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An open channel network modernization with automated structures

Date

2007-10

Authors

Barrios-Domínguez, J. Natividad, author
García-Villanueva, Nahún H., author
Bautista-Capetillo, Carlos F., author
González-Trinidad, Julián, author
Bautista, Eduardo, author
Castro-Avila, Adalberto, author
Mojarro-Dávila, Francisco, author
Chávez-Carlos, Dagoberto, author
U.S. Committee on Irrigation and Drainage, publisher

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Abstract

In Mexico, most irrigation delivery systems consist of a network of open-channels with manually-operated control structures. Efficiencies of these systems typically are low. To improve water management in these systems, the Mexican government has attempted to modernize many irrigation projects (Reynosa, Apatzingan, Valle del Mezquital, and Santiago among others) using automatic self-leveling check structures. However, problems have emerged with the operation of these structures, causing dissatisfaction among water users. The Santiago Irrigation System (SIS) began operating in 1998. Its main distribution system consists of open channels regulated by self-leveling gates and constant flow modules. Low-pressure pipelines deliver water to individual plots. During the first three years of operation, inadequate water level regulation with the automated gates caused water distribution problems that ultimately affected crop productivity. This negative situation encouraged users to take control over the irrigation system and to revert to the traditional manual operation. To help address the technical issues, an experimental channel was built at the University of Zacatecas. The channel was expected to help researchers develop a better understanding of the hydraulic theory and operation of this type of structures and to help solve practical installation and operational problems. This paper describes our experience rehabilitating and calibrating AVIS and AVIO self-leveling gates; it also describes the sequence of operations that must be followed for the adequate management of the automated structures in the SIS main network.

Description

Presented at the Role of irrigation and drainage in a sustainable future: USCID fourth international conference on irrigation and drainage on October 3-6, 2007 in Sacramento, California.

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Subject

self-leveling gates
modernization
operation efficiency

Citation

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