Flumes range from all different shapes and sizes, many of them being developed for very specific water measuring purposes. One flume with a long history of successful usage is the H-flume. For over eighty years the H-flume has been used in a vast array of water management operations to great success, simplifying measurement for systems that utilize free spillage. However, many people are unfamiliar with the history of the H-flume and how they can use it in their system. Read on to learn more about H-flumes and find out how you can install this first-rate flume type by partnering with Tracom for your water management needs.
Development of the H-Flume
Back when most water measurements took place in rural, isolated areas, the H-flume was born. It was designed and manufactured by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the specific purpose of measuring runoff from minor sources. It was called an H-flume because previous flume developments were based on an alphabetized system starting with the letter ‘A’. Unlike other flume types, the H-flume is characterized by a rectangular cross-section and a flat floor, making it especially useful for measuring low flows. Although the H-flume started out with the intent to be used for runoff measurement, it has progressed to more diverse applications.
Three Flume Designs and Various Applications
Expanding from the initial design of the H-flume, three different classes of this flume type were developed to handle different flow types. The standard ‘H’ version is suitable for medium range flows, the ‘HS’ version is designed for low flows and the ‘HL’ version is tailored for the heaviest of water flows. This full range of design is well suited for a number of different water management applications. Most typically, H-flumes are used for irrigation studies, rainwater runoff and stream gauging. As with almost every type of flume, however, H-flumes come with their distinct advantages and drawbacks.
Pros and Cons of this Flume Type
Choosing the right flume type comes down to whether it will benefit your specific water management system, and this is easily gauged by examining a particular flume’s pros and cons. When it comes to H-flumes, the advantages are numerous, but the main ones have to do with convenience and cost. The H-flume’s flat bottom design means that it is largely self-cleaning, reducing maintenance needs. Additionally, compared to other flume types, H-flumes are relatively inexpensive to construct and install. The only real drawback to H-flumes is that it is only suitable for operations where free spillage is guaranteed. Otherwise, measurements at the high end can be inaccurate.
Purchase H-Flumes for Your Operation
For water management operations that measure a broad range of flows and experience free spillage, there is no better flume to use than an H-flume. H-flumes provide accurate measurements for a wide range of flows and are ideally suited for a number of outdoor measurement applications. If you would like to start using H-flumes in your water management operation, there is no better source to acquire them than Tracom. Tracom offers a superb selection of fiberglass water management products and can help your operation install the H-flumes you need to take accurate measurements. Contact Tracom today and shop for the best fiberglass products available.
