An experimental investigation of the aeration performance of parshall flume and venturi flumes

Parshall flumes are commonly used in irrigation systems, storm water systems, and sewer systems in order to measure the flow rate. The dissolved oxygen content in surface waters is a main indicator of the quality of that water for human use as well as use by the aquatic plant and animal life. A higher dissolved oxygen content supplies better water quality. Hydraulic structures can increase dissolved oxygen ratios by causing turbulent fluctuations during which air bubbles entrain the bulk of the flow. This present study focuses on determining the aeration efficiency of a small 3 inch Parshall flume and Modified Venturi flumes from this Parshall flume, in particular the effect of varying throat width, throat length and sill height. The experiments were conducted for 26 different Modified Venturi flumes and 1 Parshall flume. In the study, the water surface profiles and aeration efficiencies of the flumes are determined. The results indicate that Parshall and Venturi flumes are effective for oxygen transfer for channels having zero or highly low slopes. In addition, more studies are needed to find the best efficient system for horizontal channels.