You can install a flume or weir made out of a variety of materials, such as stainless steel or concrete, but fiberglass tends to be the best option in terms of overall quality. Fiberglass reinforced plastics come with a collection of benefits you can enjoy regardless of the type of flow you’re dealing with. Learn about all the benefits of using fiberglass reinforced plastics.
Corrosion Resistance
The most important factor you must defend against when choosing a material for a weir or flume is corrosion. Wastewater is inherently corrosive, and fiberglass is among the best when it comes to resisting corrosion. Polyester resins on fiberglass flumes and weirs prevent chemicals like hydrogen sulfide and chlorine from oxidizing, effectively preventing the corrosion process from occurring.
Durability
Aside from resistance to corrosion, fiberglass reinforced plastics are also resistant to general damage and wear and tear. In fact, the material is often stronger than steel in the lengthwise direction despite only weighing a quarter as much. That means you won’t have to dedicate as much material to get the kind of durability you deserve for a long-lasting weir or flume.
Cost Saving
Fiberglass’ durability and corrosion resistance work together to significantly reduce costs in the long run. Since it’s so durable and lightweight at the same time, you won’t have to get as much material for a strong flume. That same lightweight property also means that labor is easier and you won’t need costly equipment to move the pieces and constructs around. Additionally, its corrosion resistance reduces the need for excessive maintenance in the future, making it last longer without the added cost.
Precision Construction
One of the best benefits of fiberglass material is that the construction process allows for greater precision. Fiberglass pieces are cut in a factory by computer-driven machines to exact proportions. This is absolutely essential if you’re planning to install wastewater measurement equipment in an area that requires tight dimensional tolerances. The nature of fiberglass itself also allows for tighter dimensional tolerances in the first place since structural integrity and durability isn’t compromised.
Customizability
Thanks to fiberglass plastics’ excessive integrity and machine construction, it’s easier to get customized designs. When you’re dealing with a particularly odd flow channel, being able to customize your weir or flume to exact specifications is essential to getting the most accurate flow measurement possible. Even complex shapes are available with fiberglass since the material can be crafted in several pieces then subsequently bonded together. The end result is a singular, seamless structure that functions the same as if it were somehow crafted as a single piece from the beginning.
Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics From Tracom
At Tracom, fiberglass reinforced plastics are our specialty. We’ve been crafting custom-designed fiberglass wastewater products with a focus on economical and standardized service for nearly 30 years now. In all that time, we’ve learned that service is the most important factor in an industry full of commoditized products. That’s why you can enjoy speedy results from a facility that can produce a finished product from a design in less than a day. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of using fiberglass reinforced plastics.
