process measurement solutions 1234

The Guide
for implementing dependable & accurate open
channel flow measurement
 THE GUIDE

For implementing dependable and accurate

open channel flow measurement

1.0 The Importance of Dependable Flow Measurement

1.1 Environment Agency Requirements
1.2 The Benefits of Open Channel Devices
1.3 BS3680

2.0 A Turnkey Solution from Solartron Mobrey

2.1 Flow Audit Surveys
2.2 Installation
2.3 Certification
2.4 Health and Safety

3.0 Document Examples

3.1 Survey Forms
3.2 Survey Report
3.3 Certificate of Conformity
3.4 Calibration Data and Performance Curves
3.5 Survey Method Statement

4.0 Reference Documents

4.1 Selecting a Flow Specialist
4.2 Reference List – Discharge Flow Compliance Works

5.0 Published Articles

5.1 A benchmark for flow measurement accuracy
5.2 Implementing effluent flow monitoring regulations and guidelines
5.3 Logistics of effluent flow measurement problem solved.
1.0 The Importance of Dependable Flow Measurement

Unreliable flow data can result in inefficient plant operation and unnecessary investment in
plant upgrades. This is particularly true in the case of measurement of industrial and sewage
effluents, yet it is frequently given the least priority and attention.

Flow data obtained from a dependable source, enable plants to be operated in an efficient
manner. By optimising treatment processes, operators can ensure that maximum treatment
capacities are achieved, before additional investment is made. Where it is necessary to
replace or upgrade plant equipment, operating capacities can be specified with confidence.

1.1 Environment Agency Requirements

In addition to providing the plant operator with important information, it is now a legislative
requirement that dischargers maintain accurate flow measurement records. The Environment
Agency is currently implementing a programme, directed at Continuous Sewage and Trade
Dischargers, to ensure accurate flow monitoring is in place, by specific time scales.
The following are extracts from the Environment Agency document, “Procedure for Flow
Measurement of Discharges” (version 4.2 Sept 2000)

“The Aims and Objectives of Flow Measurement

The limits in discharge consents are based on the maximum quantity, or load, of pollutants
that can be allowed in the receiving water. To control load, consents specify limits for flow and
pollutant concentration. Even where the discharge meets the quality limits, the river may be
downgraded by excessive load because the discharge exceeds the consented maximum flow.
It is thus necessary to monitor both the quantity and quality of discharges. The Agency
requires reliable discharge flow data in order to regulate effectively discharges and receiving
water quality. In addition, the Agency requires up to date flow information to plan for future
growth of discharges.

The Water Resources Act 1991 (as amended by the Environment Act 1995) Schedule 10,
paragraphs 3(4) (e) to (g) specifically provides for conditions in consents requiring the
installation, maintenance and testing of meters to measure and record the volume and rate of
discharges. It also allows the Agency to require the discharger to keep records and make
returns. Many existing consents place requirements on the discharger to obtain and provide
such information, as do the standard national consent conditions.

The policy requires the Agency to undertake a programme to insert conditions in consents to
enforce the requirement for self monitoring of flows and reporting results to the Agency in
accordance with a specified timetable. The Agency will also audit the installations and make
provision for checking returns against consent limits and archiving returns for planning and
other purposes. Where necessary the Agency will use Enforcement Notices to carry out this
policy.

Continuous Trade Discharges

On all new and revised consents for trade discharges, the provision and maintenance of
installations to measure and record the rate of flow and cumulative daily volume is essential.
When pollutant concentration limits are imposed by a consent and monitored then it is equally
important to measure effluent flows. Where the maximum daily volume of trade effluent
exceeds 50m3/day and the consent is subject to numeric quality and flow limits, the discharger
will normally be required to install and maintain a permanent flow monitoring installation and
make regular returns to the Agency. If the volume limit is 5 to 50m3/day flumes, v-notch weirs
or other agreed means should be provided to allow the use of flow measurement equipment
when required. The Agency may, exceptionally, require flow measurement structures for trade
flows less than 5 m3/d. In this case the Agency will justify the need.

Continuous Sewage Discharges

Where pollutant concentration limits are imposed by a consent and monitored then it is equally
important to measure effluent flows in order to provide quantitative estimates of the amount of
pollutant materials discharged.

All new and revised consents for continuous sewage discharges exceeding 5m3/day will
require the provision and maintenance of a structure, such as a flume or v-notch weir, where
the rate of flow and cumulative daily volume can be measured and recorded.

At sewage discharges above 5 m3/d, which either have descriptive consent conditions or have
a consented DWF less than 50m3/day, the discharger will provide a flow measuring location.
However, the flow will only need to be monitored by the discharger when requested by the
Agency, or the Agency may install portable flow monitoring equipment when required. If the
Agency's information needs for a discharge in this size range will be satisfied by a simpler
arrangement, then the Agency may allow the use of a simple physical measuring device, such
as a level board and V notch. Here Agency staff on sampling visits will record the flow and the
discharger may be required to keep records. Where an existing STW in this flow range has no
provision for flow monitoring it will not be necessary to modify it solely for that purpose, unless
the Agency specifically requires flow measurement at that site. Flow monitoring should be
provided when the STW is next modified.

