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In the first article of this series on Selecting a Primary Device we discussed criteria that can be used to select between a weir and a flume. Now our attention turns to selecting a particular style of weir or flume. The choice of device style is normally dictated by the three…

The selection of a primary device (weir or flume) for a particular open channel flow application typically can be broken down into three decisions: In this series of articles we will discuss each decision and the criteria that can be used to make a selection. In these…

One advantage of using the Parshall flume to measure open channel flow is that the layout and dimensions of the flume are standardized. For the range of sizes normally encountered in the field, the sidewalls heights of Parshall flumes are fixed and are: The exceptions here are…

As populations increase there in an increased need for water conservation and water quality preservation to extend and protect ground and surface water reserves. Yet in many urban areas, considerable amounts of water and fertilizers are used for lawn and landscaping needs.…

The Parshall Flume is the most common type of flume used for monitoring industrial discharges. The ubiquity of the Parshall flume means that it is usually well understood by pretreatment inspectors and industrial users alike – not an insignificant consideration – and is well…

Time and again, we get questions on pipe slope and straight run requirements from customers looking to connect flumes to piping. For flumes with end adapters (Parshall, Palmer Bowlus, HS / H / HL, Trapezoidal, Cutthroat, and Montana), the chart below can serve as a guide.

Part of applying a flume is the selection of one flume type over another. In evaluationg between Parshall and Cutthroat flumes, understand that certain manufactuers / researchers have discourage the use of the Cutthroat flume dues due research related issues.

The H series of flumes have shown themselves to be excellent at monitoring flows in irrigation channels and even industrial discharges. One of the reasons that H flumes work so well is their ability to pass solids. Another advantage of H flumes is their ability to accurately…

From time to time we like to bring you unusual or innovate approaches that customers use in the field.

Periodically we are asked the question: Can Parshall flumes be made out of concrete? The answer is: yes, they can (but they usually aren’t)! The use of concrete in makiing Parshall flumes is limited by a number of factors:

Portland Water Bureau is the municipal water department for the city of Portland in the U.S. state of Oregon. The bureau manages a water supply that comes mainly from the Bull Run River in the foothills of the Cascade Range east of the city and secondarily from the Columbia South…

Historically, flume manufacturers have been like mattress salesmen – they made it difficult to find the information that you need so that you can compare among offerings. Remember that a reputable flume manufacturer provides a mix of good customer service, strong application…

The use of galvanized steel Parshall flumes is common in measuring water rights on irrigation channels. So much so they are almost the default flume / material of construction! In fact, some states specify the use of Parshall flumes by law for certain situations and Dr. Parshall…

Sometimes there is a need to correct for a weir plate cut at an incorrect angle. While other times the flows of a particular site don’t match up well with the flow characteristics of the standard sizes of V-notch weirs. Regardless of the reason, there is a need to be able…

Of all the various sizes of Parshall Flumes that we offer, the 4-inch Parshall flume is one of the most popular. Whether in fiberglass, galvanized, or stainless steel, we get a lot of inquires for this particular size.

One of the problems in applying Trapezoidal flumes has been that many of the flumes lack free-flow equations in the standard (and short) format: found with other popular flumes (the Parshall / Montana in particular).

Since the Parshall flume is the most commonly applied flume in North America and fiberglass the most common material, it is not uncommon when talking with a customer for the first time to be asked: so how much does a fiberglass Parshall flume cost anyway?

In the past, calculating the flow in a submerged Parshall Flume has been difficult. The solutions available were graphs (Robinson, Bureau of Reclamation), limited (size) equations (Wahl), or long, complex equations (ISO 9826:1992). A better solution was needed – one that…

Let’s face it – we are all under pressure to save money and accomplish our jobs at a minimum of cost. In stream gauging, it is tempting to use wood (usually plywood) to make a weir from. Why not? The shape of a weir is deceptively simple - just a notch in an otherwise…

Staff ("Head" or "Level") Gauges provide a quick, visual indication of the level of water in a channel, flume, or weir. Although they should not be solely relied on when more precise level measurement devices are available, staff gauges allow operators to quickly gauge the…