FlumeGate™

The FlumeGate is a combined flow measurement and control gate designed for open canal applications.

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The FlumeGate is a combined flow measurement and control gate designed for open canal applications. Accurate flow measurement, precise motor control, power supply and radio telecommunications are fully integrated in a single device.

The FlumeGate automatically controls the flow of water by varying the gate position based on a desired set-point or on irrigation demand as listed under FlumeGate Control capabilities below.

Integrated MicronLevel Sensors

MicronLevel water level measurement sensors are housed within the internal frame

CableDrive Actuation

Positive drive in both the raise and lower directions, with positioning to within ±0.5mm (±0.02in) for precise control

FormiPanel™ Construction

Strong, yet lightweight and corrosion-resistant laminate gate leaf construction

Solar-Powered

Solar-charged battery system with 80, 120, 160 watt solar panel options

Remote operation

Can be controlled remotely when connected to a SCADA system or over cellular networks using SCADAConnect

Features and Benefits

The FlumeGate can be operated as a stand-alone unit, or can coordinate with other gates along the channel to optimize the whole network’s flow. In free-flow or submerged conditions, flow is calculated from the gate’s own measurements of upstream water level, downstream water level and gate position. It can be managed and monitored on-site or operated remotely when connected to a SCADA network.

The FlumeGate is ideal for

Headgates, turnouts, or check structures requiring low headloss
Gate modernization projects (more cost-effective than automating an existing gate)
Remote locations without AC power
Maintaining canal diversions or upstream water levels
Measuring flow in canal-to-siphon applications

Highlights

Overshot design for better water level control
Integrated flow calculation and control software
Ultrasonic water level measurement
Solar-charged or 120-240V AC charged battery system
SCADA ready communication system
Robust high duty cycle operation
Optional walkways with handrails for staff safety

FlumeGate control capabilities

The FlumeGate automatically controls the flow of water by varying the gate position based on a desired set-point or on irrigation demand as shown in the table below.

Local

Position

Moves to a desired set-point and stays there

Flow

Maintains a constant flow regardless of upstream or downstream levels

Upstream level

Maintains a desired water level in the pool immediately upstream

Downstream level

Maintains a desired water level in the pool immediately downstream

Network*

Supply

Changes the flow to match the flow supplied from the network above the gate while maintaining a stable upstream water level

Demand

Changes the flow to match measured outflow from the network below the gate while maintaining a stable downstream water level

* Network control is only available when used with other Rubicon gates and Rubicon’s NeuroFlo™ network control software.

Local control pedestal

Each FlumeGate installation includes a robust pedestal that provides power and control to the gate and is a secure, weather-proof housing for electronic components and batteries.

The pedestal also serves as a local user interface. A keypad and LCD display are located under a lockable lid, allowing secure access for authorised users to monitor, control and troubleshoot on-site.

Low maintenance

The FlumeGate’s modular design allows it to be maintained in the field with minimal tools, training, and easily replaceable parts.

Level sensors are easily removed during in-field servicing
Seals can be replaced
On-site diagnostics
Service can be done by local Rubicon field technicians or authorized/trained independent local integrators

Easy to install

Rubicon’s FlumeGate products are designed to retrofit to existing check type regulating structures as well as purpose built emplacements significantly reducing costs associated with civil work.

Installed and operational in two days during irrigation or off-season
Factory calibrated and pre-commissioned

Technologies

The FlumeGate uses technologies developed by Rubicon which are common across TCC™ products:

High-strength FormiPanel™ construction

FormiPanel is Rubicon’s high-strength gate leaf construction that uses techniques adopted from the aerospace and marine industries.

The gate panel assembly is a laminate construction that utilizes high strength industrial adhesives to bond structural grade aluminum extrusions and skin plates to a synthetic core material. The result is strong, lightweight, and corrosion resistant.

CableDrive™ and SolarDrive™ gate control technology

CableDrive is Rubicon’s actuation system designed to provide precision gate position accuracy and repeatability in harsh environments. The drive is a wire rope (cable) and drum mechanism that provides positive drive in both the raise and lower directions. It is designed for high duty cycle operation and provides precise gate positioning to within ±0.5mm (±0.02in).

