Depending on the nature of your water management operation, there may be several factors you need to consider, including the possibility of solid build-up. In certain applications, such as sanitary systems, solid materials in the flow can easily accumulate in the flume, causing blockages that your operators will need to address to keep your system running.
If you want to reduce your operation’s maintenance needs, then the best idea is to choose a flume designed to pass solids easily and effectively. Here is some information to help you choose a flume for solid build-up so that you never have to worry about your operations being interrupted.
Large Solids
Solids building up in your flume can be a big problem, possibly completely blocking your flow and halting your system. If you want to pick a flume that will minimize your solid buildup, the most important factor to consider is the size of the solids in your system.
For example, if the solids in your flow are very large or thick, you’ll need a flume whose throat ramp section is not raised. The throat ramp design in certain flumes, such as the RBC, can cause solids to get stuck. When this occurs, you will need to perform flume maintenance, as these solids aren’t likely to dislodge on their own.
Channeling and Sediment
Many people may not realize that fine sediment is just as dangerous as large solids when it comes to flumes. While large solids are the more immediate threat, fine sediment can be just as big an issue long-term, if not more.
If there is fine sediment in your system, and you use a flume with a long approaching section, the sediment can create channels in your flume, which will interfere with the flow in your system and prevent you from taking accurate measurements.
Solids and Sidewalls
For systems with large debris that is floating on the surface of the flow, the key in choosing a flume for solid build-up is to make certain that the throat of the flume is large enough to accommodate the debris. If the throat in the flume is not particularly wide, then you shouldn’t use vertical sidewalls, as this can easily cause your flume to become clogged.
With floating debris, the best idea is to choose a flume with sidewalls that slope outwards. This will make it easier for the solids to pass through your system and will decrease your chances of a blockage. Trapezoidal flumes, for instance, are especially adept at passing solids.
Pick Your Flume
Choosing a flume for solid build-up is an extremely important decision. Picking the wrong flumes increases the need for regular maintenance and the possibility that your system will be shut down while you deal with blockages. If you’re looking for the perfect flume to help you minimize solid build-up, look no further than the outstanding inventory at Tracom, FRP.
Shopping with Tracom is the easiest way to find the right flume for your system. We provide flumes in multiple styles, including options that are resistant to the risks posed by solids. Request a quote from Tracom today.