At discharges above 250 population equivalent, or have a DWF equal to or greater than 50
m3/day the Agency will normally require the discharger to install and maintain equipment to
measure and record instantaneous and cumulative daily flows. Flow measurement will be a
continuing requirement for all these sites. For those discharges below the population
equivalent thresholds for the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, where the controlled
water quality is not significantly affected by the discharge and previous flow measurement has
shown that the daily volume measurement is less than 80% of the consent limit then, at the
discretion of the Agency, a reduced frequency of flow monitoring may be allowed. The reduced
frequency will require flow measurement by the discharger only during one year in every two
or three. The minimum frequency for flow monitoring will be one year in five. This reduces
monitoring effort for satisfactory discharges, while allowing changes in flow to be monitored. If
the circumstances change then the Agency may require an increased frequency or continuous
monitoring.

Intermittent Discharges
For storm sewage overflows at STWs, the Agency needs to be able to confirm that the flow at
which the storm overflow begins to operate is as required by the consent. As a minimum,
where the overflow is fixed and flows cannot be adjusted, spot checks for consent compliance
may be adequate, subject to Agency agreement. Once confirmed they should be rechecked
from time to time, or when the flows to the works may have changed.

Where the overflow setting can be adjusted, for instance by an adjustable weir plate, a
penstock or by varying pump operation, then ensuring that pass forward flows meet consent
requirements can only be achieved by continuous recording during operation of the overflow.

Flow Meter Specification

The flow measurement and recording systems should be installed to British Standards (e.g.
BS3680) They must be calibrated within predetermined levels of accuracy and the consent
should require a programme of maintenance and checking by the discharger. Continuous
recording devices should have a digital display and a logging capability.
Implementation Timetable
The Agency will monitor implementation of the flow monitoring programme. All sewage works
above UWWTD population equivalent thresholds and all sewage works and other discharges
below those limits that have been identified by the Agency as a priority, should have flow
measurement in place as soon as is practicable. All eligible discharges should have flow
measurement in place by April 2005.

For trade effluents and non-utility STW discharges the Agency will establish a prioritised
programme to require the provision of flow measuring facilities at each discharge. The
Agency’s requirements will be explained to each discharger and an appropriate target date will
be discussed. If the discharger does not agree a target date acceptable to the Agency then the
Agency will set a date and modify the consent accordingly. If the discharger does not
undertake the measures voluntarily then the Agency will require them to do so by an
Enforcement Notice (in accordance with the Agency’s Enforcement Policy).”

Quality Assurance
Flow monitoring should be supported by evidence that the uncertainty of the flow metering
device(s) is no greater than 8% of total daily flow. However, it is recognised that in a few
situations, the flow may fall below the minimum recommended for the device and an
uncertainty of >8% (at 25% of maximum design flow) may be unavoidable.

Implementation Requirements
The Discharger will be responsible for meeting the consent requirements according to the
specifications set by the Agency. The Agency will give advice to Dischargers at their request.
Following completion of the installation, the Discharger will be required to have the site audited
and certified for accuracy by an independent expert. The reports will be returned to the
Agency. The Discharger will prepare a Quality Control Manual for site maintenance, data
collection, validation and supply to the Agency. They will be required to operate in accordance
with the Manual. The Agency will carry out an ongoing programme of inspection and audit of
sites and audit of compliance with the Manual.

The Agency has produced an R&D report that provides requirements for flow measurement
installations for dischargers and audit proposals (R&D Technical Report P150. “Flow
Monitoring of Discharges: An Audit Manual”). This will initially provide the Agency’s
specification for the construction and performance of flow monitoring installations.”
1.2 The Benefits of Open Channel Devices.

Historically, the preferred method of measuring gravity fed effluent flowrates is via an open
channel flow structure, installed in conjunction with a suitable gauged head measurement
device. This still remains the case. Over the years the methods of obtaining gauged head
measurements have changed as technology has advanced, but the primary structures are
essentially unchanged. Consequently the characteristics of this type of device are well
documented and readily verified by competent personnel.

The type of flow structure used is dependent upon many factors, including the fluid conditions,
site hydraulics and the operating flowrates. In the case of a sewage treatment works, a flume
is normally to be found on the works inlet, whilst either a flume or weir is normally used to
monitor final effluent flows.

Reasons why this type of measurement is generally preferred over more sophisticated and
sometimes less expensive methods are:
• The overall simplicity of the devices
• The technology is established and well documented.
• The operation and measurement value can easily be verified
• The ease and hence low cost of maintenance.
Because of these factors the overall cost of ownership becomes comparable with systems that
initially appear less expensive.

1.3 BS3680

When an open channel structure conforms to the requirements of the relevant section BS
3680 Part 4, then its performance can be predicted. If the geometry or operating parameters
fall outside of those laid down in the standard, its’ characteristics cannot be verified without
conducting exhaustive tests.

Since it is imperative that both site operator and the regulative authorities are provided with
valid data, the only acceptable solution is to ensure that structures substantially comply with
the appropriate standard.

Despite its’ importance, recent studies undertaken by several water companies, have
concluded that the majority of their open channel flow structures, used to monitor flow to
treatment and effluent discharges, at waste water treatment works, fail to meet the
requirements of BS3680.

There were a variety of reasons why the structures failed to comply with the standard. These
included:
• Structure sizing incompatible with actual flowrates
• Damaged or bowed flumes and weir plates
• Uneven channel beds
• Poor upstream / downstream conditions
• Instruments calibrated incorrectly
• Sensors located in incorrect positions
2.0 A Turnkey Solution from Solartron Mobrey

Solartron Mobrey are able to provide a complete turnkey service relating to flow measurement
structures.

