Modern irrigation areas often use a combination of channels and pipes for irrigation. Due to changes in terrain, inflow, and pipe diameter, pipelines are often prone to experiencing a state of no pressure. This lack of pressure affects not only the velocity distribution and water surface profile of the main channel but also the velocity distribution and flow distribution of the pipeline. Therefore, in this study, we employed a combination of physical model experiments and theoretical analysis to study the influence of non-pressure pipelines on the hydraulic characteristics of channel–pipe combined irrigation systems filled to different degrees. Through this, the variation laws of the flow velocity distribution, turbulence intensity, water surface, diversion width, and diversion ratio under different filling degrees were obtained. The non-pressure pipeline flow velocity expression was obtained through dimensional analysis, and the calculation formula for the non-pressure pipeline flow velocity coefficient was fitted using linear regression analysis. The relative error between the calculated value and the measured value did not exceed 8.81%. The research results presented in this article can provide technical support for the design and maintenance of channel–pipe combined irrigation systems.

The plate flowmeter offers a novel method for water flow measurement in small channels. Characterized by its simple construction, absence of siltation, and consistent relationship between the deflection angle and flow rate, this device possesses significant potential. Our study, employing rigorous experimental techniques, validated that the gate-hole outflow calculation model is effectively applicable to this plate flowmeter. Additionally, our research investigated the device’s impact on flow velocity distribution. Our findings reveal that the plate flowmeter can be effectively combined with the sluice gate outflow model. It has been verified that the maximum relative error is 14.57%, the minimum relative error is 0.35%, and most relative errors are below 10%. Both water level and flow rate contribute to the flat plate device’s relative head loss, with water level exerting a more significant effect. At various points along the channel, the plate flowmeter affects flow velocity distribution differently. Upstream, the device minimally impacts vertical flow velocity distribution, resulting in steady velocity changes. Conversely, downstream, the flat plate flow meter significantly alters flow velocity distribution, prompting redistribution that persists until 1.26 m downstream, where device influence ceases. These insights offer a solid theoretical foundation for enhancing the structural design of the plate flowmeter, thus improving its overall performance and efficacy.