The Parshall Flume

181

of flume, the effect of velocity of approach is practically elimi

nated.
Because of the accelerated velocity of flow in the up
stream or converging

section of the flume, sand or silt deposits

which would otherwise affect the accuracy of measurement will

not accumulate.
This type of measuring device has been calibrated for sizes
ranging in throat width from 3 inches to 40 feet, to accommo
date flows as little as .03 sec. feet as a minimum through a
3-inch throat to as much as 2,000 sec. feet at an Ha gage depth
of 5.05 feet through the 40-foot flume.
The Parshall measuring flume has found wide application in
irrigation practice for large flumes to measure the flow in canals
and ditches and smaller flumes to measure the water from the
canal to the water user. Also the device has been found to be a
practical means of meeting measuring problems in the field of
sanitary engineering as well as adaptable to use in industrial
plants of various kinds.

Design, Installation, and Operation of the

Parshall Flume

It

is,

is not necessary to have a stilling pool in the channel im

mediately upstream from the Parshall flume. It
however,

C,

is

is

is,

quite desirable to have

straight approach channel in order to
provide uniform velocities at the entrance of the flume. That
the location should be in
relatively straight section of
channel, accessible from the standpoint of construction and
reasonably close to the point of diversion in event regulation
necessary to maintain the proper delivery of liquid.
The device
a self-contained unit and may be constructed
either of concrete, wood, or sheet metal. Dimensions should be
in accordance with table B, p. 183 or table
p. 185.
The setting of the crest elevation of the flume in relation to
the bed of the channel requires study in order to keep the loss of
head at
minimum and yet insure that the flow readings will
not be affected by submergence. Two essential factors should
be known within reasonable limits: first, the amount of liquid