In the field of fluid mechanics of incompressible fluids a distinction can be made between pipe flow and open-channel flow. With sufficient pressure and flow velocity in the completely filled pipe, the flow is considered as one-dimensional for reasons of simplicity. Due to this precondition physical phenomena can easily be described and calculated. Open-channel flow in contrast is always multidimensional.

The compact HM 241 experimental unit enables a variety of experiments on the fundamentals of incompressible flow in open channels and pipes.

A pump supplies water from the storage tank through the supply line into the open channel or the pipe. The flow processes are clearly visible since all parts are made of transparent plastic.

In the pipe section the water flows through an orifice, a Venturi nozzle, a contraction, an enlargement as well as pipe bends and pipe angles of varying diameters. The open channel has a broad-crested weir and a sharp-crested weir. A valve is used to close off or open up the two different working sections.

A pressure sensor is located on the device for differential pressure measurement. This sensor can be connected to the measuring points in the pipe via a hose. The supply line contains a flow rate sensor to determine the flow rate. The measured values are transmitted directly to a PC via USB. The GUNT software is included and clearly displays the results of the experiments.

The water level is determined with an electronic water level gauge.

The power meter HM 240.02 is required to measure the power consumption of the pump.