In water management operations across the world, the most popular measurement tool is a flume. However, while these tools are commonly used, many people don’t understand the many crucial parts of this complicated device. To get the most out of the flumes in your water management system, it’s important to understand all of the different flume parts and how they work.
Here are a few facts about the parts of a flume, and advice for installing high-quality fiberglass flumes in your water management system.
Bracing
One of the most important parts of the flume is the dimensional bracing. This piece is installed at the top of your flume, and makes sure that the following sections maintain the right dimensions. Without the bracing, the wall of a flume would not stay separated, making this device completely unusable.
Flow Surface and Anchor Clips
The part of the flume that most people are familiar with is the interior flow surface. As you might expect from its name, this is the flume part that is actually in contact with the flow in your system. If you use fiberglass flumes, this part can also be referred to as the gloss surface.
Another important flume part is the anchor clip. These clips help attach the flume to a concrete channel. However, contrary to what you might believe, the anchor clips will not keep the flume in place. Some other security devices, such as sandbags, are needed to accomplish this purpose.
Flanges and Stiffening Ribs
Some parts of the flume are crucial for adding stiffness to the device. For example, two of these pieces are top and end flanges. The top flanges keep the straight edges of your flume rigid, increasing the functionality of your flume. Top flanges can also be used to help with installing a hanging flume.
Stiffening ribs also provide rigidity for your flume. Generally, these pieces are installed on the floor or sides of a flume that are meant to be on flat surfaces. Stiffening ribs are usually constructed using PVC or cardboard. However, it is common to encounter poor bonding when using one of these construction materials.
Flume Exterior
The flume exterior, the outside of the flume, is the simplest piece. The exterior of the flume is where any accessories, such as the anchor clips, are attached. It is also possible for the exterior of the flume to be made in varied styles. For example, the exterior of fiberglass flumes are often patterned, whereas PVC flumes can be smooth.
Examine the Parts of a Flume Yourself
As you can see, the flumes in your water management system include a variety of important parts. Without these pieces, your flume would not function correctly and you would not be able to take the accurate readings your water system needs. Now that you understand the parts of a flume, you need to purchase high-quality flumes for your system from Tracom, FRP.
In the Tracom inventory, you’ll find a wide range of fiberglass water management products, including a gigantic selection of flumes. With Tracom products, your system will have a consistent level of success. Contact Tracom today for more information.