Open Channel Flow Devices FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Open Channel Flow Devices

The open channel flow industry can be a lot more complicated than many people imagine. For instance, there are many flow management devices available, all of which have their strengths and weaknesses. Check out this open channel flow FAQ so that you’ll have the information you need to choose the right flow management device for your operation.

What Open Channel Flow Devices Are Available?

Several types of devices are available that you can use to measure open channel flow. Flumes are typically the most popular choice, as they are available in multiple styles to fit the need of every application. A weir is another versatile flow management device that you could choose. Weirs generally require more maintenance than flumes and are only suitable for a limited number of flow management applications.

What’s the Best Material for a Flume?

If you decide to use a flume in your system, you can have your device constructed from several different materials. Galvanized and stainless steel can be good options in some situations, but they do have certain drawbacks — particularly, a vulnerability to corrosion. Generally, fiberglass is the best material for your flume since it is highly durable and can hold up in both industrial and outdoor flow management applications.

What Types of Accessories Are Available for Flumes?

A wide array of available accessories is one of the main reasons that flumes are so popular for open channel flow management. For example, in industrial applications, flumes can be equipped with piped end connections so that they can receive and discharge piped flow. Flumes can also be equipped with accessories designed to condition the flow in a system, including energy absorbers and tranquilizer racks.

What Are Some of the Drawbacks of Flumes?

While flumes are very versatile devices, they do have some drawbacks to consider. For one, some flumes are extremely vulnerable to solid matter, which means they can easily become clogged. When this occurs, flow can back up in your channel and cause major issues. Some styles of flumes don’t offer standardized sizes, which means you would need to spend money on a custom flume if you need something smaller or larger than the norm.

Are Flumes More Accurate Than Weirs?

Accuracy is key when you’re measuring open channel flow, which means you want to be sure that you invest in the most accurate device possible. In general, flumes are more accurate than weirs and are more familiar to most operators, which makes it easier for operators to take consistent readings. So, if you want to be sure you’re always able to measure flow accurately, installing a flume is an excellent choice.

Purchase a Flow Management Device

After reading this open channel flow FAQ, you should have a better idea of what device is right for your system, and Tracom, FRP is here to make the process of purchasing you flow management device as easy as possible. We offer fiberglass flumes in several versatile styles, as well as dependable weir boxes. Contact Tracom today to get a quote for one of our products or to ask any questions you may have about flow management devices.