Underflow vs Overflow vs Flow-Through Baffles in Weir Boxes

stainless steel weir box with underflow baffle plate - v-notch weir plate - flanges - cleanup couplings For a weir box to provide accurate flow measurement, the flow approaching the weir needs to be well distributed as it enters the weir pool. Unfortunately, weir boxes are usually used to measure flows in gravity pipe systems.

So how do we reconcile these two?

The answer is upstream baffles. Properly configured, baffles slow the flow as it enters the weir box and spreads it evenly across the width of the weir box.

When the flow enters low on the weir box (relative to the weir crest elevation), an overflow baffle is used. Usually when an overflow baffle is used, there is an underflow baffle downstream so that the flow has to rise up before going over the weir crest.

When the flow enters high on the weir box, an underflow baffle is used. A second baffle is not normally used downstream of an underflow baffle as the intent is use the weir pool to dissipate any additional energies / turbulence – and forcing the flow to rise up to go over the weir crest accomplishes this. Additionally, surface turbulence is contained upstream of the weir pool.

surface turbulence dampening with an underflow baffle in a weir box

A side benefit of the underflow baffle is that floating solids can usually be contained upstream of the weir pool – reducing weir crest maintenance.

Occasionally neither of these two baffles are appropriate for a site’s particular requirements. Here flow-through baffles (perforated plates) may be used. The plates – usually used in sets of two or more – help to normalize the velocity profile by forcing flow into parallel lines prior to entering the weir pool.

stainless steel weir box inlet with (2) pipe stubs and perforated baffle plate