Calculating Pipe Slope When Connecting a Pipe to a Flume

If you’re installing a flume in an industrial operation, then it’s likely that you will need to connect your flume to a pipe. Many of the most popular flume styles can be equipped with end adapters that make transitioning flow from a pipe to a flume relatively easily, so long as you account for the slope of the pipe.

The upstream pipe slope can determine the speed of the flow entering your flume, and if the slope is too steep, your flow will enter your flume already in a supercritical state, limiting the effectiveness of your device. Here are a few factors to consider when transitioning a pipe into a flume so that you can maintain the efficiency of your operation.

Maximum Pipe Slope

Making sure that the upstream pipe slope in your system is correct isn’t as difficult as you might imagine. The most important factor that you need to keep in mind is the length of the pipe that you wish to connect to a flume. The longer the pipe, the smaller the slope will need to be. In general, the slope of your upstream pipe should never be more than two percent, although there are some exceptions to this rule.

Making sure that your pipe slope isn’t too steep is very important, as it determines how flow enters your flume. When flow enters your flume, it should be in a subcritical state and free from turbulence. If your upstream pipe slope is too high, it will increase the turbulence of your flow and decrease the accuracy of your measurements.

Straight Run Upstream of Your Flume

When transitioning a pipe into a flume, you also need to be certain that the upstream pipe runs straight to the flume for a certain distance. As it approaches the flume, your upstream pipe should be free from any curves or drops. Maintaining a straight run upstream of the flume will maintain the proper flow conditions.

If you’re lacking space in your system, ensuring a straight run into the flume will be difficult, you may want to install flow conditioning devices in your flume. Energy absorbers and flow tranquilizers can properly condition the flow in your system before it enters your flume so that your operators can take accurate readings.

Downstream Considerations

Maintaining downstream conditions when connecting pipes to flumes is very simple. Basically, your goal is to make sure that flow can easily exit your primary device and won’t be at risk for backing up into the flume. The slope of the downstream pipe should be about equal to the upstream slope. Your downstream slope can be slightly higher than the upstream slope, if necessary, in your system. Also, the upstream and downstream pipes should be about the same size, and you should make sure that there are no bends in the downstream pipe near the discharge section of your flume.

Purchase Your Flume

Before transitioning a pipe into a flume, you should make sure you have the best flume possible, which is a guarantee when you shop with Tracom, FRP. We produce high-quality fiberglass flumes that will fit the needs of every industrial flow management operation. Request a quote today and let us inform you as to why Tracom is your top resource for dependable flow management products.

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