What is the primary purpose of a Parshall Flume?

The primary purpose of a Parshall Flume is to measure the flow rate of wastewater. This device is an open channel flow measuring instrument specifically designed to provide accurate flow measurements, especially in wastewater treatment applications. As water flows through the flume, it passes over a specifically designed throat where the flow rate can be determined accurately based on the height of the water rising above this throat (known as the head). The design of the Parshall Flume allows for minimal maintenance and high accuracy, making it highly valuable in wastewater treatment facilities where consistent monitoring of flow rates is crucial for process control and regulatory compliance.

Although measuring temperature, mixing chemicals, and storing wastewater are important aspects of wastewater treatment, they do not relate directly to the function of the Parshall Flume, which is solely focused on flow measurement.