When you’re installing a flow management device such as a weir box, making sure that your device is installed correctly is the best way to guarantee it will work correctly. Because the steps for installing a weir box correctly are so precise, it’s a good idea to review the process to make sure your installation project is successful. Here are a few weir box installation tips to keep in mind so that you can make sure that your device functions the way that it should.
Mounting the Weir Box
As with all flow management devices, the key to weir box installation is making sure that your device is mounted correctly. If you’re not careful about how you mount your weir box, it will be impossible for your device to function correctly.
First, when you mount your weir box, you need to be sure that the weir plate inside your box is level. The plate must be level both side to side and front to back. Once you’re sure that the weir plate is level, you should check the surface on which you’re mounting your weir box. The mounting surface needs to be secure because if it shifts out of place, so will your weir box. In some applications, you may need to add additional support to your weir box.
Adjusting the Weir Crest
Once you’re certain that your weir box is mounted levelly and that the mounting surface is secure, you should move on to making sure that that the weir crest is positioned properly. If the crest is not in the right place, free-spilling discharge and accurate readings will be impossible.
Most importantly, the weir crest must be level horizontally. Use a leveler to check the crest, and then make any adjustments as necessary. Generally, if the weir plate is already level, the crest should be as well. If your weir crest has a bevel, you should be certain that the bevel is pointed downstream. Once these steps are complete, the weir plate installation will be complete in most circumstances.
Advice for Earthen Channels
If you’re planning on installing your weir box in an earthen channel, there is one other thing that you should keep in mind to make sure your device is installed correctly. In an earthen channel, there is always the possibility that scouring can occur.
Scouring is when the flow in the system washes away part of the downstream channel, and when this happens, it will be possible for your weir box to shift out of place. To make sure that your weir box will stay in place, you can reduce the risk of scouring by adding support to the downstream channel.
Purchase a Weir Box
As long as you adhere to these tips for weir box installation, getting your device up and running should be a breeze. If you need to purchase a new weir box, you can find the device that’s right for you with Tracom, FRP.
Tracom produces fiberglass weir boxes that are both affordable and durable, and we also offer a wide range of other flow management devices. Contact us today to learn more.