Design of different types of
intakes
Introduction
The basic function of intake structure is to help in
safely withdrawing water from the source and then
to discharge this water into the withdrawal conduit,
through which it reaches the water treatment plant.
It is constructed at the entrance of the withdrawal
pipe and thereby protecting it being clogged by
debris.
Sometimes from reservoirs where gravity flow is
possible, water is directly transmitted to the
treatment through intake structure.
Criteria for selection of site
❏ The site should be very close to the treatment plant as possible.
❏ It should be so located that it is free from pollution. It is better to
provide intake at the upper stream of the city so that water is not
contaminated.
❏ It should not interfere with river traffic, if any.
❏ It should be located where good foundation conditions are available.
❏ It should be so located that it admits relatively pure water free from
mud, sand, and pollutants. This means it should be protected from rapid
currents.
Types of Intake structures
Category 1 Category Category 3
2
❏ River intake
❏ Submerged ❏ Wet intake
intake ❏ Reservoir
❏ Dry intake
intake
❏ Exposed
intake ❏ Lake intake
❏ Canal intake
Submerged Intakes Structures
❏ Simple concrete block supporting the starting end of the withdrawal pipe.
Covered by screen to prevent the entry of debris.
❏ They do not obstruct navigation and are cheap.
❏ Widely used for small water supply project drawing water for streams.
❏ Limitation: Not easily accessible for cleaning and repairing.
Exposed Intakes Structures
❏ It is in the form of a well or tower
constructed near the bank of a river,
or in some cases even away from the
river banks.
❏ Exposed intakes are more common
due to ease of operation.
Wet Intakes Structures
❏ It consist of concrete circular shell filled with water upto reservoir level and has a
vertical inside shaft which is connected with the withdrawal pipe.
❏ Withdrawal pipe can lie over the bed of the river or in the form of tunnels.
❏ It is a type of intake tower in which the water level is practically the same as the
level of the sources of supply.
❏ It is sometimes known as Jack well and is most commonly used.
Dry Intakes Structures
❏ The water is directly drawn in to the withdrawal conduit through
the gated entry ports.
❏ It has no water inside the tower if the gates are closed.
❏ They are useful since water can be withdrawn from any selected
level of the reservoir by opening the port at that level.
River Intakes Structures
❏ It is a type of intake that may either be located sufficiently inside the
river so that demands of water are met within all the seasons of the
year, or they may be located near the river bank where a sufficient
depth of water is available
❏ Sometimes, an approach channel is constructed and water is led to the
intake tower.
❏ If the water level in the river is low, a weir may be constructed across it
to raise the water level and divert it to the intake tower.
Reservoir Intakes Structures
❏ When the flow in the river is not guaranteed throughout the year, a dam
is constructed across it to store water in the reservoir so formed
❏ These are similar to river intakes, except that these are located near the
upstream face of the dam where the maximum depth of water is
available.
❏ If the water level in the river is low, a weir may be constructed across it
to raise the water level and divert it to the intake tower.
Lake Intakes Structures
❏ Generally submerged intakes are preferred for lake intakes.
❏ These are constructed as cribs or bell mouths. The cribs are made of
heavy timber frame work which is partly or wholly filled with rip-rap
to protect the intake conduit against damage by waves etc.
❏ The top of the crib is covered with cast iron or mesh grating.
Canal Intakes Structures
❏ In some cases, the source of water supply to a small town may be an irrigation
canal passing nearer or through the town. Then it will be constructed.
❏ Generally it consists of a masonry or concrete intake chamber of rectangular
shape, admitting water through a coarse screen.
❏ A fine screen is provided over the bell mouth entry of the outlet pipe.
❏ The intake chamber may be constructed inside the canal bank if it does not
offer any appreciable resistance to normal flow in the canal.
❏ It’s preferred to provide lining to the canal near the intake chamber.
Thank you
