AF SERIES ADJUST-A-FLUME
Easily
Installed Flume for Flow Measurement
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FEATURES:
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Direct-reading flow rate gauges on the flume side
walls, eliminating the need to carry a book of flow
tables to the field
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Wide flow rate range
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Adjustability to various canal depths.
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Installs into flowing water without significantly
disturbing flow, which greatly reduces the visible
ponding upstream of the measuring device
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On this page:
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Additional Information:
- Product Support
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In today's resource conscious world, accurate
measurement of water consumption is more important
than ever. The Adjust-A-Flume fulfills this vital
need. Manufactured of high quality galvanized steel
for years of trouble-free service, the adjustable
flume is the solution you have been looking for.
Adjust-A-Flume adjustable water flumes are available
in seven standard sizes that meet most applications.
Adjust-A-Flumes are sent unassembled for easy and
economical shipping and handling. The flumes are easy
to assemble in the field, and all bolts, nuts, and
assembly instructions are included.
Unlike other open channel flow flumes currently on the
market, the Adjust-A-Flume has a large, highly visible
gauge mounted on both sides. It can be read easily
from a distance of over 25 feet, facilitating roadside
measurements, making it a simple device to measure
water flow.
Durability
The Adjust-A-Flume is designed with extremely rigid
"flanged" construction. The unit also utilizes heavy
cross bracing. The design allows the installation of
the Adjust-A-Flume in locations with heavy soil
backfill or in concrete channels.
Installation
Installation of the Adjust-A-Flume is quick and
straight forward. Just assure that the flume is level
both end to end and side to side, and that the top of
the fixed frame is 2 to 5 inches above the high water
mark in the canal. Adjust the height of the sill, and
the flume is ready for service. Unlike some other
flume designs, the Adjust-A-Flume does not require
sight surveying, or complicated excavation for proper
and accurate installation.<P< p> Accuracy
Extensive testing and evaluation under field and
laboratory conditions have shown the Adjust-A-Flume
consistently achieves accuracy to within 3%, when
properly installed. The increased flow velocity in
the throat section discourages sediment accumulation
in this important part of the flume. The approach
section near the gauge, while somewhat less
self-cleaning, is tolerant of considerable sediment
accumulation before significantly altering the flume
function. This produces long periods of time between
required cleaning and maintenance.
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By John A. Replogle
Reprinted from the Irrigation Journal
John Replogle is a
research hydraulic engineer with the US Water
Conservation Laboratory, Agricultural Research
Service, USDA.
Irrigation is seen by some as an environmental
disaster to the earth. But placed in perspective with
what might have been, we should remember that
irrigated agriculture grows one-third of the total
crop harvested. This irrigated harvest is produced on
one-sixth of the world's crop land and is worth
one-half of the crop value. Without irrigated
agriculture, expansion of cropped land into humid
areas would have been needed, and it is doubtful that
the rainforests of the world would still exist. Even
with this perspective, we have a long way to go to
really make irrigation as efficient as it needs to be
to continue to outpace the world's population bulge
(expected to peak between 10 and 12 billion people)
and still protect the environments of the world in a
meaningful sense.
The measurement of applied irrigation water is one of
the major links in the efforts to improve irrigation
management to achieve this needed efficiency.
Earthen Canal
Measurements:
Canal flow measurements have been well served by the
development of the long-throated flume. In canal
flows, the water surface drop through a weir of flume
is used to make a flow condition where the upstream
depth indicates flow rate (e.g. gallons per minute).
In practice, for canal measurements, these flumes must
be accurately positioned vertically to cause this
needed water surface drop. If they are too high, the
upstream canal may overflow. If they are too low,
they will simply be a submerged object in the flow and
will not function as a measuring device. This
vertical placement is one of he most important field
decisions and must be competently supervised to avoid
costly refitting or improper function.
Moreover, a common perception by many irrigation water
users is that weirs and flumes significantly and
harmfully restrict flow because of the observed
ponding upstream of the flume or weir. These
perceptions cause opposition to flow measurements and
thwart proper irrigation water management. In
actuality, proper size selection and installation
reduce the possibility that flow is actually being
obstructed.
To address these perceptions and ease the vertical
placement problem of flume installation in earthen
canals, a flow-measuring flume called the
"Adjust-A-Flume" is vertically adjusted after
installation in the field. This vertical adjustment
reduces ponding to the minimum for almost all flow
rates. A mathematical model that was previously
developed allows easy design of many sizes to match a
variety of field situations. The reduction of ponding
makes it more acceptable to users. These devices can
measure flow rates in field ditches, lined and unlined
canals, and sewer flows. Sizes available range from
200 gallons per minute, suitable for an
intermediate-sized supply canal. Canal operators,
researchers, and farm irrigators dealing in water
management and water measurement in canal systems,
both large and small, should find the
Adjust-A-Flume a welcome addition to their group
of flow measurement alternatives.
Advantages of flumes:
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The adjustable flumes cause minimal upstream
ponding, are theoretically-based, computer rated,
and laboratory checked. They are highly accurate,
cost effective, and are flexible in matching site
requirements (Being adaptable to earthen or concrete
lined canals.)
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They offer quick and easy installation in unlined
canals. Sealing against water leakage is easily
accomplished with compacted earth.
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Vertical placement problems are reduced or
eliminated.
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Their operation is generally intuitive and easy for
field technicians to learn. The computer ratings
and design procedures for these flumes are
transparent to the user.
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Because they cause small upstream ponding, usually
less than one inch, they can be used in flatland
farming areas.
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Direct reading sidewall gages eliminates the need to
carry rating tables, or to calculate flow rates.
Gages can usually be read from a vehicle on the
canal bank.
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They can be adapted to changes in canal flow caused
by weed growth or sedimentation in the canal by
simply raising the sill slightly.
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Sediment can be flushed by simply raising the ramp
to allow flow under the sill.
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They can be quickly readjusted when shifted because
of freeze-thaw actions.
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Choosing the correct flume size for your application
is important. We suggest using the smallest size
flume that will accommodate your channel's flow. The
Adjust-A-Flume is available in seven standard sizes,
as shown below.
Please contact us
regarding product availability.
Flow Rate (cfs)
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Shipping Weight
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Part Number
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Price
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0.45 cfs
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23 lbs
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AF0.45
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$260
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2 cfs
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82 lbs
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AF2
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$450
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4 cfs
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102 lbs
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AF4
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$605
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6 cfs
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123 lbs
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AF6
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$700
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We
recommend using the Water Level Logger Flume and
Weir Option with the Adjust-A-Flume.
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Related Products
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RF Ramp Flumes
Fixed ramp flume for measuring water flow. |
$Varies |
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WL15X Water Level
Logger
Submersible pressure transducer and datalogger for
recording water level data. |
$795 |
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