• InfoWorks ICM

Understanding ancillaries

Describe the different types of ancillary links in InfoWorks ICM.


In InfoWorks ICM, an ancillary control object, such as a weir or a pump, represents a flow control structure. Ancillary controls are assumed to have zero length, and like a conduit, the ancillary control is defined as a link between two nodes. When working with Real Time Control, the state of ancillary regulator structures are set up to change according to the state of sensors elsewhere in the network.

The different types of ancillary controls have different data requirements.

A presentation slide on the different data requirements of ancillary controls, the importance of considering flow direction, and the fact that pumps, vortex controls, flap valves and orifices can have different flow characteristics.

All other controls are treated as hydraulically identical for both directions of flow.

Some of the ancillaries available in InfoWorks ICM include:

A presentation slide on the available ancillaries in ICM, including pumps, used to move flow from upstream to downstream; and sluice gates, or penstocks, used as outflow controls on storage tanks or ponds.

A presentation slide on the available ancillaries in ICM, including orifice controls, used to control network discharge; and weirs, used for overflow structures and to control levels in storage ponds and rivers.

A presentation slide on the available ancillaries in ICM, including flumes, used to facilitate accurate flow measurements; and screens, used to trap debris in the network.

A presentation slide on the available ancillaries in ICM, including flap valves, used to prevent reverse flow; and two types of user-defined controls—compound weir/orifice and vortex control.

A presentation slide on the available ancillaries in ICM, including blockages, which can be used in a channel, conduit, or river reach, or it can be associated with a bridge opening.

Ancillary data can be edited in either the respective Grid View of the Links Grid or the Object Property Sheet. However, to view and edit all ancillary link data, use the Grid View. Many of the ancillary control equations and parameters are based on British standards. For detailed explanations of the equations used for the different types of ancillary links, refer to InfoWorks ICM Online Help.