Portable, Interchangeable Weir Plates for Earthen Channels

Portable weir plates are a good way to stretch your research dollars. Instead of the traditional approach of having a weir plate custom fabricated for each installation, Openchannelflow has simplified the process by developing a standard weir carrier with four interchangeable weir plates.

portable weir plate carrier with v-notch weir plate mounted

With interchangeable plates, simply embed the carrier into your earthen channel, select the weir that best fits your anticipated flow rate, and begin measuring flow! If you need to go up or down a size, simply unbolt the weir plate from the weir carrier, select one of the other standard weir plates provided, and bolt it on. That’s all there is to it! Swapping out weir plates takes only a minute.

Weir Style	Flow Rates
22 1/2 ° V	3.991 – 67.53 gpm [0.242 – 4.318 L/s]
45° V	8.309 – 143.4 gpm [0.5039 – 9.051 L/s]
90° V	20.07 – 346.5 gpm [1.217 – 21.86 L/s]
12-Inch [30.48 cm] Cipoletti	135.1 – 534.2 gpm [8.196 – 32.40 L/s]

A combination of neoprene gasketing and self-sealing cap screws ensure a watertight seal between the weir plate and carrier to give you maximum accuracy.

Constructed from high strength, corrosion reistant T-304 stainless steel, Openchanneflow portable weir plates are extremely rugges and provide long service lives. When compared to other materials, stainless steel is the clear choice.

intechangeable v-notch and Cipoletti weir plates

Over time wooden weirs will rot, swell, or decay. This is particularly true at the crest of the weir where a wooden weir plate needs to be beveled so that the flow can spring from the weir face. Aluminum, although light, is a relatively soft material and is susceptible to nicks and abrasions along the weir crest. Finally, fiberglass, unless sufficiently reinforced, will want to bow in the direction of the flow – distorting the profile of the weir.