Flume
The WRc flume offers a unique facility for testing equipment and instrumentation in an open channel environment. The flume offers a long working section of channel (over 10m), ensuring flow is fully developed in the test section. Inserts can be installed if a different type of channel is required or in order to purposely disturb the flow.
Flow within the flume can be varied in one of three ways: using the variable speed drive on the pump; using the tilt function (positive and negative gradients); or using the variable weir at the downstream end of the flume.
In addition to highly controllable water depths and speeds, the flume supply tank incorporates a heat exchanger loop, enabling the temperature of the water to be heated or cooled as required. The flow rate is monitored with a calibrated electromagnetic flow meter. Water temperature and depth are also recorded on the dedicated logging system. Glass sides enable flow disturbance effects to be observed visually.