Water rights is among the most important applications for flumes and flow rate measurements. Most municipal governments around the world, including those in North America, require flow measuring devices to be implemented in all water rights flows. One of the best options for these measurements is installing a flume, but you need to make sure that you’re utilizing the right kind. Learn about the top flumes for water rights applications.
Flume Type
The first step is to determine which type of flume would be best for your water rights flow channel conditions. The most common type of flume is the Parshall flume. This flume was originally developed for measuring irrigation flows, and it has undergone significant research into its functionality for more than a century. Parshall flumes feature a notable hourglass design that works to accelerate the flow through the throat to the point of measurement. You’ll find many sizes available as well as equation adjustments in case some problems arise.
The other common type of flume for water rights applications is the cutthroat flume. This flume was originally designed by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Water Resources Research, so it’s specially designed for water rights applications. It can operate in free and submerged flow conditions, and the vertical sidewalls can handle a wide range of flows. Put simply, it’s basically a Parshall flume with the throat section removed, hence the name.
Flume Material
Once you’ve figured out the kind of flume that works best for your water rights channel, you’ll need to determine what kind of material you need to utilize. The most common material is galvanized steel. The most appealing aspect of this material is its initial cost. The material itself is quite affordable compared with other options, but that’s typically where the financial benefits end. You’ll need to consider what gauge of sheet you want to use based on the size of the flume you need. For example, small flumes typically need 14-gauge sheet, while larger flumes need 12-gauge sheet in most cases.
Alternatively, you could opt for fiberglass construction. While fiberglass is a bit more costly in terms of raw materials, it tends to lead to more savings in the long run. Fiberglass is almost half the weight of galvanized steel, so installation tends to be much easier. Additionally, fiberglass flumes are constructed using master molds that are completely seamless, allowing them to be more dimensionally exact. Finally, fiberglass is typically self-cleaning, so you won’t have to perform much maintenance after initial construction.
Flume Size
After you’ve picked the type of flume you need and its construction material, you’ll still need to determine its size. For the most part, it’s generally best to opt for something that’s a bit larger than what your allotted water right is. This is the best way to compensate for peaking factors you may encounter. Even so, it’s common for water rights flumes to have reduced heights compared with other flume applications.
Water Rights Flumes and Tracom
If you’re looking for the top flumes for water rights applications, Tracom has got you covered. You’ll find various styles and materials offered by Tracom, with a wide variety of sizes available as well. You can even work with our design team to customize a flume that fits your unique flow channel conditions. Contact us today to learn more.
