Strengths & Weaknesses of Measuring Flow with Flumes

If you need a device to help you manage and measure flow, you have several options from which to choose, including installing a flume. Flumes can be found in flow management operations around the world, and they provide a variety of benefits to these operations. Before you decide to install a flume in your system, it’s a good idea to learn about the strengths and weaknesses of these devices to decide if they fit your needs. Here are some of the pros and cons of measuring flow with flumes that you should take into account when choosing a device for your operation.

Why Not to Use a Flume

Before discussing the advantages of flumes, of which there are many, let’s examine some of the drawbacks of these devices. As you might suspect due to their popularity, the disadvantages of flumes are few and far between, but they still need to be considered before you invest in your next flow management device. Cost is perhaps the biggest drawback of using a flume. These devices are typically more expensive than weir boxes, especially if you need a customized flume. Second, flumes can be difficult to install in some instances, although this isn’t always the case.

Pros of Flumes

Besides the two issues mentioned in the previous section, there is no real reason you shouldn’t be measuring flow with flumes. If you install a flume in your system, you’ll enjoy a wide range of benefits that are hard to resist. First, and most importantly, flumes are available in countless styles, which gives them a big advantage over other flow management devices. In addition to the consistently popular Parshall flume, H flumes, Palmer-Bowlus and Trapezoidal flumes are available, as well as several other styles. Flumes can also be produced in a range of materials, including fiberglass. Minimal maintenance needs is another benefit of choosing a flume for flow management and measurement. Many of the available flume styles are self-cleaning, which means your operators won’t need to take time away from taking flow readings to perform maintenance on your device. Finally, the biggest strength of flumes is that they provide much more accurate readings than other devices you could choose. With a long-throat flume, for example, there are multiple points of measurement available, allowing your operators to choose the most accurate location. Assuming that they are sized and installed correctly, flumes provide the accurate flow readings that you need.

Pick Your Flume

After comparing the pros and cons of measuring flow with flumes, it should be easy to see that installing a flume in your system is the right choice, especially if you value the most accurate flow readings possible. If you want to learn more about the available flume styles, or if you’re ready to make a purchase, Tracom, FRP is here to help you. Tracom is your number-one resource for flow management devices, including fiberglass flumes. We offer decades of experience, and one of the industry’s best selection of flumes. Contact one of our representatives today for more information about our product inventory or to request a quote for one of our dependable flumes.

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Comparing the Strengths and Weaknesses of Measuring Flow with Flumes

Why Not to Use a Flume

Pros of Flumes

Pick Your Flume

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