An open channel flow can be defined as a fluid flow through an open area, like a stream, or a canal.  Sometimes even with closed pipe flows it is beneficial to pass the flow through an open channel to monitor flow rate and water quality.

Typically flow rates in open channels are measured by passing water over a weir or through a flume.  A weir is a small overflow dam which creates a pool behind it and redirects the flow of water.  Flow rates can be determined by measuring the height of the water flow over the weir notch (the weir in the picture above is the triangular patterned dam, and the notch is the node between the two peaks).  A flume is an artificial channel which uses gravity and free flow pressure to pass water through (the picture below is of a Parshall Flume, which is one of the most widely used flumes).  The flow rate is determined by measuring the speed and height of the water in the channel.

Along with different flume and weir options there are also many different types of measuring devices.  There are Ultrasonic transducers, submerged probes, bubblers, area-velocity flow meters, floats, and differential pressure gauge.  The most commonly used devices are ultrasonic transducers, which use sound waves to determine the speed and height of a fluid flow.  Bubblers are also popular and measure flow by determining the amount of pressure needed to push a bubble into the flow, which is related to the height of the water in the flume.  Below is a photo of a large Parshall flume with an ultrasonic transducer sensor and bracket installed (please also notice the staff gauge featured in last week’s article).

Here at Virtual Polymer Compounds we are experts in the field of open channel flow measurement.  We are here to build a complete one step package for all of your needs.  We have almost every type of flume available for immediate delivery.  Customized packages are designed and built to suit any need or application, and will fit within your budget.  Please call us today for information or to request a free quote!

VPC Fiberglass is here to offer the most durable, economic, and easily installed staff gauges.

Monitoring water levels is a concern in many areas of municipal, agricultural, and natural open flow channels.  Tracking flood levels, monitoring drinking water supply, and determining flow rates all require measuring equipment.

Staff Gauges must be extremely durable to withstand the corrosive effects of water and chemicals.  Oils and sediment can soil wall mounted gauges and make them unreadable.  Our staff gauges are oil and corrosion resistant, and are guaranteed not to chip, crack, or rust.

Staff gauges are available an array of colors and graphics, customized to your specific application.  Our staff gauges easy to mount, with pre-drilled holes to aid in installation. Drilling new holes or cutting the gauge will not affect the integrity of the product.

They are made out of polyester painted aluminum with a black thermoplastic bonded core, coated with an extra 5 mils of clear polyester to provide optimum chemical, abrasion, and UV protection.

Large bold graphics, with the correct background color provide clarity at greater distances, and give optimum contrast.  Staff gauges are available in customizable sizes, up to 12” in width, and they are precision cut for stacking, allowing for almost infinite length.  All of our flumes and metering manholes are available with adhesive backed staff gauges that are installed during manufacturing, so all products are ready for use on arrival.

Other available products are horizontal staff gauges, calipers and measuring tapes.

Please contact us with any questions about staff gauges or flow measurement devices.  VPC Fiberglass is here to help you find the right product for any application.  Please call toll free: 888-290-9522 today and talk to one of our design experts.

What is the problem with cast iron covers?  This traditional choice for manhole covers has a long list of disadvantages and needs to be replaced with something new and ergonomic.  Virtual Polymer Compounds, LLC is here to provide the rapidly changing market with fiberglass manhole covers.

Fiberglass covers are a better choice for many reasons; first of all, they are will not rust or corrode and create a hazardous or noisy situation.  The clanging of a rotten iron cover will disappear from streets.

Fiberglass has a very high strength to weight ratio, which allows a strong fiberglass cover to weigh 80% less than an iron cover.  Heavy iron covers create a hazardous work environment and have been the source of on-the-job injury, such as removal of fingers and toes, crushed limbs, muscular damage.  Fiberglass covers eliminate these problems and lead to a safer working environment.

Fiberglass has no re-sell value, leading to zero thefts.  All covers come with a locking mechanism that will secure the manhole from intrusion.  Iron covers are routinely stolen and sold for their scrap value, which makes owners liable for hazardous street conditions.

Fiberglass has no metallic properties, which include electrical conductivity and interference with radio frequency and telecommunications.  Advanced equipment installed inside manholes can be used remotely without the cover blocking signals and radio waves.

Durable and strong, fiberglass covers are vigorously tested against traffic loading standards, and offer incredible performance in dynamic and static loading.

VPC Fiberglass offers are wide range or manhole cover frame and opening sizes, along with dome covers and rectangular hatches.  Custom design and engineering of manholes and covers are available, please call with any questions.

VPC Fiberglass was contacted recently by a company that needed help in replacing part of their existing handrail system.  This 8’ section of safety handrail needed to be removable so workers could access equipment for maintenance and repair.  After a review of drawings, brackets and discussions with the project manager, VPC was able to come up with a cost effective solution.  The handrail was fabricated precisely to fit on the existing brackets saving both time and money.  The project manager was very impressed with how smooth the installation went saying, “Product arrived to the job site fully assembled allowing a seamless transition.”  He went on to say, “The handrails fit perfectly over the brackets.  This upgrade will be highlighted in our safety meetings and I will recommend that all our facilities consider your handrail system.”  Lightweight and easy to remove, fiberglass handrail can withstand drastic and unpredictable environment challenges.  This handrail meets or exceeds OSHA Safety Standards and will not warp, crack or rust.

VPC Fiberglass can provide design and engineering solutions for any fiberglass handrail system, stairways, ladders, platforms, and walkways.  Call 888-290-9522 today and talk to one of our design experts for your next project!