Thin-Plate Weirs for Accurate Flow Measurement 8/1/20, 3)03 PM

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!(/) > Weirs

WEIRS
Weirs are common and simple methods of measuring the
flow of water in open channels. At its simplest, a weir is no
more than an obstruction placed in a channel over which
water flows (unlike flumes
(https://www.openchannelflow.com/flumes) where the water
flows through the structure). Often this flow is over a
specially shaped notch or opening set above the floor of the channel.

Properly size, built, and maintained, a weir can provide inexpensive and accurate flow
measurements.

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Thin-Plate Weirs for Accurate Flow Measurement 8/1/20, 3)03 PM

Openchannelflow o!ers a variety of weirs, including: fixed weir plates

(https://www.openchannelflow.com/weirs/weir-plates), portable weir sets
(https://www.openchannelflow.com/weirs/weir-plates-portable), weir boxes
(https://www.openchannelflow.com/weirs/weir-boxes), weir channels
(https://www.openchannelflow.com/weirs/weir-channels), and weir manholes
(https://www.openchannelflow.com/manholes/packaged-metering-manholes/weir-

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manholes).

us)
Regardless of their configuration, thin-plate weirs must conform to ISO/DIS 1438
Hydrometry – Open Channel Flow Measurement Using Thin-Plate Weirs
(http://www.iso.org/iso/catalogue_detail.htm?csnumber=66463) in their sizing and
application.

Weir Materials
When used as standalone structures, weirs are most commonly made from T-304 stainless
steel (at least the crest over which the water flows). Other materials are prone to lose
dimensional tolerances, swelling, and are susceptible to crest damage.

In weir boxes and channels, while the box / channel material may be something other than
stainless steel (fiberglass is common), the weir plate itself should be stainless steel.

How a Weir Operates

A weir is a fixed obstruction across a channel through over
which flow passes. As the flow passes over the crest
(http://openchannelflow.com/blog/weir-flow-
terminology#crest) and drops into the downstream channel
it is accelerated. As with a flume, this acceleration creates a
known relationship between upstream level and flow rate.

The point of measurement of a thin-plate weir should be at least 3-5 times the maximum
anticipated head (Hmax). This far upstream of the weir plate and the water level is outside
of the drawdown zone nearer to the weir. Like a long-throated flume

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(http://www.usbr.gov/tsc/techreferences/mands/wmm/chap08_08.html), a weir does not

have a fixed point of measurement – anywhere upstream of the drawdown zone is
acceptable.

One drawback to the use of a weir is that the zero reference elevation
(http://openchannelflow.com/blog/weir-flow-terminology#zero-reference-elevation)
from which the level is determined is the lowest point of the weir crest downstream of the
point of measurement.

It is usually simplest to verify / calibrate the level reading of a weir when flow has been
stopped. The water upstream of the weir crest should just touch the crest itself (but not
be lower than the crest elevation).

Weir Construction
In order to allow the nappe (http://openchannelflow.com/blog/weir-flow-
terminology#nappe) (body of water flowing over the weir crest) to spring clear of the
weir crest (http://openchannelflow.com/blog/weir-flow-terminology#crest) (flow edge),
the crest should be no thicker than 3 mm [~1/8-inch] thick. Thicker than this the nappe
may collapse against the downstream face of the weir due to insu"cient aeration (causing
the weir to under-indicate the actual flow rate). Thinner than this and the knife-edge
created will be too di"cult to maintain.

The crest itself must be sharp and burr-free. Rounded edges, like overly thick crests, tend
to allow the nappe to collapse. Flow should always spring clear of the crest

Weir Limitations
As with any open channel primary device, weirs are not suitable for use on pressurized
conduits. Pipes entering a weir pool (http://openchannelflow.com/blog/weir-flow-
terminology#weir-pool) or box (https://www.openchannelflow.com/weirs/weir-
boxes) may run full, but should not be pressurized. Piped flow should be well ba#ed and
the approaching velocity profile well distributed before flow reaches the point of
measurement.

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Weirs should be used with caution on flows with floating trash, debris, or high solids
contents as sedimentation will occur upstream of the weir (raising the weir pool depth)
and debris may cling to the crest of the weir (a!ecting the development of the nappe over
the crest). It should be noted, however, that for dam seepage, the ability to trap solids
upstream is useful in monitoring for breakthrough of the dam structure.

Finally, researchers have recommended that weirs only be used to measure flows at
ordinary temperatures (39 to 86 ºF) [3.9 to 30 ºC]. At the lower temperatures, ice may
begin to form on the crest – greatly a!ecting the flow readings.

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