Open End Adapters for Flumes

Traditionally end adapters for flume are specially shaped transitions attached to the inlet or outlet of a flume for inline connection with piping. But did you know that end adapters can also be used to transition and condition flows in open channels? Well, they can when they are open at each end.

Parshall flume with standard pipe end adapters (L) and Parshall flume with open end adapters (R)

By removing the vertical wall where the pipe stub, caulking collar, or flange would normally go, the end adapter is opened up to receive flow directly from a channel or stream. The flume retains benefit of flow conditioning that end adapters provide while allowing the flume to be installed in a channel.

Open inlet and outlet end adapters on a 3-inch Parshall flume used to monitor treated industrial effluent

Over the past several years we have seen growing adoption of open flume end adapters primarily at WWTPs, but even in irrigation or natural channel applications we are seeing them being used. Open end adapers are most commonly found on Parshall and Cutthroat flumes, although they are also offered on Montana and Trapezoidal flumes.