This service can include:

• Flow audit survey and report on the condition and suitability of existing installations
• Survey and report to recommend the most suitable method of providing a new flow
measurement installation.
• Cost estimates for both new and remedial works.
• All aspects of construction and installation associated with the provision of new structures
or remedial works on existing installations.
• Instrument calibration and commissioning.
• Certification of completed installations to verify compliance.

Solartron Mobrey ultrasonic instruments are widely used within the water industry, but we
recognise that some companies may wish to utilise alternative suppliers; although
disappointing, this is not a problem to our engineers, who are well versed in the installation
and calibration of instruments produced by all current major manufacturers.

2.1 Flow Audit Surveys

A survey consists of three main activities:

1. A visual inspection – which includes: obtaining an understanding of the process,
assessing the operating conditions and effects of any adjacent equipment or pipework,
taking note of ‘scum’ marks which could indicate problematic operating conditions and
noting the overall condition of the structure.
2. An inspection of all critical dimensions – including, all dimensions associated with the
primary structure, structure levels and the position of the gauged head measurement
sensor.
3. An inspection of the head measurement system – including, verification of all
programmed parameters, a calibration check and noting the overall condition of the
system.

Survey findings are recorded on forms, which have been developed to suit the type of
structure.

Following the survey, calculations are carried out to verify geometric compliance and produce
measurement uncertainty curves. The results are reviewed and are combined with the
physical findings of the survey to produce a summarised report.

The equipment use by Solartron Mobrey engineers, whilst carrying out flow audit surveys,
includes the following:
• Calibrated surveyors level, tripod and measuring staff
• Spirit levels
• Purpose made internal callipers
• steel rules and measuring tapes
• Digital camera
• Certified multimeter
• Portable computer
• Personal protection equipment
• Cleaning and sterilisation materials
• Mobile telephone
2.2 Installation

Solartron Mobrey are able to undertake every aspect associated with the construction of open
channel structures and the installation of associated instrumentation, cabling etc. Activities
include:
• Supply of GRP / GRC / PVC flumes and stainless steel weir plates.
• Supply of all instrumentation, calibration reference plates, enclosures, cabling etc.
• All works associated with structure construction / repairs.
• All works associated with instrument installation.
• All works associated with over-pumping, in order to obtain access to the structure.

2.3 Certification

Upon completion of construction / remedial works, the structure is re-surveyed and assuming
all aspects of the installation provide substantial compliance with BS3680, a certificate of
compliance is issued in conjunction with calibration records, performance curves and tables.

2.4 Health and Safety

All site personnel are experienced in the operation and hazards present on sewage and
process plants, and are familiar with the health and hygiene requirements.

The where applicable the site operators Heath & Safety procedure will be adopted. Where
procedures are not available for the activities, Solartron Mobrey procedures will be adopted.

All works are carried out in accordance with previously agreed Method Statements.

Although no entries will be made without prior arrangement, at least one site operative will be
confined space trained. This is considered necessary in order to recognise unidentified
hazards.
 Bestobell Service
Flow Survey - General Information

Customer :
Site Name: Site Code:
Survey by: Date:

Primary Device
Duty: Type: Rectangular flume
Material of construction (PVC, GRP etc)
Visual condition of flume

Visual condition of approach channel

Comment on approach velocity

Details of obstructions < 30 X hmax upstream of flume

Is there a standing wave present in the exit transition of the flume

Details of any obstructions downstream of the flume that could cause drowning

Details of any re-circulation flows being returned upstream of the flume and method of
measurement

Survey Rect Flume (01_01_1).xls Page 1 of 1 pages

 Bestobell Service
Flow Survey - dimensions

Channel and Throat widths 'B' & 'b' (mm)

A
B
1 2 3 4 5 6 C
D

5x'B' 5x'hmax'

Measurement Channel width 'B' Throat width 'b'

height 1 2 3 4 5 6
A
B
C
D
Flume Dimensions Channel dimensions Scum Lines
Approach 'L1' Height Normal
Prismatic 'L' Uninterrupted Approach Maximum
Exit 'L2' Approach / flume offset Roughness
Overall Length Sensor Location
Flume height Distance from flume
Hump height Height from datum

Channel and Flume survey staff readings (mm)

4A 5A 6A

1A 2A 3A 7A

4B 5B 6B

5x'B' 5x'hmax'

Staff Channel levels Flume levels Exit

location 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
A
B
Comments

Survey Rect Flume (01_01_1).xls Page 1 of 2 pages

Bestobell Service
Flow Survey - Instrument details

Manufacturer
Level Sensor Model No Blanking distance mm
Temp Sensor Model No
Controller Model No EPROM No

MSP Par No Others Par Original Calibrated

Description
No Value Value

Secondary Device
Location: Type:
General Condition:

Survey Rect Flume (01_01_1).xls Page 2 of 2 pages

 A Water Company

ABC WWTW

Flow Survey Report

Bestobell Service
Lake View, Cooper Street,
Hazel Grove, Stockport,
Cheshire SK7 4LT
Telephone 0161 483 0931

