Flow Measurement in Pipes

Measuring flow is a wide and varied task, requiring water management operations to make sure they have the right tools necessary for their specific flow type. One of the most difficult types of flow to measure that flow through pipes. Because pipes have individual sizes and unique end adapters, matching a pipe with the right tool can seem impossible if you’re not familiar with this particular flow type.

Fortunately, when you choose the right flume and other equipment, measuring flow in pipes is easier than you might have otherwise imagined. Learn how to measure pipe flow and discover how you can get the water measurement tools that you need for consistent operational success.

Difficulties in Measuring Pipe Flow

There are two big obstacles in measuring a piped flow: Elevation and end adapters. Contrary to what you might believe, the end adapters of pipes are not standardized, meaning the connections can vary from pipe to pipe. As you would expect, this can cause serious difficulty when you’re attempting to find a solution for measuring the flow coming out of a pipe in your system.

In addition, unlike other open channel flow types, pipes are elevated to some degree or another, and finding a flume that can be installed in an elevated manner can also prove difficult. For water management systems that use piped flows, addressing these issues is dependent on having the right equipment.

Choosing Cutthroat Flumes for Pipe Flow

Although this was not its original purpose, one of the best tools available to measure pipe flows is a cutthroat flume. In a similar fashion to trapezoidal flumes, cutthroat flumes have end adapters that are the same size, which means they can easily be integrated into an existing pipe structure in order to manage and measure flow coming from the pipe.

Another big advantage of choosing to pair your piped flow with a cutthroat flume is the ability to be used above and below grade, providing for an extreme level of versatility that you will be hard pressed to find in another flume type.

Pairing Cutthroat Flumes with Other Tools

As mentioned in the previous section, cutthroat flumes can be used to measure piped flows that are either below or above grade. In addition to providing a great measuring option, it also means that cutthroat flumes can be paired with other useful equipment. For example, depending on the installation grade, a cutthroat flume can be placed in an existing fiberglass enclosure, adding to your operation’s security.

Additionally, if you’re looking to improve your operation success as much as possible, you can choose to add your cutthroat flume to a packaged metering manhole, allowing you to store your pipe flow management tools in one convenient location. When it comes to measuring flow from pipes, the most useful tool you could ask for is a cutthroat flume.

Measure Pipe Flow with Quality Fiberglass Products

To measure pipe flow effectively, you need the right tools, and your best source for equipping your system with excellent fiberglass products is Tracom, FRP. When you work with Tracom, you’ll have access to our vast inventory of water management tools, increasing the overall success of your operation and giving you the peace of mind you need. Contact us today to learn about our products and how we can help you.