For most water management operations across the country, a flume is the most popular primary device. Flumes, regardless of their style, provide ease of use and accurate readings, both of which are crucial or long-term operational success.
However, if you want to be certain that your flume is meeting all your needs, you must make sure that you’ve installed this device the right way. Here are a few tips to help you with your flume installation so that you can be sure your primary flow management device is providing the accuracy you need.
Approaching Flow
Although there are several steps to ensuring a successful flume installation, the most important is guaranteeing that the flow approaching your flume has the right characteristics.
First, your approaching flow needs to be sub-critical. Second, your flow needs to be tranquil. Finally, the flow should be distributed evenly as it approaches your flume. In certain cases, your flow will need conditioning to make sure that it is approaching your flume properly. Take the time to ensure proper flow approach and you should be able to get the most out of your flume.
Upstream Conditions
Another important part of installing your flume is making sure that your upstream conditions are correct. The area upstream from your flume should be free from anything that may disrupt the approach of your flow. If the area upstream of your flume isn’t straight, it can impact the approach velocity of your flow and the accuracy of your flume.
Before installing your flume, examine the area upstream of your chosen installation site. Make sure that there are no dips in elevations, bends, or anything else that might impact your flow as it approaches your flume. If you can’t guarantee proper upstream conditions, you may need to choose a different installation site for your flume.
Placing and Securing Your Flume
After you’ve checked the approaching flow and your upstream conditions, it’s time to get down to the business of installing your flume. Fortunately, this isn’t difficult if you follow a few simple tips.
First, it’s important that you’re placing your flume in the center of your installation channel. This will guarantee that your flume captures all of the flow. Second, you need to be certain that your flume is secure, and that it won’t be displaced by the flow in your system. Finally, your flume’s wing walls should be braced to guarantee that they will stay in place.
Purchase a Flume to Install
As long as you follow this simple advice, your next flume installation should be quick, easy, and successful. If you need a flume to install in your installation, then you can browse some of the most popular styles on the market by shopping with Tracom, FRP.
Tracom is the number one source for water management operations that need high-quality fiberglass tools. We offer primary devices, such as flumes as weirs, as well as accessories that can help you protect and get the most out of your equipment. Take a look at our catalog and request a quote so that your operation has the tools that it needs for success.
