Before you can figure out what kind of flume is best for your wastewater flow system, it helps to understand the different sections of a flume and how they work together to provide the accurate flow measurements you need. Here are the most important sections of a flume you need to know about and what they’re used for.
Flume Exterior
When you’re looking for the right flume, the exterior is what you’ll have to consider the most. The exterior’s orientation determines the interior dimensions of the flume, and it helps protect the contents from outside contaminants. To make sure the flume exterior lasts as long as possible, it’s often outfitted with a gel coat to protect it from ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
Interior Flow Surface
Anything the wastewater flow touches in a flume is part of the interior flow surface. This not only includes the floor of the flume, but also the interior walls. To make sure this surface is functioning properly and not interfering with the accuracy of measurements, it should be properly and periodically cleaned. All vegetative growth, debris and scum needs to be removed entirely, as a smooth interior flow surface is essential for maintaining the flume dimensions used in measurement equations.
Dimensional Bracing
The dimensional bracing is usually composed of one or more bars that cross the top of the flume. They’re there to ensure that the proper dimensions of the flume’s throat are maintained by bracing the sidewalls in a particular position. Put simply, they serve the same structural purpose that the interior flow surface does on the bottom of a flume.
Top/End Flanges
Along the straight edges of a flume, you’ll find the flanges. These are where you can run supports through into the ground to help keep the flume stationary. Additionally, these holes can be used for mounting a variety of other components, such as dimensional bracing and accessories including ultrasonic flow meter mounts.
Anchor Clips
An anchor clip is a small component welded to the exterior of a flume that’s typically L-shaped. These angles feature a hole drilled through them and are used to help keep the flume in place throughout the installation process, before the area is filled and secured with concrete. If your flume is small enough, the anchor clips can be used to keep the flume level and secure, though that method isn’t recommended for larger flumes.
Stiffening Ribs
Stiffening ribs are items applied along the sides and floor of a flume to ensure extra protection and rigidity for the flat surfaces. When used with fiberglass flumes, these stiffening ribs are typically laminated over after being secured to the outside. They’re often made from engineered foam, as that’s the easiest substance for fitting a rib to any particular flume size.
If you’re looking to get your hands on a quality flume, look no further than Tracom. Our team can help you design all the sections of a flume to specifically fit your unique flow measurement needs. Take a look through our available flume options, and get in touch with us today to start designing your very own flume.
