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Cutthroat Flumes

For Applications with Flat Gradient Channels
The Cutthroat flume was developed in the mid-1960’s by the Utah State University Water Research Laboratory. The flume’s name comes from the absence of the parallel-wall throat section that is included on the Parshall flume. Originally used in stream gauging and agricultural applications, cutthroat flumes are now used for other applications as well.

Cutthroat Flume Advantages

Cutthroat flumes were designed to overcome the limitations Parshall flumes were faced with in flat gradient channels. Because of its unique characteristics, cutthroat flumes offer several distinct advantages, such as:

Cut Throat Flume Design

TRACOM understands Cutthroat flumes often require additional parts and accessories. This is why we offer certain options when purchasing flumes. To make the most out of your Cutthroat flume, you can also request the following:

  • Ultrasonic mounting brackets
  • Bubble tubes
  • Sample tubes
  • Submerged probe cavities
  • Stilling wells (detached)
  • Staff gauges
  • Removable probe holders
  • Inlet and outlet end adapters
  • Pipe stubs
  • Flanged end connections
  • Fiberglass grating
  • Riser boxes
  • Multi-piece construction
  • Chemically resistant gel coat

Cutthroat Flume Flume Sizes & Flow Ranges

Cutthroat flumes are sized by throat width and overall length. A number of styles are commercially available, including the most commonly used types listed in the chart below. TRACOM can also design intermediate and custom sized flumes if you do not see the specific size you need in the chart.
Size & Style Recommended Flow Rates
18” L x 1” W 2 – 56 GPM
18” L x 2” W 5 – 144 GPM
18” L x 4” W 9 – 223 GPM
18” L x 8” W 19 – 474 GPM
36” L x 2” W 5 – 322 GPM
36” L x 4” W 10 – 655 GPM
36” L x 8” W 19 – 1,333 GPM
36” L x 16” W 39 – 2,712 GPM
54” L x 3” W 8 – 866 GPM
54” L x 6” W 17 – 1,763 GPM
54” L x 12” W 34 – 3,588 GPM
54” L x 24” W 69 – 7,301 GPM
108” L x 12” W 128 – 6,932 GPM
108” L x 24” W 260 – 14,106 GPM
108” L x 48 ” W 528 – 28,699 GPM
108” L x 72” W 800 – 43,494 GPM
Additional Examples

Cutthroat Flume Uses

Cutthroat flumes have many unique characteristics and are a beneficial component to wastewater management systems. Designed for flat gradient channels, cutthroat flumes are often used for:

  • Stream Gauging
  • Agricultural Applications
  • Sanitary Applications
  • Flow Splitting Applications

To learn more about Cutthroat flumes and how they can help your wastewater management system, contact TRACOM. With over 30 years of industry experience, our specialists are knowledgeable and look forward to answering your fiberglass flume questions. 

Cutthroat Flume Technical Details

  • Ultrasonic mounting brackets
  • Bubble tubes
  • Sample tubes
  • Submerged probe cavities
  • Stilling wells (attached and detached)
  • Staff gauges
  • Removable probe holders
  • Inlet and outlet bulkheads
  • Pipe stubs
  • Flanged end connections
  • FRP grating
  • Riser boxes
  • Multi-piece construction
  • Chemically resistant gel coat