Weir Corrosion and Stainless Steel

Weirs are often described as “simple” and “low cost” ways of measuring open channel flows and, made of some materials they really are low cost. But this low cost comes at a price.

Steel plate is frequently used to keep costs down and, when it is new, it’s a perfectly acceptable material.

corroded plate steel v-notch weir plate

The problem comes when the plate has been installed for a couple of seasons and surface corrosion, pitting, marks, and scratches on the nappe (flow edge) have occurred.

corroded steel v-notch weir plate measuring storm pipe drainage

Unprotected, the surface becomes rough and the flow over the nappe becomes uneven. Uneven flow means inaccurate flow.

In portable stream gauging applications where the weir is moved from site to site, damage to a steel weir plate accelerates as the plate is installed, removed, and moved around.

Openchannelflow stainless steel v-notch weir plate for the State of California

A better material choice for a weir plate is T-304 stainless steel.

There is no weigh penalty versus steel plate
Processing costs are similar
The nappe requires little in the way of maintenance (other than possibly keeping it clear of vegetative mater)
Should surface damage occur to the nappe, it can be removed without the need to reapply protection to the plate

Stainless steel is such a great material for a weir plate that we use it exclusively for our weir plates, boxes, and channels.

While we like to consider ourselves material agnostic – offering our products in a range of materials – in this case, stainless steel wins hands down!