Item Description

Sci-tech Rainfall Run off Simulator Model FM 73 demonstrates some of the major physical processes found in hydrology and fluvial geomorphology, including: rainfall hydrographs for catchment areas of varying permeability; the abstraction of ground water by wells, both with and without surface recharge from rainfall; the formation of river features and effects of sediment transport.

Realistic results can be obtained from this small scale, floor standing apparatus, which can be conveniently located and requires no special services.

The unit comprises a sand tank, made of stainless steel, measuring 6 meters by 2 meter. Water will be input to the sand tank or from two drains buried in the sand at either end of the tank. The water is output either from an outlet tank and flow measurement system located at the end of the main sand tank, from one or both of the two wells located in the tank, or one or both of the French drains. A large plastic sump tank is located under the sand tank.

Ground water table levels (phreatic surface) are measured using twenty tapping points in the sand tank, configured in a cruciform pattern, and displayed on a manometer bank. The river inlet tank is use to still the flow, and a shaped channel section to provide formed flow conditions into the sand tank.

The subsurface flow inputs are via two drains, buried in the sand at either end of the tank. These French drains extend the full width of the tank. Each drain can be configured as an inlet or an outlet to permit a wide variety of hydrological demonstrations. Two variable area flow meters with integral adjusting valves are used to control and measure the various flows into the tank.

 The use of self-sealing quick release fittings allows the system to be configured in a variety of different ways, enabling a wide range of demonstrations.

The two flowmeter have different ranges, further enhancing the flexibility of the overall system. Pressure regulators and filters are incorporated in the water supply lines, minimizing system disturbances. The outlet tank is located at the end of the sand tank, and is used for hydrographs, run-off and river formation demonstrations. A different height plate is used to adjust the outlet conditions.

 The outlet tank comprises a sand trap, water stilling system and a flow measurement device. The flow measurement is performed by measuring the height of the water in the measuring tank, using the time required to fill the water. The sand trap is configured to allow the sediment to be collected in a sieve. In this way the amount of sediment collected over a period of time can be measured.

Optionally ‘Sci-Cal’ DAQ interfacing, data acquisition makes it possible to record measured values during experiments to process and store data on PC.