Protecting Your Flume From Plant Matter

A flume is the perfect tool for measuring flow outdoors, but there are several factors that you must consider to make sure that your flume functions the right way. For instance, depending on your installation site, your flume may be surrounded by vegetative growth, which can easily interfere with your device’s performance.

Plant matter can impact your flume throughout the year, but with the right plan in place, you should be able to make sure that your tool functions correctly regardless of the setting. Discover a few things you should know about plant matter and flumes, as well as other outdoor stressors that can affect your device. 

Getting Your Flume Ready for Spring

Spring can be one of the most beautiful times of the year, thanks to the blooming flowers and green plants, but the season can also wreak havoc on your flume. For instance, during the winter, lower flows are common, which can cause sedimentation in your flume.

In the spring, when the weather gets warmer, seeds in the sediment can begin to grow, and they may eventually block off your flume if not addressed. Before spring arrives, you should examine your outdoor flume and remove any sedimentation. Cleaning will prevent plant matter from blocking the stronger spring flows. 

Leaves in the Summer and Winter

When it comes to plant matter and flumes, the impact of leaves cannot be overstated. During both the summer and autumn, leaves can easily fall from the trees and into your flume, which can pose a number of issues.

For instance, while the leaves themselves can be an issue, falling leaves are also often accompanied by twigs and small branches that can become lodged in your flume and alter the flow profile. If enough leaves and sticks build up in your flume or the downstream channel, they can block the flow and cause water to surge over the sides of your flume or upstream channel.

During the summer and fall seasons, regular flume maintenance is of the utmost importance. Make sure that your operators are periodically inspecting the flume and removing any vegetative debris that may block flow. 

Problems During the Winter

The cold of the winter can also cause several problems with your flume. Many flumes will operate correctly within a certain range of temperatures. If your flume is installed in an area where very low temperatures are common, you may need to install an external heating source to make sure your flume will work.

Winter precipitation such as ice or snow can block a flume just as easily as plant matter, so you’ll need to clean your flume after a storm. Finally, you may need to add support to your flume so that it is not displaced by frost upheaval. 

Buy a Flume

Now that you know more about plant matter and flumes, you should be able to keep your outdoor flow device working well. When you’re ready to buy a flume, you can find the device that’s right for you by shopping with Tracom, FRP.

We manufacture fiberglass flumes in the most popular styles, and we can help you select the device that meets your needs. Contact Tracom today to get started.