Sediment and Debris Removal Inlet Structure for Canal Pipelines

Abstract

New underground pipelines, which replaced open‐channel canals in the Duchesne River area of northeastern Utah, provided the necessary water pressure for local farmers in this arid region to switch to sprinkler irrigation systems. The new pipelines and sprinkler irrigation systems greatly reduced the amount of water previously lost to canal seepage and inefficient flood irrigation. The new pipelines and sprinkler irrigation systems, however, could be easily damaged or clogged by debris and sediment carried in the water. Self‐operating, low‐maintenance, and low‐cost pipeline inlet facilities had to be designed to remove sediment and debris from river water prior to its entering each new canal pipeline. The unique inlet facility designed for the new Tabby Canal pipeline has been operating successfully for four years. It was relatively inexpensive to construct, is completely self‐operating, and requires much less maintenance than mechanical inlet facilities. It has functioned so well that there have been no reports of any pipeline or sprinkler damage from water‐carried sediment or debris.