def open_channel(self):
        """
        Open a new channel with RabbitMQ by issuing the Channel.Open RPC
        command. When RabbitMQ responds that the channel is open, the
        on_channel_open callback will be invoked by pika.
        """
        self._logger.debug('Creating a new channel')
        self._connection.channel(on_open_callback=self.on_channel_open)