INTRODUCTION The objective of the Hydraulics laboratory is to carryout Physical model studies for the proposed and existing Hydraulic Structures like Dams, Barrages, Weirs, Head Regulators, Canals, Aqueducts, Under Tunnels, Penstocks, Bridges, etc. pertaining to the Irrigation and Command Area Development Department and also Hydro Electric Projects pertaining to the Electricity Department like GENCO and TRIPCO etc. Most of the structures are theoretically designed subject to confirmation by model studies. The Model Studies are carried-out for Hydraulic parameters such as, confirmation of energy dissipation arrangement, adequacy of vent way, verification of Co-efficient Discharge value, calibration of Spillways and Regulators, Aqueducts, evaluation of suitable alignment and length of guide bunds, Training Walls to improve the flow features in the river courses, gate operation schedules, measurement of pressures on spillway profiles, deposits & scours in the rivers on the D/S of the Dam/Barrages and Hydraulic problems like rotational flows, vortices, vibrations in the pump-sumps of power stations etc.
Through Model Studies any basic changes in the design of structures that are required in the pre-construction or post-construction level can be attempted and examined practically in the model for efficient performance and maximum functioning by spending a meager cost on the Studies and the results will be very useful in the long–term life of the highly invested structures and installations which are supposed to out-live their service. In other words physical model study is a tool for creating successful nature and behaviour of the structures, devoid of any failures or losses of the structures and equipments and at the same time maximizing service potential and saving costs of the structures.
Further this laboratory has been doing since 50 years the work of Calibrations/ Re-rating of Current Meters (Flow Meters) which are used for measuring velocities in the Canals/Rivers/Streams etc. required to pave the way for the assessment of the quantum of flow in a particular direction.
TESTING FACILITIES AVAILABLE IN THE LABORATORY: The Hydraulics laboratory is an out-door Field Laboratory spread-over an area of about 10 acres reserved for constructing physical models of various types like 2-Dimensional (Sectional Models), 3-Dimensional (Composite/Comprehensive Models), Distorted Models (Having different scales in X-Y-Z directions) and sizes (Length, Breadth & Depth) designed according to water and infrastructure facilities available and hydraulic parameters desired.
This Laboratory has well developed and permanent infra-structure facilities like a huge leak-proof Water Channel serving twin purposes of: One) Storage and two) Re-Circulation which is again fully equipped with Pumps, Flumes, Tail Channels, Shutters, Notches etc. Water drawl facility from the historic Himayatsagar Lake from time to time is also available. In the recent times, due to dwindling of inflows into the above Lake this laboratory was denied & deprived of sufficient quantities of water required for model studies. Hence, as an alternative this laboratory conceived and developed a number of local sumps near by 2 to 3 individual models fitted with mobile pumping systems and water procured from other sources thereby cutting the dependability on the local source. In this new adopted system there is also an added advantage of minimizing the usage of water, power and time during the circulation of water.
Other equipments & instruments for measuring velocities, discharges, depth, force, pressures/vibrations are also available in the laboratory.
An advanced Computer System is installed in the Laboratory for Computations and Analysis of the Experimental Data, creation of Drawings, Graphics, Pictures and Final Results required for the preparation of Model Reports. This equipment and software developed is also useful for basic research, mathematical analysis, data programming and development as required by the Laboratory.
Another oldest facility available in the laboratory is that of 300-Feet long still-water tank and trolley mounted Current-Meter Rating Stationfor calibration of Current Meters which was established way back in the year 1958 still in running & operational condition serving the needs of all water resources departments/organizations of the state. This is a facility available only in TSERL in the entire state, which conforms to Indian I.S. Codes.
PAST ACHIEVEMENTS:
--- ECONOMICAL DESIGN OF ENERGY DISSIPATION FOR NAGARJUNA SAGAR DAM For NagarjunaSagar Dam, the conventional stilling basin was adopted in original design. Based on model studies this lab has recommended “SKI-JUMP” bucket instead of stilling basin thereby saving of Rs.10,00,000/- in 1960
--- NEW TYPE ENERGY DISSIPATION ARRANGEMENT EVOLVED A new type of energy dissipation for spillways was evolved based on model experiments. This new type of energy dissipation called as “INTERACTING JET ENERGY DISSIPATION” was adopted for KOILSAGAR project during 1950.
--- A “SIPHON SPILLWAY” was developed by these labs based on model studying for “SARALA SAGAR” Project during 1950
--- Based on the results of model experiments conducted at the then APERL, the Krishna water dispute tribunal during the later half of 1970 awarded 800 TMC of water to the state of Andhra Pradesh
--- TIME & MONEY SAVED THROUGH THE USE OF MATHEMATICAL MODELS Recommendations regarding energy dissipation arrangements have been made to some of the Projects based on Mathematical Models, Dispensing with the necessity of conducting costly and time consuming model experiments. This has resulted inspeedy execution of Projects during 1950 to 1970
--- Spraying of “CITYL ALCOHOL” for control of evaporation was advocated by this Organization in 1970 and now being followed by Water Works Department.
Works Taken up during Financial Year 20223-24 :
1.Conducted Sectional Model Studies on Medigadda Barrage for energy dissipation.
2.Conducted composite model studies on Sitamma Sagar multi Purpose Project Barrage Across Godavari River for gate operation schedule.
3.Conducted composite model studies on Dhaulasidh Hydro Electric project, Hamirpur Dist, Himachal Pradesh for further scour studies.
4.Sadarmatt Barrage –Construction of Barrage across river Godavari on downstream of SRSP to store 1.58TMC of water to stabilize the ayacut of SADARMATT Anicut & Ganganala Project Ayacut near Ponkal(V), Mamada(M), Nirmal District –Composite Model Studies for preparation of Gate Operation Schedule – Technical information and deposit of funds are awaited.
5.Construction of Hamirpur Barrage Project, Odisha - Conducting Composite Model Studies - Technical information and deposit of funds are awaited.
6.South Central Railway (SCR) Railway Bridge on Manair River at Manoharabad –Kothapally New BG Line - Composite Model Studies - – Technical information and deposit of funds are awaited.