Flumes are a primary option in almost all flow management operations. They come in a wide range of styles and sizes to fit most systems. The biggest choice to make when it comes to a flume for your system is whether to go with a short-or long-throated version. Both carry advantages, but you’ll need to consider the nature of the operation in question to choose the right one. Check out some information to help you decide whether a long-throated flume or a short-throated flume is the proper device to install for your system
A Lack of Long-Throat Standardization
While short-throat flumes do come in standardized sizes, allowing for a sort of plug-and-play operation, there is no such standardization among various types of long-throat flumes. What this means is, each flume you install is going to have a different flow equation. This means you will have to be sure that any operator is acquainted with the individual equation for every individual flume throughout the system.
On the other hand, this lack of standardization allows you to create a custom fit for every specific system application. When you choose a long-throat flume, you can ensure that it fits perfectly within the channel, allowing you to manage the flow precisely.
Accuracy Matters
In many ways, of course, this lack of standardization is what makes long-throat flumes an ideal choice for many operations. This is because accuracy matters, arguably more than any other factor, and long throated flumes tend to be as accurate as it gets since they are so supremely customizable.
Short-throated flumes also tend to be more susceptible to issues related to submergence than long-throated flumes are. That means your short-throated flume can see decreased accuracy when subjected to submergence, as in many downstream situations. Long-throated flumes, on the other hand, have a greater resistance to submergence, so they retain their accuracy better.
Are Short-Throated Flumes Better in Any Way?
Every system is unique, and there can be some situations where short-throated flumes are a better situation. If you have a basic system that just needs a one-and-done solution, has a standardized need, and isn’t going to be subject to a lot of submerged flow, a short-throated flume can sometimes be a better solution.
These not only give you a quick fit, but they also provide standardized flow equations so your operators won’t need to learn and track different numbers. They will perform well and are ideal for standardized operations that don’t require much in the way of custom measurements. This is very typical of many industrial applications, and in these situations, a short-throated flume can be a better choice.
Let Tracom Be Your Guide
Tracom is an expert producer of both long and short-throated flumes to help you with a range of open channel flow application needs. If you’re not sure which variety would be correct for your operation, we can help. We provide the highest-quality fiberglass flumes, and we can offer you the knowledge and experience to help you make the right choice. Just reach out to us today to request a flume quote and get to know more about our complete line of flow management FRP products.
