Flumes
Flumes manufactured by Plasti-Fab for measuring the flow of water in open channels.
These flumes are made of fiberglass reinforced polyester (FRP). They are also available in vinylester or Atlac Bisphenol A polyester for extremely severe effluents. Flumes are also available in stainless steel when required. Fire retardants may be added to resin, when required.
Parshall Flumes
The most widely known flume and still the most widely used for permanent installations. Used in monitoring sewage, plant effluent and irrigation water. Available in sizes 1" through 12 foot and with numerous accessories. Flumes are furnished with proper equipment to match your flow meter.
Palmer-Bowlus Flumes
Known almost exclusively in the sanitary field. Becoming widely used for measuring flows in manholes, particularly in present day portable or temporary installations. May be useful in runoff studies because Palmer-Bowlus flumes can be installed in existing culverts, thus reducing installation costs and time. Available in sizes 4" through 60" and larger in a number of versions. Commonly supplied with flow meter accessories and pipe stubs.
H-Flume
Known almost exclusively by agricultural researchers who have used the H-flume to monitor field run-off. The H-flumes have been introduced to the sanitary field by Plasti-Fab to measure effluent or sewage having a very wide range of flow that otherwise would be difficult or impossible in other types of flumes. Also useful as portable flumes for governmental bodies such as the EPA. Available sizes are .5' to 4.5' with capacities from zero to 0.3 CFS and 80 CFS, with special inlet sections and accessories.
Cutthroat Flume
Similar to the Parshall except that the bottom is at the same elevation as the pipe invert through the length of the flume. The cutthroat flume's greatest advantage is in its use where head loss is limited as it can function well at a high degree of submergence. Available on a custom basis in any size desired.
Trapezoidal Flumes
Known almost exclusively to the irrigation people, it has been used to monitor flow in furrows and sloping sided irrigation ditches. At Plasti-Fab, we think there may be good use for the small size Trapezoidal flumes in I and I Studies. They have a V-shaped throat, the bottom of which is at the same elevation as the channel invert thus it is able to produce readings at very low flows without the numerous disadvantages of a V-notch or rectangular weir. Available in six sizes having flow ranges of 0 to 0.07 CFS through 0.03 to 2.5 CFS.
PlastiFab, Inc., 9665 Southwest Tualatin, P.O. Box 100, Tualatin, OR 97062. Tel: 503-692-5460; Fax: 503-692-1145.