The drive is managed by Rubicon’s SolarDrive technology – a purpose-built integrated circuit board that manages gate positioning, solar power regulation, battery charge and the pedestal user interface.

MicronLevel™ measurement

The FlumeGate calculates flow using measurements of upstream water level, downstream water level and gate position, achieving in-field, independently verified measurement accuracy of ±2.5%**. This accuracy is attributed to its unique design and precision manufacture.

Rubicon’s MicronLevel water level measurement sensors are housed within the internal frame. A water-tight seal separates the upstream and downstream sensors.

Unique, integrated stilling wells unaffected by surrounding objects, debris, foam, silt or other contaminants
Self-calibrates on every reading to eliminate drift in speed of sound due to changes in temperature or humidity
Specifically designed for use in harsh irrigation canal environments

**Accuracy of FG-M-626-620 and FG-1050-674 models verified by Manly Hydraulics Laboratory, January and August 2005

Specifications

General
Maximum flow rate	Varies by gate size, refer to flow rating table in data sheet
User interface	LCD screen
Data interface	RS232/485, USB, Ethernet, Protocols – DNP3, MDLC, Modbus, TCP/IP, others
Local interface language	English, Spanish, French, Chinese and Italian (metric/imperial units)
Data tags	A comprehensive set of tags are available for integration into SCADA systems
Data Storage	Historical data can be uploaded locally via USB for post processing.
Control	Local or remote via SCADA
Drive mechanism	CableDrive™ wire rope and cable drum assembly for precision positioning and long life
Electronics	SolarDrive™ power management and control technology housed in the local Control Pedestal. Each unit passes a 12hr heat soak pre-stress and 100% functional test.
Gate actuation	12V DC motor with 256 count magnetic encoder; with mechanical and electrical override provisions
Power supply options	12V DC powered (solar); 120-240V AC powered
Seal performance	<0.02 litres/second/metre of seal (exceeds American and European standards AWWA C513 and DIN 19569)
Flow measurement
Technique	Flow rate calculated from measurements of upstream water level, downstream water level and gate position, using data-derived flow measurement algorithm.
Measurement rate	10 seconds
Accuracy	±2.5%**. Accuracy of FG-M-626-620 model verified by Manly Hydraulics Laboratory, August 2005.
Calibration method	Factory pre-calibrated and internal self-calibrating sensors. Simple in-field verification process.
Water level measurement
Technique	Ultrasonic
Accuracy	0.5mm
Resolution	0.1mm
Material
Frames	Extruded marine grade aluminium
FormiPanel™	Rubicon’s marine grade aluminium composite laminate gate panel
Corrosion protection	Marine grade aluminium and stainless steel materials designed for typical irrigation water applications. Additional chemical corrosion protection is available for -P models, which are provided with a polyamine-cured epoxy coating. Please consult your Rubicon sales engineer.
Hardware and shafts	Stainless steel
Seals	EDPM rubber
Hinge	Duplex stainless steel
Water level sensors	Anodised marine grade aluminium and copolymer acetyl plastic with stainless steel fittings
Standards	AS/NZS 1664: Aluminium Structures, AS/NZS 1665: Welding of Aluminium Structures, AS/NZS 1170.1: Structural Design Actions – Part 1: Permanent (dead loads), Imposed (live loads) and Other Actions, AS/NZS 1170.2: Structural Design Actions – Part 2: Wind Actions
Power
Power supply	12V DC self-contained battery charged from solar panel or AC line power
Batteries	Sealed gel lead acid with temperature sensor (~5yr life, provides ~5 days of operation without solar or mains power input) or optional lithium LiFePO4

Specifications subject to change

FlumeGate™

Integrated MicronLevel Sensors

CableDrive Actuation

FormiPanel™ Construction

Solar-Powered

Remote operation

Features and Benefits

Local

Network*

Technologies

Specifications

General

Flow measurement

Water level measurement

Material

Power

Company

Solutions

Software

Gates & Flow Meters

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