When it comes to flow management and measurements, a flume is the primary device of choice for most operations. While flumes are certainly an excellent option, using a weir for your flow management needs is an equally great choice.
Weirs provide a variety of benefits that many people may not know about, including long-term durability and accuracy. Learning more about this tool will help you decide if it’s the right choice for your operation. Here are some of the reasons that a thin-plate weir is one of the most accurate and dependable flow management devices in the world.
How Weirs Work
Understanding how weirs work is one of the best ways to decide if this tool is the right fit for your operation. Weirs are installed in a flow channel in order to obstruct and then measure the flow. The weir plate includes a notch, known as a crest, over which the flow will spill.
When the flow from the upstream channel spills over the crest into the downstream channel, it is accelerated, and how much the flume accelerates is used to determine the relationship to the rate of flow and the flow level in the upstream channel. Weirs do not have a set point where measurements must be taken, making them one of the most flexible flow management tools you could choose.
How Are Weirs Made?
Now that you know how thin-plate weirs work, it’s time to learn how they are made. First, let’s discuss the materials that can be used to create weirs. Weir plates are typically constructed out of stainless steel, although this is not always the case. For instance, in many circumstances, a weir plate will be installed in a weir box, and both of these items may be constructed from durable fiberglass.
Getting the weir crest right is the most important part of weir construction, regardless of the material used. First, the crest cannot be too thick, as this will interfere with acceleration of the flow. Second, the crest needs to be smooth so that flow can freely spill over the crest.
Are There Any Drawbacks?
There are some limitations to weirs that you should consider before installing this device in your operation. One drawback of weirs is that they shouldn’t be used in applications where the flow contains floating debris, because the debris may end up blocking the weir crest and interfering with flow spillage.
Weirs also have more maintenance needs than other devices. Your operators will need to regularly monitor the crest to make sure it is still smooth and has not suffered any damaged. Additionally, a weir will only function correctly if you maintain a weir pool upstream of the device.
Invest in a Weir
A thin-plate weir is one of the best flow management devices you could use if you value accuracy and reliability. If you’re ready to purchase a weir for your operation, Tracom, FRP is here for you.
We manufacturer weir boxes that are perfect for measuring flow in a variety of applications, and we also offer a number of accessories that can improve the utility of your device. Contact Tracom today for more information about our weir boxes.
