This website uses a variety of cookies, which you consent to if you continue to use this site. You can read our Privacy Policy for
details about how these cookies are used, and to grant or withdraw your consent for certain types of cookies.
Filter By:
Dimensional Standards
The Trapezoidal Flume has a V-shaped cross-section and flat floor.
When flows are low and flowing through the “point” of the V, a relatively large amount of head (level) is generated, as the crest width of the water is small – providing low flow sensitivity and accuracy.
As the flow increases, the effective crest width increases (the V expands outwards) giving the Trapezoidal Flume the ability to measure higher flows.
The ability to accurately measure low and high flows without the need for a change in channel / floor elevation (e.g. Parshall) or free-spilling discharge (e.g. H Flume) make the Trapezoidal Flume unique.
The dimensions for most Trapezoidal Flumes used today can be found in three publications:
- Robinson, A., Trapezoidal Flumes for Measuring Flows in Irrigation Channels, USDA-ARS 41-140, March 1968
- Robinson, A., Measuring Water in Small Channels with WSC Flume, Washington Agricultural Experiment Station, Circular 200, 1952
- Robinson, A., Water Measurement in Small Irrigation Channel Using Trapezoidal Flumes, Transactions of the ASCE, Vol. 9, No. 3, 1966
The dimensions are Trapezoidal Flumes are not standardized in a national / industry standard as is the case with other flumes (e.g Parshall).
LOCATIONS IN ATLANTA, GA & BOISE, ID