Flow measurement flumes
Pipe flow measurement
Acoustic velocity measurement
Rated sections, gauging
Undershot gate flow
Overshot gate flow
Free and submerged flow
Aerated and non-aerated flow
Program RADGAT (Radial gate flow algorithm)

Instrumentation Systems

Water level measurement
Gate and valve position measurement
Alarm sensors
Equipment status
Selection factors

Automatic Control

Feedback controllers
Basic characteristics of automatic control
Canal system control methods
Supervisory control
Automatic control components
Local control algorithms
Local automatic gate control

Communication systems

Communication system design
Cable communication systems (wire and optical fiber)
Radio systems (UHF, VHF, spread spectrum, digital)
Configurations
Types of communications channels

Canal automation equipment

Local control systems
Telemetry systems (monitoring)
SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) systems
Alarm systems
Lightning protection
Failure considerations

Software

Local control software
SCADA system software
Design and analysis programs
Numerical simulation

Case Studies

Small-scale modernization projects
Large automated canal systems

More information about the workshops is available on our website at http://www.usbr.gov/pmts/hydraulics_lab/workshops/index.html, including course brochures and registration forms. Our workshops are open to all interested students from the federal government, state and local governments, water and irrigation districts, and the private sector.

Non-DOI students can register by completing the registration form and sending it to us by FAX or e-mail.

Registrations are accepted first-come, first-serve, with confirmation sent when we receive your check or other payment information. Class size is limited, so please get your registration in soon.

Speaker and Presenter Information

The Bureau of Reclamation hydraulics laboratory in Denver will be offering its annual hands-on workshops on flow measurement and canal operations again this winter.