CANAL DISCHARGE MEASUREMENTS WITH RADIOISOTOPES,
Abstract
Half-capacity tests in Feb 1962 and full-capacity tests in June 1963 using Gold- 198 were made in a straight section of a concrete-lined irrigation canal with a design discharge of 620 cfs. The pulse or total-count radioisotope method was used for 65 discharge measurements. Consistency of the radioisotope method was evaluated by using up to 4 portable Geiger counting systems. Conclusions were: / (1) With adequate mixing of radioisotope and canal water; accuracy of 97% or greater is possible when compared with current meter discharge measurements. (2) In a canal with hydraulic characteristics similar to the one tested, a 2,500- to 3,000-ft mixing length is needed for 98 to 99% mixing. (3) Minimum mixing length may be computed for similar straight canals using a diffusion coefficient and time factor developed from these tests. (4) Simultaneous multiple injections of tracer will provide higher probability of uniform mixing in shorter lengths than will single injections and also result in higher diffusion coefficients. (5) With sufficient data from canals of various sizes mixing length equations can probably be derived for canals having a minimum of turbulence.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 22, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0609130
Entities
People
- J. C. Schuster
Organizations
- United States Bureau of Reclamation