After you’ve invested in a trapezoidal flume, you want to make sure that your device always works the way that you need. Unfortunately, there are several different issues that can interfere with flume performance, which is why regular maintenance is so important.
Flume maintenance involves a variety of tasks, so getting a refresher course on the best way to maintain a flume is a good idea if you want your operation to succeed. Here are a few tips for trapezoidal flume maintenance to keep in mind so that you can protect your device in the long-term.
Inspecting the Flow
If you want your flume to work the right way, the flow in your system needs to have the right characteristics. Therefore, periodically inspecting your flow is one of the most important parts of trapezoidal flume maintenance.
First, examine the flow and make sure that it has the right velocity as it enters your flume. The flow should be in a subcritical state so that the device is able to accelerate it to a supercritical state. Next, look for turbulence or surging, both of which can interfere with your flume’s performance. If there is turbulence, you may need to add a flow tranquilizer to your flume.
Examine the Flume
After you’ve finished inspecting the flow in your system, you can move on to examining the flume. Over time, it’s possible for your flume to develop several different issues that may impact the accuracy of your measurements.
First, you should make certain that the flume is level and is in the center of the flow stream. This is particularly important in outdoor applications where issues such as scouring or frost heave can shift your flume out of place.
Second, spend some time inspecting the inside of the flume. Look for any signs of damage to the flow surfaces, as this can impact your flow. In particular, if you have a galvanized steel trapezoidal flume, you should inspect for corrosion. Generally, using fiberglass flumes is a better idea because they are not vulnerable to corrosion.
Upstream and Downstream Channel Inspection
The last step of flume maintenance is inspecting the upstream and downstream channels. Issues with your channels can negatively impact your flume’s performance.
To begin with, make sure there is nothing in either channel that could block your flow. Debris downstream in the flume can cause the flow to back up, resulting in submergence, and blockages upstream can change the flow profile.
Next, make sure that no flow in the upstream channel is escaping the flume. Your flume needs to capture all the flow to work correctly. Inspect the downstream channel for scouring, which is the washing away of the walls. When scouring occurs, your flume may move out of place.
Buy a Flume
If you keep these trapezoidal flume maintenance tips in mind, you shouldn’t have any trouble keeping your flume purchased from Tracom, FRP operating well. Tracom offers a wide array of fiberglass products, including a variety of tools that can help you measure and manage flow. Contact us right away to request a quote for one of our flumes or to get more information about our product line.
