In message , at 15:09:59 on Mon, 5 Aug 2019,
Gareth's was W7 now W10 Downstairs Computer
remarked:
What is the typical number of lock-emptyings per hour that a canal
can handle? I presume there is a peak rate which is a lot higher than
the sustained 24-hours-a-day rate ;-)

When boating, you reckon on 1/4 hour per lock

That includes all the gate closing and opening, as well as the
possibility that the lock has to be prepared first (which doubles the
water-flowing time). And the time taken to manoeuvre the boat in and
out.

(except perhaps on the Tardebigge flight on the Worcs & Brum canal,
about 7 minutes, especially if you've got a crew member lock-wheeling
at the next lock, making sure it is ready for you to go directly in).

Flights are usually quicker for all these reasons.

But to make water (rather than boats) flow, you don't do it a lock at a
time; you simply open all the paddles simultaneously.
--
Roland Perry