Example report (01_01_1).xls Page1 of 6

 Bestobell Service
Flow Survey - General Information

Customer : A Water Company

Site Name: ABC WWTW Site Code:
Survey by: Paul Cherry / Shawn Mantle Date: 22-Aug-00

Primary Device
Duty: Flow to Treatment Type: Rectangular Flume
Material of construction (PVC, GRP etc) Concrete flume and channel
General Condition: The approach velocity is smooth and tranquil, albeit the channel and flume are covered with slime. There is a 280mm
high step in the channel, approx 2100mm upstream of the flume. The variance in flume throat width, exceeds both BS3680 and practical
limits. This is largely due to the poor concrete finish at the entry to the throat, and could be rectified.
The level variance in approach channel bed marginally exceed practical limits, whilst the variance in the flume bed is excessive.
The flume discharges correctly with no signs of backing-up or drowning.
This point of measuremnt does not capture storm return flows, which are returned downstream of the flume, into a common wet well. A
separate flowmeter will need to be provided for this.
Consent Discharge Flow Monitoring can be achieved by summating the FTT and the storm return flow
measurements. The storm event setting requires proving, but does not require a logging.

Secondary Device
Location: In control room Type: Warren Jones WJ460
General Condition: The control unit is in reasonable condition and uses both channels - CH1 = Inlet to works,
CH2 = FTT.
The calibrated range of 120l/s is acceptable for the operating conditions, although several programmed
parameters are incorrect.
The gauged head sensor is too close to the flume for BS3680 compliance, and could be lowered to improve
measurement accuracy.
A calibration reference plate is not fitted.
Summary FTT Flume

This structure does not comply with BS3680

For substantial compliance with BS3680, it is recommended
that the FTT flume throat be refurbished to reduce width
variance, and the bed levelled to acceptable limits.
The gauged head sensor requires re-positioning and lowering
for improved accuracy, and a calibration reference plate
installed. The control unit requires re-programming with the
correct parameters.

In order to record the total treated flow, we recommend that an

electromagnetic flowmeter be installed in the 150mm storm Photo Here
return pipeline. The flowrates derived from both this and the
FTT structure should then be summated.

Work required:
* Refurbish flume cheeks / level bed
* Fit calibration reference plate and re-position sensor
* Re-programme control unit
* Install storm return magmeter and chamber
* Verify the storm event flowrate
* Certify the measurement system Storm Return pipeline

Example report (01_01_1).xls Page 2 of 6 pages

 Bestobell Service
Flow Survey - dimensions

Channel and Throat widths 'B' & 'b' (mm)

A
1 2 3 4 5 6
B Max Scum
C Norm scum

5x'B' 5x'hmax' D Base

Measurement Channel width 'B' Throat width 'b'

height 1 2 3 4 5 6
A 603 602 605 311 310 302
B 604 604 605 311 310 302
C 606 604 606 309 309 302
D 606 606 608 309 309 302
Flume Dimensions Channel dimensions Scum Lines
Approach 'L1' 400 Height 1640 Normal 240
Prismatic 'L' 1200 Uninterrupted Approach 6000 Maximum 350
Exit 'L2' 1100 Approach / flume offset 0 Roughness 0.6
Overall Length 2700 Sensor Location Blank Dist 300
Flume height 1640 Distance from flume 670
Hump height 0 Height from datum 1570

Channel and Flume survey staff readings (mm)

4A 5A 6A

1A 2A 3A 7A

4B 5B 6B

5x'B' 5x'hmax'

Staff Channel levels Flume levels Exit

location 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
A 3845 3842 3845 3846 3843 3833 3687
B 3846 3843 3834
Comments

Example report (01_01_1).xls Page 3 of 6 pages

Bestobell Service
Flow Survey - Instrument details

Manufacturer Warren Jones

Level Sensor Model No Blanking distance 300 mm
Temp Sensor Model No
Controller Model No WJ460 EPROM No

MSP Par No Others Par Original Calibrated

Description
No Value Value
Displayed value
'b' 300
L 1200
'B' 602
ks 1
Q max 120
h max 387
Pulse 0
Units Lit/sec
Interval 5
Average 180

Example report (01_01_1).xls Page 4 of 6 pages

Bestobell Service
Flow Survey - Conformance / Uncertainty Data

BS3680 Conformance (Limits)

