In the majority of water management operations that deal with sanitary flows, the primary device is some form of flume. Fiberglass flumes are some of the most versatile flow management tools that exist, and when you pair them with stilling wells, you’ll be able to massively improve the success of your operation.
However, while stilling wells are one of the most versatile flow measurement tools you could ask for, they can pose big problems when used with sewage flow. If you’ve been thinking about using a stilling well in your sanitation system, it’s important you learn about some of the obstacles related to stilling wells and sewage flow.
Learn why you should avoid using a stilling well for measuring sewage flow and find out how you can get the right measurement tool for your system.
Basic Stilling Well Facts
If you’ve never used a stilling well in your system before, it can be a good idea to learn a little more about this important water management tool. A stilling well is a small, circular chamber that is attached to your primary flow management device, usually some type of fiberglass flume. An inlet in the stilling well connects it to your flume and allows the water level in the well to rise and fall along with the level in the flume.
The benefit of a stilling well is that it allows you to take an accurate measurement of the water level within your flume without having to worry about your calculations being affected by flow velocity. For most water management systems, a stilling well is the ideal measurement tool.
Stilling Wells and Sanitary Flows
The biggest obstacle of using a stilling well to measure sewage flows is that sewage flows often contain solid waste. This can pose a big issue in regards to the inlet of your stilling well.
Typically, sewage flows need at least three inches of space to flow unobstructed and stilling well inlets are generally only two inches in diameter. This means that when you use a stilling well with sewage flow, it’s very easy for your inlet to become clogged. Since enlarging the inlet would negate the effectiveness of your well, your operators will need to regularly clean your stilling well inlet to keep it clear of sewage clogs.
Because stilling wells in sewage operations require near constant maintenance, it’s not uncommon for operators to completely abandon these tools in favor of a more convenient measurement option. If you want to keep your operation running smoothly, you should avoid using a stilling well for measuring sewage flow.
Shop with Tracom, FRP
If your water management operation primarily deals with sanitary flows, using a stilling well for measurement needs isn’t the best choice. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of measurement tools that are ideal for sanitation operations. Find the tools you need for measuring sewage flow by browsing the impressive catalogue of products from Tracom, FRP.
At Tracom, our focus is on producing top-quality fiberglass water management tools that can improve the success of almost any water operation. Contact us today to learn more about our inventory and to get advice about the right measurement tool for your sanitary flow.
