Correcting for Submergence in Thin-Plate Weirs

well aerated free-flow over a thin-plate weir To accurate measure flow, thin-plate weirs are intended to operate under free-flow conditions with the nappe freely spilling over the weir’s crest.

However, there may be occasions when a weir becomes submerged – either through changes or mismanagement of the downstream conditions or settling of the weir. Just like a flume, when weir becomes submerged the discharge at the point of measurement overstates the actual discharge over the weir.

This does not mean that no calculation of the flow rate can be made. Villemonte provides the equation below to correct for submerged conditions:

Villemonte equation for correcting for submergence in thin-plate weirs

Villemonte recommended that h₂ be measured just beyond the turbulence caused by the nappe entering the downstream water's surface, generally 6 to 10-feet [1.83 – 3.05 m] downstream of the weir.

Submerged flow corrections for thin-plate weirs should only be viewed as only a temporary measure to provide an estimate of flow. In the long run, steps should be taken to correct the submergence condition.

These can include:

Cleaning of weeds, sediment, and debris form the downstream channel
Raising the weir crest
Installing a different primary device

Image: The Devon Karst Research Society

Sources: Villemonte, J., Submerged Weir Discharge Studies, Engineering News Record, December 25th, 1947, Ackers, P., White, W., Perkins, A., Harrison, A., Weirs and Flumes for Flow Measurement, 1978