In many modern flow management operations, it’s common to connect pipes to fiberglass flumes, particularly for the purpose of managing wastewater or stormwater runoff. The problem, however, is that when transitioning pipes into flumes, it can be hard to maintain the proper flow condition, which means that it will also be extremely difficult to take consistently accurate readings.
Before connecting a pipe to a flume for flow management, you need to consider the potential for poor flow conditioning and how you can correct this issue. Find out how you can easily condition piped flow so that it enters your flume at the correct velocity, and your flow readings will be consistently accurate.
Basics of Connecting Pipes and Flumes
While it’s common for flow management operations to transition flow from a pipe to a flume, this task is not without its difficulties. Many of the most popular flume styles were not designed to be connected to pipes and were instead intended to be used in natural channels such as ditches and streams. If you want a flume that was designed for piped connections, you would need to install a Palmer-Bowlus flume.
Fortunately, you can easily connect a pipe and a flume using an end adapter. An end adapter can make a secure connection with the inlet of the flume and the upstream pipe and can also be used to connect the discharge section of the flume to a downstream pipe. If you’re not careful about how you connect your pipe and your flume, however, you can run into big problems.
Poor Flow Conditioning
The drawback of connecting flumes and pipes is that there are several installation errors that can result in poorly conditioned flow. For instance, if you install the flume lower than the upstream pipe, the velocity of your flow will increase as it enters the flume, resulting in measurements that are higher than they should be.
Similarly, if the slope of the upstream pipe is excessively steep, flow will not be able to enter your flume in the proper subcritical state. Finally, if there are curves or bends in the pipe directly upstream of the flume, the flow will likely be turbulent. Fortunately, if the flow entering your flume isn’t in the proper state, there are some ways you can condition the piped flow.
Installing Flow Conditioning Tools
If the flow in your system is not in the correct state, you can condition the flow by installing a tranquilizing rack. Adding a tranquilizing rack between the pipe and your flume will decrease the velocity of the flow so that it’s in a subcritical state and will also eliminate any surface turbulence. With this tool, you can make sure that your flow is conditioned properly before it enters your flume so that your readings will be correct.
Invest in a Fiberglass Flume
Before your condition piped flow, you need a flume to install in your system, which is why you need to shop with Tracom, FRP. In our catalogue, you’ll find a wide array of fiberglass flow management products, including flumes in multiple styles. You can contact a Tracom representative today to learn more about our products or to request a quote.
