Flume Corrosion Risks

For most flow management operations, a flume is the ideal primary device. Because a flume is so integral to the success of your operation, you want to make sure this tool lasts as long as possible, which is why you need to learn about how vulnerable your device is to corrosion. Depending on the material from which your flume is made, corrosion can be a big risk for your device and the long-term success of your operation. Here are a few facts about corrosion and flumes that can help you decide how worried you should be about this serious flow management issue.

Flume Material

Although there are several factors to consider when trying to determine if corrosion is a risk for your flume, the most important is the material you chose when your flume was manufactured. Most people assume the best flume material for durability is stainless or galvanized steel. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.

While stainless steel is durable, flumes made from this material are usually installed in tough environments where corrosion is a big concern, such as waste management plants. Galvanized steel can also corrode over time, especially in environments where mineralized water is a concern.

How Corrosion Occurs

Now that you know which flume materials are most vulnerable to corrosion, it’s a good idea to learn about where and how this type of damage occurs. Several different factors exist that can lead to corrosion, and learning about each should help you to protect your flume.

One factor to consider is the oxygen content of the water in your system. The more oxygenated the water, the higher the risk for corrosion, particularly with a metal flume. In these cases, you will first spot signs of corrosion in the discharge section of your flume. If the waterline stays at a consistent level, you may also see corrosion on this spot.

Another factor to consider is the flow rate in your system. Flumes experiencing consistently high flow rates will be more at risk for corrosion. Check the maximum flow rate in your system and you should have an idea how concerned you should be about corrosion and flumes.

Avoiding Corrosion

If you want to protect your flume from corrosion so your operation always has the level of success that you need, your best option is investing in fiberglass flumes. Flumes made out of fiberglass are much more resistant to corrosion than metal flumes, and are also protected from ultraviolet light damage. If you install a fiberglass flume in your system, your flow management device should last for years to come with little need for extensive regular maintenance.

Buy a Fiberglass Flume

Every open channel flow operation should be concerned about corrosion and flumes, especially when using a stainless steel or galvanized steel flume. Fortunately, as we have seen, you can avoid this serious issue by purchasing a fiberglass flume, and your top resource for fiberglass flow management products is Tracom, FRP.

The team at Tracom would love to talk with you about your flow management needs and help you pick a primary device that will help you succeed. Get in touch with a representative today.