minimum "b" shall be > 100mm 302 <PASS>
hmax/b shall be < 3 1.26 <PASS>
hmax/L shall be < 0.67 0.32 <PASS>
bhmax/B(hmax+p) shall be < 0.7 0.51 <PASS>
Throat * Width < 3.07 4.50 <FAIL>
Variations * Transv < 1.00 0.50 <PASS> * Longt < 1.20 6.50 <FAIL>
Approach level varn. < 1.94 2.00 <FAIL> * The maximum acceptable dimensional
variance is indicative of practical limits, and
Sensor location at 3 to 4 hmax (mm) 670 <FAIL> exceeds the variance limits stated within
6000 <PASS> paragraph 6.3.3 of BS3680 Part 4C
Uninterupted approach (mm)
Calculation data
Channel Width "B" (mm) 605 Roughness "k" (mm) 0.6
Throat Width "b" (mm) 307 Mean fluid temp (oC) 15
Throat Length "L" (mm) 1200 ∆r (measurement error ) % 0.5
Hump Height "p" (mm) 0 Error in Flow calculation % 0.3
Flume Depth "H" (mm) 1640 Uncertainty in zero datum (mm) 1.0
Range to target (mm) 1183 Uncertainty @ Qmax 4.33%
Sensor height (mm) 1570 Uncertainty @ 25 % of Qmax
Maximum head "h" (mm) 387 Estimate of Normal Flowrate (l/s)
Estimated uncertainties assuming substantial compliance with BS3680
Head Flow Flow Flow eh CD CV % of Error X
(mm) (Lit/sec) (M3/hr) (ML/D) (mm) Flow % +/-
0.0 0.00 0.00 0.00
19.4 1.07 3.86 0.09 7.75 0.7309 1.0404 0.9% 61.04%
38.7 3.55 12.78 0.31 7.66 0.8482 1.0503 2.8% 30.39%
58.1 6.68 24.06 0.58 7.56 0.8679 1.0519 5.3% 20.31%
77.4 10.49 37.75 0.91 7.46 0.8834 1.0532 8.4% 15.31%
96.8 14.88 53.55 1.29 7.37 0.8959 1.0542 11.8% 12.35%
116.1 19.76 71.15 1.71 7.27 0.9047 1.0550 15.7% 10.40%
135.5 25.11 90.40 2.17 7.17 0.9117 1.0556 20.0% 9.03%
154.8 30.89 111.20 2.67 7.08 0.9175 1.0561 24.6% 8.03%
174.2 37.05 133.39 3.20 6.98 0.9220 1.0565 29.5% 7.26%
193.5 43.58 156.88 3.77 6.88 0.9256 1.0568 34.7% 6.67%
212.9 50.44 181.60 4.36 6.79 0.9285 1.0571 40.2% 6.19%
232.2 57.64 207.49 4.98 6.69 0.9308 1.0573 45.9% 5.81%
251.6 65.14 234.50 5.63 6.59 0.9329 1.0575 51.9% 5.50%
270.9 72.94 262.59 6.30 6.50 0.9345 1.0576 58.1% 5.24%
290.3 81.03 291.70 7.00 6.40 0.9360 1.0577 64.5% 5.02%
309.6 89.40 321.83 7.72 6.30 0.9373 1.0578 71.2% 4.84%
329.0 98.05 353.00 8.47 6.21 0.9386 1.0579 78.1% 4.68%
348.3 106.97 385.10 9.24 6.11 0.9397 1.0581 85.2% 4.55%
367.7 116.15 418.12 10.03 6.01 0.9407 1.0581 92.5% 4.43%
387.0 125.57 452.04 10.85 5.92 0.9417 1.0582 100.0% 4.33%

Example report (01_01_1).xls Page 5 of 6 pages

Bestobell Service
Discharge / Uncertainty Curves

Stage Discharge Curve

450

400

350
Gauged Head (mm)

300

250

200

150

100

50

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Flow (litres/sec)

Uncertainty Curve

70%

60%

50%
+/- % Uncertainty

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Flow rate (%)

Example report (01_01_1).xls Page 6 of 6 pages

 BESTOBELL
SERVICE
Lake View
Cooper Street
Hazel Grove
Stockport
Cheshire
SK7 4LT
0161 483 0931

CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMITY
Customer name: A Water Company
Site name: ABC WWTW
Site asset code:
Duty: Flow to Treatment
Type of primary device: Concrete Rectangular Flume
Type of secondary device: Warren Jones 460 (Channel 2)
Calibrated range (hmax / flow rate / uncertainty): 380 mm / 120 l/s / 3.50 %
25% calibrated range (h / flowrate / uncertainty): 153.4 mm / 30 l/s / 5.17 %

We hereby certify that on the date of inspection, the above installation

substantially conformed to the appropriate section of BS3680 part 4, subject
to the exclusions / comments below.

Exclusions/comments:

Maintenance: In order to maintain compliance, the operation of head sensing

instrumentation must be checked at regular intervals. The structure must be
regularly inspected and kept clear of silt, debris and biological growth.
(Changes in operating conditions, unauthorised modifications to structures or
adjustments to instrument calibration will invalidate this certificate).

Date of Inspection : 19/12/00

By :

S Mantle
 A Water Company

ABC WWTW

Flow Survey Report

Bestobell Service
Lake View, Cooper Street,
Hazel Grove, Stockport,
Cheshire SK7 4LT
Telephone 0161 483 0931

Example laminate (01_01_1).xls Page1 of 5

 Bestobell Service
Flow Survey - dimensions

Channel and Throat widths 'B' & 'b' (mm)

A
1 2 3 4 5 6
B Max Scum
C Norm scum

5x'B' 5x'hmax' D Base

Measurement Channel width 'B' Throat width 'b'

height 1 2 3 4 5 6
A 603 602 605 305 304 302
B 604 604 605 304 303 302
C 606 604 606 304 302 302
D 606 606 608 303 302 302
Flume Dimensions Channel dimensions Scum Lines
Approach 'L1' 400 Height 1640 Normal
Prismatic 'L' 1200 Uninterrupted Approach 6000 Maximum
Exit 'L2' 1100 Approach / flume offset 0 Roughness 0.6
Overall Length 2700 Sensor Location Blank Dist 250
Flume height 1640 Distance from flume 1380
Hump height 0 Height from datum 816

Channel and Flume survey staff readings (mm)

4A 5A 6A

1A 2A 3A 7A

4B 5B 6B

5x'B' 5x'hmax'

