Flumes

A flume is an open artificial water channel, in the form of a gravity chute, which leads water from a diversion dam or weir completely aside a natural flow. Often, the flume is an elevated box structure (typically wood) that follows the natural contours of the land. These have been extensively used in hydraulic mining. Can also be used in working placer deposits for gold, tin and other heavy minerals.

They are also used in the transportation of logs in the logging industry, electric power generation and to power various mill operations by the use of a waterwheel.

Types Of Flumes

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. 

Palmer-Bowlus Flumes

Known in the sanitary field where it is widely used for measuring flows in manholes, temporary installations or pipelines. 

Trapezoidal Flumes

Originally an irrigation flume where it has been used to monitor flow in furrows and sloping-sided irrigation ditches. Small size trapezoidal flumes have a v-shaped throat, the bottom of which is at the same elevation as the channel invert - thus able to produce accurate readings at very low flows without the disadvantages of a v-notch or rectangular weir.

     H Flumes

The H-flumes have been introduced to measure effluent, sewage, or storm water having a very wide range of flow that otherwise would be difficult or impossible to measure in other types of flumes. Flume must be installed with a free fall off the end

Cutthroat Flumes

Similar to the Parshall flume except that the bottom is at the same elevation as the channel invert throughout the length of the flume. The cutthroat flume's greatest advantage is in its use where head loss is limited.