Wall Materials for Diverting Flow into Flumes

The wide flow ranges of H flumes make them ideal candidates for measuring edge-of-field or catchment flows. Likewise, Parshall flumes work well when measuring creeks, streams, rivers, and other watershed contributors. However, when flumes are used to measure flow in channels, catchments, or fields that are wider than the flume itself, flow must first be channeled into the flume or the approach section before it can be measured.

Over the years, our customers have been innovative in their use of different materials for flow collection / diversion into their flumes. We’ve collected photos of those installations, and others, to give you a feel for how this can be inexpensively accomplished in the field. Certainly not every installation will lend itself well to every material, but given the range of materials shown below, we are confident that at least one will work for you.

corrugated metal walls to divert flow into a Parshall flume

packed earth walls directing flow into a H flume

plywood walls directing flow into a h flume measuring edge-of-field flows

sheet metal walls used to direct flow into a h flume measuring edge-of-field flows

rail road tie used to direct flow into a h flume

In addition to the materials shown in these examples, Openchannelflow can also offer fiberglass wing walls – either attached to the flume or shipped loose for field attachment.

fiberglass wing walls directing flow into a cuthroat flume