Why Measuring Sanitary Flows is A Problem

Running a water management operation can be extremely complicated, especially if your operation typically deals with sanitary flows. Because sanitary flow almost always features large sediments, it can be hard to take the accurate readings on which your operation depends, particularly if you don’t choose the right measurement tool.

If you need to measure sanitary flows, it’s a good idea to learn about a few of the obstacles of this flow type and. tools you can use to increase your chances of successful measurement. Here are a few of the problems of measuring sanitary flows and advice for choosing the right flow management and measurement tools.

Picking a Primary Device

The most important decision that you can make when you need to measure sanitary flow is what primary device you will use. With sanitary flow, sedimentation is a huge concern, and if you choose the wrong flow management device, it’s likely that your flow will be reduced and your readings will be negatively impacted.

When it comes to measuring sanitary flows, the best choice is usually a Parshall flume. The design of the Parshall flume helps it to more effectively pass solids, lowering your risk of a blockage. While you will still need to have your operators check your flume for signs of blockage, installing a Parshall flume is a good choice.

Why You Can’t Use Stilling Wells

If you choose to install a Parshall flume in your system, you might assume that measuring sanitary flow is as easy as installing a stilling well. While this make sense, as these two devices are frequently used together, a stilling well is a poor choice for measuring sanitary flow, posing several problems of which you need to be aware.

A stilling well is a small chamber that is attached to your primary measuring device through a small, two-inch inlet. In the well, you can measure flow rate without risk of interference that may be occurring in the main flow. While this is a good choice for many systems, a stilling well is not suitable for sanitary flows. As you might imagine, the inlet of the stilling well can easily be clogged with solids, which are a huge concern in sanitary flows.

If you ignore these warnings and choose a stilling well, it’s likely your operators will need to constantly unclog the inlet, costing you time, money, and effort. The best idea to measure sanitary flow is using a visual measurement tool such as a staff gauge. While your gauge will need periodic cleaning, you should be able to take consistently accurate readings.

Tools for Measuring Sanitary Flow

Measuring sanitary flow can be a big problem. Fortunately, if you want to take the accurate readings that you need, you can purchase high-quality flow management tools from Tracom, FRP.

Browsing the Tracom catalogue is the easiest way to find dependable, durable fiberglass products that make measuring flow quick and easy. We offer multiple flume styles, as well as weir boxes, allowing you to purchase the primary flow management devices that meets your needs. Get a quote from Tracom today and buy the tools that you need.