It is evident that fluctuations in velocity (flow pattern) initiates either erosion or sedimentation problem, according to energy balance theorem. Therefore, investigation and mapping of flow pattern at the vicinity of water intakes is essential at all stages of establishing and commissioning a water supply pumping unit.
This study has been carried-out upon the agreement between the Hydraulics Research Center (HRC) as an specialized institute in morphological studies, and Hi-Que Company limited, as executing company of five large domestic water supply plants in Sudan; Namely: Sennar, Wad Medani, Um Magat, Soba and Shendi. The
main objective of the study is to map the flow pattern at the vicinity of Sennar and Wad Medani domestic water supply in-takes, which are now under construction.
Velocity measurements were carried-out at the above mentioned locations during the period 17 – 18 September 2017. Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP), Echo-sounder and Global Positioning System (GPS) mounted on a rubber boat, were used to facilitate the estimation of velocity (magnitude and direction).
Measurements were taken at five and eight x-sections within the vicinity of Sennar and Wad Medani pumping locations, respectively.
Velocity profiles were made covering an approximated distance of 100 meters along the coast and 100 meters inside the river.
Mapping of the estimated velocity reveals that the velocity magnitude varies from 1.6 to 2.4 m/s at Sennar with a maximum values near the pumping location (left bank), and 1.1 to 2.3 m/s at Wad Medani with a minimum values near the pumping location.