Open channel: a flow of fluid where there is one free surface present, and the only pressure on it comes from gravity. Read More…

Leading Manufacturers
HydraCheck
West Valley City, UT | 800-316-5342Established in 1990, HydraCheck is the market leader in developing, manufacturing, and selling engineered flow meters. Well known for their modular design, high performance and superior quality, HydraCheck boasts a full line of flow meters and transmitters as well as accessories such as displays, counters and indicators to ensure every customer receives the most suitable flow meter for any application.

RCM Industries, Inc.
Concord, CA | 925-687-8363At RCM Industries, our flow meters are designed to improve productivity, reduce cost, and protect the most sensitive equipment and processes. All flow meters are suitable for measuring water, oil, and most low viscosity liquids, and are available in Monel, stainless steel, and bronze alloys. Since our founding in 1972, we have served industries ranging from pharmaceutical to chemical to food and beverage. No matter what your application, we aim to exceed your expectations.

Sierra Instruments
Monterey, CA | 831-373-0200Sierra manufacturers high performance mass flow meters and controllers for nearly any gas, liquid or steam. Customers choose Sierra when they need an accurate and repeatable flow measurement, short delivery lead times, expert flow advice and long term support. When it matters, choose Sierra. Visit www.sierrainstruments.com.

Blue-White Industries, Ltd.
Huntington Beach, CA | 714-893-8529Blue-White Industries specializes in providing high-quality flowmeters, water flow meters, air flowmeters and ultrasonic flow meters. Our extensive line of flowmeters is sure to meet any requirement you may have. We are committed to ensuring that our customers succeed with our products. For more information, please call or visit our website today!

ERDCO Engineering Corporation
Evanston, IL | 800-553-0550Our flow meters are made from the highest quality materials. We work hard to ensure we use the best materials because we know how important flow regulation is for safety and the effectiveness of your business processes. We work hard to exceed all regulations and requirements for flow meter design, so you never have to worry about the compliance of your supplies. Contact us for more info!

SIKA USA
Sturtevant, WI | 262-886-2695SIKA is a developer and manufacturer of flow control products and a wide variety of other measuring and monitoring systems. Our inventory includes flow sensors, flow meters, flow switches, and many more. We know that flow solutions aren't one-size-fits-all, which is why we provide consultation and flow management solutions that are individualized and customized to your requirements. When you choose SIKA, you will receive efficient, durable products and customer service tailored to your needs.

There are many different types of open channel flow, depending on the environment in which they are found. For example, some have no changes in the depth of liquid where others have a constant, unsteady flow.
Open channel flow meters monitor the relationship between the depth of the liquid and the flow rate. In contrast, most other flowmeters use mass or volumetric data to determine flow rate. In order to do their work, open channel flow meters typically use ultrasonic transducers, pressure sensors, shaft encoders, or special radars that can function in a free surface.
Other types of open channel flow measurement include: area/velocity flow measurement, level to flow measurement (measured at a designated point behind a weir, in a flume, or other hydraulic pumps, using various secondary devices), dye testing (when operators add a known amount of dye (or salt) per unit time to a flow stream. After complete mixing, they measure the concentration; the dilution rate equals the flow rates.), and Acoustic Doppler velocimetry (used to record instantaneous velocity components at a single point with a relatively high frequency, uses the Doppler shift effect to measure the velocity of particles in a remote sampling volume).
Open channel flow meters work where traditional flow meters cannot. Specifically, traditional flow meters cannot work where the top surface of a liquid is exposed to the open air. Most commonly, open channel flow meters are used in water and wastewater industries, as water and wastewater are by and large the most common liquids found in open channel flows. However, they are also popular anywhere open channel flows are found. They can even measure flow in rivers.
Regardless of your exact application, if you seek an open channel flow meter, you need to find a supplier that is knowledgeable on the subject, skilled, and reliable. Find that supplier by browsing the websites of those flow meter manufacturers and distributors that we have listed on our website, and reaching out to one or more of them with your specifications.