Staff Channel levels Flume levels Exit

location 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
A 3837 3835 3836 3836 3835 3837 3680
B 3836 3835 3836
Comments

Example laminate (01_01_1).xls Page 2 of 5 pages

Bestobell Service
Flow Survey - Conformance / Uncertainty Data

BS3680 Conformance (Limits)

minimum "b" shall be > 100mm 302 <PASS>
hmax/b shall be < 3 1.25 <PASS>
hmax/L shall be < 0.67 0.32 <PASS>
bhmax/B(hmax+p) shall be < 0.7 0.50 <PASS>
Throat * Width < 3.03 1.50 <PASS>
Variations * Transv < 1.00 0.50 <PASS> * Longt < 1.20 1.00 <PASS>
Approach level varn. < 1.90 0.50 <PASS> * The maximum acceptable dimensional
variance is indicative of practical limits, and
Sensor location at 3 to 4 hmax (mm) 1380 <PASS> exceeds the variance limits stated within
6000 <PASS> paragraph 6.3.3 of BS3680 Part 4C
Uninterupted approach (mm)
Calculation data
Channel Width "B" (mm) 605 Roughness "k" (mm) 0.6
Throat Width "b" (mm) 303 Mean fluid temp (oC) 15
Throat Length "L" (mm) 1200 ∆r (measurement error ) % 0.52
Hump Height "p" (mm) 0 Error in Flow calculation % 0.3
Flume Depth "H" (mm) 1640 Uncertainty in zero datum (mm) 1.0
Range to target (mm) 436 Uncertainty @ Qmax 3.50%
Sensor height (mm) 816 Uncertainty @ 25 % of Qmax 5.17%
Maximum head "h" (mm) 380 Estimate of Normal Flowrate (l/s)
Calculated Uncertainties
Head Flow Flow Flow eh CD CV % of Error X
(mm) (Lit/sec) (M3/hr) (ML/D) (mm) Flow % +/-
0.0 0.00 0.00 0.00
19.0 1.02 3.66 0.09 4.14 0.7238 1.0387 0.8% 34.44%
38.0 3.40 12.24 0.29 4.05 0.8471 1.0488 2.8% 17.21%
57.0 6.40 23.04 0.55 3.95 0.8667 1.0503 5.3% 11.70%
76.0 10.04 36.13 0.87 3.85 0.8819 1.0515 8.3% 9.01%
95.0 14.24 51.27 1.23 3.75 0.8945 1.0525 11.8% 7.43%
114.0 18.92 68.11 1.63 3.65 0.9034 1.0533 15.7% 6.41%
133.0 24.04 86.56 2.08 3.55 0.9106 1.0539 20.0% 5.71%
152.0 29.58 106.47 2.56 3.45 0.9163 1.0544 24.6% 5.20%
171.0 35.48 127.73 3.07 3.35 0.9209 1.0547 29.5% 4.83%
190.0 41.73 150.23 3.61 3.26 0.9245 1.0551 34.7% 4.54%
209.0 48.31 173.92 4.17 3.16 0.9275 1.0553 40.2% 4.32%
228.0 55.20 198.73 4.77 3.06 0.9299 1.0555 45.9% 4.14%
247.0 62.39 224.61 5.39 2.96 0.9320 1.0557 51.9% 4.00%
266.0 69.86 251.51 6.04 2.86 0.9337 1.0558 58.1% 3.89%
285.0 77.61 279.41 6.71 2.76 0.9352 1.0559 64.5% 3.79%
304.0 85.63 308.26 7.40 2.66 0.9364 1.0560 71.2% 3.72%
323.0 93.92 338.11 8.11 2.56 0.9377 1.0562 78.1% 3.65%
342.0 102.46 368.87 8.85 2.46 0.9389 1.0563 85.2% 3.59%
361.0 111.25 400.51 9.61 2.37 0.9399 1.0563 92.5% 3.54%
380.0 120.28 433.00 10.39 2.27 0.9409 1.0564 100.0% 3.50%

Example laminate (01_01_1).xls Page 3 of 5 pages

Bestobell Service
Discharge / Uncertainty Curves

Stage Discharge Curve

400

350
Gauged Head (mm)

300

250

200

150

100

50

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Flow (litres/sec)

Uncertainty Curve

40%

30%
+/- % Uncertainty

20%

10%

0%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Flow rate (%)

