Before purchasing a Parshall flume, there are numerous decisions that you must make, with the most important being what material your flume will be manufactured from. Like all flow devices, Parshall flumes can be made from a variety of materials, all of which have their strengths and weaknesses. Let’s examine a few of the different available Parshall flume materials so that you’ll have the information you need to choose your flow management device.
Aluminum Parshall Flumes
When you’re trying to choose material for your Parshall flume, one of the most important things to consider is whether your device will be stationary or moved from site to site. If it’s the latter, then you may want to have your flume made from aluminum.
Aluminum is very lightweight, which means that transporting flumes made from this material is much easier. Despite its weight, aluminum is also durable, which means you shouldn’t have to worry about your flume suffering too much damage. That being said, aluminum flumes are also more expensive, so if cost is an issue, this material may not be the right choice for you.
Stainless Steel Flumes
If you’re planning to install your flume in a harsh setting where damage is possible, a stainless steel flume can be a good choice. Stainless steel is one of the most durable Parshall flume materials available, and it is resistant to extreme temperature, corrosion, and several other forms of physical damage.
Because stainless steel flumes are so damage resistant, they are very commonly found in industrial settings that deal with caustic materials. Cost, however, can be an issue, as stainless steel is one of the most expensive flume materials.
Galvanized Steel Flumes
Galvanized steel is another type of metal that is commonly used to manufacture flumes. The biggest advantage of this material is that it is much more affordable than other options, making it ideal for operations that need a reliable flume for a low price point.
The problem with galvanized steel is that it is only suitable for applications where the water is clean. Galvanized steel is very prone to corrosion, and while it can be repaired fairly easily, this can increase your costs over time.
Fiberglass Parshall Flumes
If you’re looking for a flume material that combines the advantages of all the options mentioned above, look no further than fiberglass. Flumes made from fiberglass are taking over the flow management industry because they provide countless benefits with almost no drawbacks.
For instance, fiberglass flumes are lightweight, which means they can be moved between flow measurement sites if necessary, and they are also durable enough for permanent applications. Plus, because fiberglass is resistant to corrosion, they can be used in harsh industrial settings, including sewage treatment plants.
Purchase Your Flume
As you can see, fiberglass is far and away the best of the available Parshall flume materials, combining a competitive price with durability and portability. If you’re ready to buy a fiberglass flume, Tracom, FRP is ready to help you.
We offer our customers fiberglass flumes in an array of styles, meaning you’ll have no problem finding a device that fulfills your specific flow management needs. Contact us today to start shopping for your flume.
