Quality Fiberglass Shelters, Flumes, Metering Manholes & Custom Products

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VPC offers a full line of four standard flumes, along with countless custom structures used for open channel flow measurement. Sizes are available to measure everything from an intermittent trickle to a consistent canal. Rather than try to make the flow application fit a particular type of flume, we carefully analyze the parameters so we can select an appropriate flume for the application. Options and modifications are available to ensure that the customer's requirements are fully met, and that additional instruments are easily interfaced with the flumes.

The below descriptions are a brief overview of the characteristics and features of each type of flume. Should you have any questions, or desire further detailed information, please call 888-290-9522.

Fiberglass Flumes GSA SIN #563 99

Parshall Flumes

Since 1922, the Parshall Flume has been the most widely used type of flume for fixed flow monitoring installations. A special shaped open channel flow section can be installed in a ditch or canal to measure the flow rate. Parshall Flumes are sized by throat width, and conform to standardized dimensions published in the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation.

CHARCTERISTICS:

• Wide flow ranges

• Resistance to submersion

• Simple to calibrate

Palmer Bowlus Flumes

The Palmer Bowlus metering flume has been widely used for measuring water and wastewater in open channels or pipelines that are not under any pressure. This flume is normally installed in a "U" shaped channel fed by a pipeline such as storm drains and sewers. This convenient flume requires little redesign or special modification of circular conduits for installation.

CHARCTERISTICS:

• Measurement accuracy

• Low head loss

• Minimum flow restriction

• Ease of installation in pipelines

Trapezoidal Flumes

All trapezoidal flumes exhibit similar flow characteristics, and have application advantages over other flumes and weirs.

CHARCTERISTICS:

• Flat bottom from entrance to exit for better head conversion.

• Do not require a free-fall discharge to operate correctly.

• Staff gage and instrument mounting brackets located within flume and factory installed.

• Natural shape of flume mimics many earthen and concrete-lined ditches.

• Flat floor and sloping wall allows solids to pass through throat without being trapped.

H Flumes

Originally developed to measure agricultural water runoff, H flumes have a "V" shaped design that allows for measurement of a wide flow range. Additionally, H flumes are used to measure irrigation water, snow melt, holding pond overflow, industrial process discharge, as well as sanitary and storm sewer discharge.

Model HS flumes are designed for the measurement of very small flows with a high degree of accuracy. Model HL flumes are designed to handle very large flows.