If you’re thinking about using a weir to fulfill your flow management needs, there are several crucial decisions you will need to make. However, your most important choice is what material you will use for your weir plate.
While there are a variety of materials you could have your weir plate made from, not all materials are created equal, and picking the wrong material for your system can be disastrous. Learning about a few of your different material options is the best way to make sure you get the right weir plate for you. Here are a few of the most common weir plate materials and some advice for picking the right option for your water management needs
Can You Use Wood?
One of the many questions people have about weir plates is if it’s possible to construct these devices out of wood. Although you can absolutely construct a weir plate out of plywood, this material poses several different drawbacks.
For starters, plywood weir plates are often very brittle, meaning they can easily break in systems where the flow is strong. Also, these weir plates have potential to warp when exposed to water for extended periods of time. If you’re set on using a wooden weir plate, you should only do so for a temporary installation.
Galvanized Steel
For operations that require a more durable option for their weir plate, it’s common to turn to galvanized steel. While this can seem like a good solution, using a galvanized steel weir plate can result in several problems, and may not be the best long-term choice for your flow measurement needs.
Galvanized steel weir plates also will usually include a protective coating. Over time, this coating will wear away, and once it does, the weir crest will be vulnerable to rusting. If rusting occurs, water will not be able to freely spill over the crest, causing inaccurate readings.
Fiberglass Weir Plates
When it commons to weir plate materials, there is virtually no better choice than fiberglass. Fiberglass is an extremely durable material, and is resistant to the forms of damage that plague plywood and galvanized steel.
With a fiberglass weir plate, you will be easily able to take the accurate measurements you need without worrying about your flume being damaged. However, fiberglass weir plates should only be used in applications with clean water. If the water in your system contains a large amount of grit or debris, it can wear away the protective coating of your fiberglass, resulting in damage over time.
Invest in a Weir
If you’re interested in installing a weir plate in your system, it’s important that you choose the right material for your plate. Think about the type of flow in your system, and you should easily be able to pick between the available weir plate materials. When you’re ready to purchase a high-quality fiberglass weir, you need to get in touch with the professionals at Tracom, FRP.
Tracom produces a variety of dependable fiberglass products, including weir boxes that will perfectly fit into your system. Request a quote from us today and learn more about our wide range of outstanding products.
