Laserfiche WebLink
Langemann gates have the capability to maintain constant <br />upstream water level or a pre- determined constant flow rate to <br />downstream users. <br />linking the three elements of the DSS. This GUI <br />constitutes a framework for the DSS that provides <br />the user with the ability to access data and output <br />for the system. The three DSS model components <br />are termed modules. The project GIS and databases <br />are used to develop input for both the water de- <br />mand and the supply network modules. <br />Modernization of Canal Structures <br />Along with the DSS, the MRGCD has been replac- <br />ing antiquated diversion and measuring structures <br />to become a more efficient water user. Traditional <br />wheel type check structures have been replaced by <br />Lopac gates and canal diversion structures have <br />been replaced by Langemann gates. <br />Lopac gates are a type of automated check struc- <br />ture that can control the water surface elevation <br />upstream. Lopac gates are based on a saloon door <br />style design and maintain upstream water surface <br />elevation by opening or closing to account for <br />variations in flow rate. By opening when flow rate <br />increases the gate spills the excess water but retains <br />the desired upstream elevation. In the case where <br />the flow rate decreases the gate closes and stores <br />more water upstream to maintain the water surface <br />elevation. Lopac gates feature manual or remote <br />electrical operation and are equipped with solar <br />Panels. Each gate comes with a NEMA 3 electrical <br />panel which can be integrated to include an AMI <br />electronic gate controller and SCADA ready <br />software. <br />The Langemann gate was developed by Peter <br />Langemann through a cooperative effort be- <br />tween the St. Mary's Irrigation District, Peter <br />Langemann and Aqua Systems 2000 Inc. The <br />Langemann Gate has the capability to maintain <br />a constant upstream water level (used as a check <br />structure) or it can provide a pre - determined <br />constant flow rate to downstream users (used <br />as a turnout structure). The Langemann gate is <br />analogous to a hinge placed perpendicular to the <br />flow and functions using a chain drive that lifts <br />the leaves of the hinge either up or down. The <br />Langemann gate is equipped with solar panels <br />for power and the same telemetry and controller <br />units as the Lopac gate. Langemann gates can <br />be used as irrigation check structures, turnout <br />structures, spillway structures, diversion struc- <br />tures, variable weirs in water and sewage treat- <br />ment plants, and storm water management flood <br />control structures <br />By installing automated canal level and flow <br />regulating structures, the MRGCD is gaining real <br />time control of their irrigation system. Control <br />resulting from the installation of automated <br />structures has been accompanied by the devel- <br />opment of a decision support system for better <br />water allocation. These two modernizations <br />(decision support system and automated control <br />structures) will enable MRGCD to manage water <br />efficiently and sustain irrigation concurrently <br />with wildlife, urban and industrial demands. <br />Dr. Ramchand Oad is a Professor of Civil Engineer- <br />ing at Colorado State University. <br />Ramchand.Oad@colostate.edu <br />Kristoph Kinzli is a Graduate Student in Civil Engi- <br />neering at Colorado State University. <br />Kristoph. Kinzli @Co loSta te. ED U <br />--�—' --� 13 <br />