FlumeGate™
The FlumeGate is a combined flow measurement and control gate designed for open canal applications.
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.
Control objective |
Gate action |
||
| 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
Dry install
Wet install
FlumeGate Application Gallery
Technologies
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 | Less than 0.1 gallons/minute/foot of seal (exceeds AWWA 513 leakage standards) |
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 | 0.02in (0.5mm) |
| Resolution | 0.004in (0.1mm) |
Material |
|
| Frames | Extruded marine grade aluminum |
| FormiPanel™ | Rubicon’s marine grade aluminum composite laminate gate panel |
| Corrosion protection | Marine grade aluminum and stainless steel materials designed for typical irrigation water applications. A polyamine-cured epoxy coating is available for additional protection against chemical corrosion. Please consult you Rubicon sales engineer. |
| Hardware and shafts | Stainless steel |
| Seals | EDPM rubber |
| Hinge | Duplex stainless steel |
| Water level sensors | Anodized marine grade aluminium and copolymer acetyl plastic with stainless steel fittings |
| Standards | All materials compliant with relevant US standards |
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