Example laminate (01_01_1).xls Page 4 of 5 pages

Bestobell Service
Calibration Data

Customer : A Water Company Date Certified 19/12/00

Site Name: ABC WWTW
Duty: Flow to Treatment

FLUME DETAILS WJ460 CONFIGURATION

CHANNEL 2 PARAMETERS
Channel Width "B" (mm) 605 h-max (mm) 380
Throat Width "b" (mm) 303 q-max (l/s) 120
Throat Length "L" (mm) 1200 Definable Flow Device
Hump Height "p" (mm) 0 h (mm) q (l/s)
Roughness "k" (mm) 0.6 n1 0 0.0
Flume Depth "H" (mm) 1640 n2 38 3.4
Maximum head "h" (mm) 380 n3 76 10.0
Sensor Dead Band (mm) 250 n4 114 18.9
Sensor height (mm) 816 n5 152 29.6
n6 190 41.7
Uncertainty at Max Flow 3.50% n7 228 55.2
Uncertainty at 75% 3.68% n8 266 69.9
Uncertainty at 50% 4.04% n9 304 85.6
Uncertainty at 25% 5.17% n10 342 102.5
n11 380 120.3
Ref. Target readings Maximum Minimum Output range (mA) 4 to 20
Target height (m) 0.432 0.428 4 mA output (l/s) 0
Flow Reading (l/s) N/A N/A 20 mA output (l/s) 120.3
Flow units l/s
3
FLOW CALCULATION Volume Units M
Interval 5
Head (mm) CD CV Flow (l/s) mA o/p Average 180
19.0 0.7238 1.0387 1.02 4.14
38.0 0.8471 1.0488 3.40 4.45
57.0 0.8667 1.0503 6.40 4.85
76.0 0.8819 1.0515 10.0 5.33
95.0 0.8945 1.0525 14.2 5.89
114.0 0.9034 1.0533 18.9 6.52
133.0 0.9106 1.0539 24.0 7.20
152.0 0.9163 1.0544 29.6 7.93
171.0 0.9209 1.0547 35.5 8.72
190.0 0.9245 1.0551 41.7 9.55
209.0 0.9275 1.0553 48.3 10.43
228.0 0.9299 1.0555 55.2 11.34
247.0 0.9320 1.0557 62.4 12.30
266.0 0.9337 1.0558 69.9 13.29
285.0 0.9352 1.0559 77.6 14.32
304.0 0.9364 1.0560 85.6 15.39
323.0 0.9377 1.0562 93.9 16.49
342.0 0.9389 1.0563 102 17.63
361.0 0.9399 1.0563 111 18.80
380.0 0.9409 1.0564 120 20.00
 Bestobell Service
Client A Water Company
Method Statement for Open Channel Flow Structure Survey Page 1 of 3

1. Scope of Work

1.1. Assessment of open channel flow monitoring facilities, for conformance with British
Standard 3680

2. Health and Safety

2.1. All works will be carried out in general accordance with the site owners’ Heath & Safety
procedures.

2.2. Authorisation / permits shall be obtained from the site owner prior to site entry.

2.3. BSCL / Mobrey operatives SHALL NOT ENTER any category of CONFINED SPACE
without specific written authorisation. If arrangements have not been made prior to the
survey visit, with the appropriate safety procedures in place, structure details / dimensions
must be obtained from existing documentation.

2.4. BSCL / Mobrey operatives SHALL NOT carry out detailed inspection / measurement of
structures, where it is considered dangerous to do so. eg wide / deep / fast flowing
channels. If arrangements have not been made prior to the survey visit, with the
appropriate safety procedures in place, structure details / dimensions must be obtained
from existing documentation.

2.5. BSCL / Mobrey operatives SHALL NOT carry out any changes to calibration parameters
without having obtained permission from the appropriate responsible person.

3. Method

3.1. Visually inspect the primary device, observing:

a. Whether critical conditions exist, presence of a standing wave
b. General condition of the structure
c. Approach velocity, surface conditions, scum marks
d. Location of penstocks, bends, recirculation pipework, grit deposition

3.2. Photograph and sketch the main features of the installation

3.3. Measure all critical dimensions and levels of the structure, recording the results on the
appropriate survey record sheets. (See paragraphs 2.3 & 2..4)

3.4. Visually inspect the secondary device, noting location and condition

3.5. Interrogate the secondary device noting all calibration parameters.

3.6. Where the installation substantially conforms to the appropriate section of BS 3680
prepare certification documentation noting any reservations and recommendations which
would result in an improved measurement accuracy

3.7. Where the installation fails to comply with the appropriate section of BS 3680 prepare a
report identifying the reasons for none compliance and provide an overview of
recommended remedial works.

Example Survey Method (01_01_1).doc Page 1 of 3

 Bestobell Service
Client A Water Company
Method Statement for Open Channel Flow Structure Survey Page 2 of 3

4. Programme of Work

4.1. The work shall generally be carried out in accordance an agreed programme. All work will
be carried out on weekdays between the hours of 8.00 and 18.00

5. Personnel

5.1. The name(s) of the assigned engineer(s) and mobile telephone number will be notified at
the time of arranging the survey

5.2. All personnel employed on the surveys are experienced in the operation and hazards
present on a sewage treatment plant, will be familiar with the health and hygiene
requirements and Water Company Heath & Safety procedures.

5.3. Although no entries will be made without prior arrangement, at least one of the engineers
will be confined space trained. This is considered necessary in order to recognise
unidentified hazards.

6. Equipment

6.1. The surveying engineer will be equipped with the following:

Calibrated surveyors level, tripod and measuring staff, spirit level, internal callipers, 1m
steel rule and measuring tape
Digital camera
Certified multimeter
Portable computer
Personal protection equipment
Cleaning and sterilisation materials
Mobile telephone

7. Contacts

7.1. All activities will be administered from:

Bestobell Service Co. Limited

Lake View,
Cooper Street,
Hazel Grove,
Stockport
SK7 4LT

Telephone 0161 483 5051 / 0931

Fax 0161 483 4145

7.2. The person responsible for this contract is:

Mr Les Hunter – Contracts Manager (mobile telephone 07768 641558)

Example Survey Method (01_01_1).doc Page 2 of 3

Bestobell Service
Client A Water Company
Method Statement for Open Channel Flow Structure Survey Page 3 of 3

