Dam Safety Monitoring Equipment —— Weir Flow Meter

A weir flow meter is an instrument used to measure the seepage flow of dams, providing critical data for evaluating dam safety by accurately determining the volume of seepage water.

The working principle of a weir flow meter is based on fluid mechanics. A specially designed weir is installed at an appropriate location downstream of the dam. When water flows through the weir, the flow rate can be accurately calculated according to the weir's shape, dimensions, water level height, and specific formulas. Common types of weirs include triangular weirs, trapezoidal weirs, and rectangular weirs, each suitable for different flow ranges and measurement accuracy requirements. Triangular weirs are ideal for small flow measurements due to the stable relationship between water level and flow rate, ensuring high accuracy. Trapezoidal and rectangular weirs, meanwhile, are suitable for larger flow measurements.

Seepage in dams is a natural phenomenon during operation, but abnormal changes in seepage flow may indicate potential safety hazards. When issues such as internal cracks or damage to the anti-seepage structure occur, the seepage flow will significantly increase. The weir flow meter enables real-time and continuous monitoring of dam seepage flow. If the flow exceeds the normal range, the monitoring system will issue an immediate warning. By analyzing the monitoring data from the weir flow meter, staff can determine whether the dam's seepage status is normal and further assess the dam's safety. For example, during the rainy season or high-water-level operation, changes in data from the weir flow meter can help analyze whether the dam's anti-seepage performance has been affected or if there is an expansion of seepage channels, allowing timely measures such as reinforcement and anti-seepage treatment to prevent serious accidents like dam collapse.