The most important decision that you can make in your water management operation is which type of flume you will use. While there are several excellent flume choices on the market today, your best option may be an H-flume. The unique shape of an H-flume makes it a great choice for measuring a variety of flow types, and they can also be installed in several different applications.
However, despite their versatility, there are some problems associated with H-flumes, particularly in regard to their maintenance. Before you install this type of flume in your system, you need to learn about the best way to maintain this flow management tool. Here is some information about effective H-flume maintenance, and advice for purchasing this tool for your water management operation from a trusted source.
Flume Floor
There are several advantages that the H-flume has over other types of flumes that you could choose. However, the most distinct feature of this flume is its floor. The floor of an H-flume is almost complete, allowing it to effectively pass settlement, even when the flow in your system is unusually low. This makes it a better choice than Palmer-Bowlus flumes and RBC flumes because they are at risk for sedimentation.
Because H-flumes are so effective at passing solids, they are especially useful for measuring stormwater flows, industrial flows, and any other types of flows that possess solids. However, this doesn’t mean that sedimentation can’t occur in an H-flume. When the flow in your system gets extremely low, some solids may escape the flow and lodge in the throat of the flume. Over time, this can cause your flume to be blocked.
If you’re expecting a large amount of sediments, such as after a heavy storm, you should have your operator check the throat of your H-flume to make sure that it has not been blocked. Periodically cleaning the flume will ensure the accuracy of your readings.
V-Shaped Discharge
Besides the flume floor, the other unique characteristic of the H-flume is its V-shape discharge. While this V-shape allows the H-flume to more effectively manage and measure flow, it also makes it particularly vulnerable to blockage from large solids. This is because the V-notch narrows the closer it gets to the flume floor.
It is extremely common for the discharge in your H-flume to become blocked, particularly when there is a high volume of solids in your flow. Making sure that your discharge stays clear is crucial if you want to maintain the success of your water management operation.
Tools for H-Flume Maintenance
The H-flume is one of the most accurate, effective water management tools that you could use. However, like any tool, your H-flume will need regular maintenance to perform the way that you need. The easiest way to perform H-flume maintenance is to make sure you have the right tools, and your best resource for high-quality water management tools is Tracom, FRP.
At Tracom, our specialty is producing high-quality water management tools, including H-flumes, and we can equip your operation with everything you need for long-term success. Request a quote from Tracom today so that you can purchase the right tools for your operation.
