Significance of Hydraulic and Field Parameters in the Design of Pipe type head Regulator for Irrigation Canal Networks

Head regulator for irrigation canal networks is built at the head of each off-taking canal to admit and regulate the discharge into the off-taking canal from parent canal. IS 6531: “Criteria for Design of Canal Head Regulator”

specifies guidelines for design of head regulator for canal off-taking from river only and guidelines are valid for open channel type head regulator with raised crested entrance with gate over it. The provisions in IS 6531 are not valid for close conduit type or pipe type head regulator for canal off-taking from parent canal.

Hydraulic theories of pipes and culverts available in codes and books can suitably be used for pipe type head regulator, considering governing hydraulic and field parameters. But no consolidated literature regarding the use of these theories for pipe type head regulator with the governing parameters is available in codes and books. Hence the designer has to deal with the help of empirical formula and his knowhow. The pipe type head regulator designed with limited theories may lead to failure of hydraulics, and may make the structure uneconomical. Integrated approach considering hydraulic and filed parameters depicted in the technical paper helps to choose precise diameter of pipe for hydraulically functional and economical head regulator for irrigation canal networks.