Can Your Operation Benefit from the Cutthroat Flume?

Flumes come in a wide range of styles, meaning virtually every open channel flow operation can find a flume that meets its exact needs. If you’re looking for a flume to help with your flow management needs, the Cutthroat flume is an option you’ll want to learn more about.

While most in the open channel flow industry are at least somewhat familiar with the Cutthroat flume, few people understand what makes this flume style so versatile and beneficial. Learn a little more about the Cutthroat flume so that you can decide if this primary flow management device is the right choice for your operation.

No Throat and Flat Bottom

The Cutthroat flume is known as one of the most innovative flume styles in the world. Unlike other flumes, however, what makes the Cutthroat flume unique is not what it possesses but what it lacks. Essentially, the Cutthroat flume is a modified version of the Parshall flume where there is no extended throat. While there is a throat section, it is considerably smaller than others.  

Another interesting characteristic of the Cutthroat flume is its flat floor. While this is not a unique feature, when combined with the missing throat, the flat floor allows Cutthroat flumes to be retrofit into a variety of applications. Whereas the Parshall flume is only able to create supercritical flow because of a drop in its floor, the Cutthroat flume does not require this elevation drop.

Where Can You Use the Cutthroat Flume?

Because of its unique characteristics, the Cutthroat flume can be used in almost any water management application imaginable. While this flume was originally created to measure surface water flows, you can use a Cutthroat flume to measure almost any flow type you desire.

For example, the Cutthroat flume is commonly used to measure irrigation flows. Also, because it is more resistant to sedimentation because of its flat floor, the Cutthroat flume can be used in both sewer and industrial applications.

Are There Drawbacks to the Cutthroat Flume?
Before you install a Cutthroat flume in your system, you should consider some of the drawbacks of this flume style. One of the most major drawbacks is that the lack of an extended throat means you’ll need to be vigilant about preventing sedimentation. If the throat section is smaller than three inches, solids in your flow may build up and potentially block it completely.

With a little regular maintenance, however, you should be able to eliminate sedimentation so that flow can enter and exit your Cutthroat flume unimpeded.

Purchase a Cutthroat Flume

The Cutthroat flume is one of the most innovative, dependable flumes to date. Regardless of the specific needs your system has, the Cutthroat flume should help you take consistently accurate readings. To find the flume that’s right for you, shop with Tracom, FRP today.

We produce a wide variety of customized fiberglass products, including versatile Cutthroat flumes. Request a quote from Tracom and get the tools you need.