7.3. Normal office hours are 0830 - 1700 Monday to Thursday and 0830 – 1630 Friday

7.4. For both safety and administrative purposes, the survey team shall notify the above office
upon entering and leaving each site

Example Survey Method (01_01_1).doc Page 3 of 3

 Selecting a Flow Specialist

Environment Agency Requirements

The Environment Agency is currently implementing a programme, to ensure that both Sewage and
Trade Dischargers, provide meaningful and dependable discharge flow records to the Agency.
The requirements of this programme are detailed within the Environment Agency document,
“Procedure for Flow Measurement of Discharges” (version 4.2 Sept 2000)

This document states that:

“As soon as practicable after completion of the flow recorder installation the Consent
Holder shall employ an independent expert to certify that the installation complies with the
Agency’s specification. The Consent Holder shall satisfy himself as to the professional
competence of the expert. A copy of the certifier’s report shall be provided to the Agency
when it is available.”

How does a Consent Holder assess the competence of the “expert” ?

Currently, there is no authoritative body, which assesses the competency and provide accreditation
of procedures, for this type of flow specialist. Given the involved nature the work and the level of
expenditure involved, this can mean that the selection and appointment of a flow specialist,
becomes extremely difficult and onerous.

It is important to recognise that the certification of an open channel flow system, involves
verification of all aspects associated with the system. i.e.the suitability of application, the geometry
of the installed structure, the correct installation of the sensor head and the correct calibration of
the recording instrument. There are many companies that have experience in individual aspects of
the system, but few having an established track record, in being able to offer a turnkey capability.

In selecting a Flow Specialist, the Consent Holder should ensure that the following criteria are
satisfied.

The Flow Specialist should be able to demonstrate:

• A practical knowledge in the application of the Environment Agency document, “Procedure

for Flow Measurement of Discharges” (version 4.2 Sept 2000).

• A broad knowledge of the wastewater treatment process, inlet / outlet configurations, re-
circulation practices etc, so as to ensure correct application, and operation of flow
structures.

• Proven, documented procedures, in the practical application of BS3680 open channel flow
structures.

• The ability to provide and substantiate measurement uncertainty data, in accordance with
BS3680, and the requirements of the Environment Agency.

• An in depth capability in the assessment of existing flow structures, providing

recommendations for remedial works / provision of new structures.

• Sufficient practical knowledge to provide recommendations based on the “least cost

option”, in order to fulfil budget, operational and EA requirements.
 • Proven procedures, which ensure that all aspects of Quality and Health and Safety are
maintained in all stages of the surveying, design, supply and installation activities
associated with open channel flow structures.

• The ability to undertake full responsibility for all activities associated with design, supply,
installation, calibration and certification for both remedial works, and provision of new
measurement structures.

• A capability in supporting the variety of instrumentation utilised in both open channel and
closed pipe flow measurement.

• A broad flow application knowledge, to enable alternatives to BS3680 measurement

techniques to be proposed and supported, when considered appropriate.

• Sufficient financial and labour resource, to fulfil the project requirements.

An insight into many of the above requirements can be gained from an accurate assessment of a
company’s past experience, in delivering similar flow related projects.

Solartron Mobrey have been involved with the measurement of flow discharges for over 6 years.
During this period, we have been involved with several Water Companies in the implementation of
their Flow Audit Schemes.
To date we have carried out over 600 flow surveys, and completed remedial works at
approximately 300 sites, of various sizes.
All works have been successfully completed to client satisfaction, and certified to substantially
comply with BS3680, satisfying Environment Agency legislation”.
 Bestobell Service
Reference list – Discharge flow compliance works

Date Customer Contact Value Description

Survey / report / remedial works / certification of
structures at over 200 STW sites. Remedial works
David Tyler
Anglian included: replacement and calibration of instruments
1996-98 01480 £1,500k
Water 323962 (Mobrey, Milltronics & GLI), construction of flume / weir
chambers, installation / replacement of flumes and
weirs, overpumping etc.
Severn Ian Wright
Survey / report / cost estimate of flow structures at 88
1998 Trent 0116 £37k
2340340 STW sites.
Water
Rob Survey / report / certify over 150 flow structures and
1998 - Yorkshire Bainbridge
01756
£95k magmeter installations. Work included calibration
ongoing Water
706857 verification by ‘drop testing’ where necessary.
Chris
Southern Brooks Survey / report / cost estimate of flow structures at 50
1998 01303
£37k
Water WWTW sites.
264124
Clay Cross STW. Works included levelling the approach
Alan and flume, in the flow to works channel. Installation of
Severn
Bramley an MSPLOG system. Installation of a magmeter and
1999 Trent 01283
£47k
penstock to monitor and control flow to treatment,
Water 51255 including chamber construction, pipework modifications
and associated controls.
Replacement of GLI instruments with Mobrey MSP90
Tony Bland
Anglian units, to provide Year 2000 compliance at 11 STW sites.
1999 01842 £15k
Water 725730 Works also included certification of the completed
installation.
Rob Remedial works to flow structures at 5 STW sites. The
Yorkshire Bainbridge works included : replacement and calibration of
1999 01756
£64k
Water instruments, replacement of flumes and weirs,
706857 overpumping etc.
Severn Ray Cox
1999 - Survey / report / cost estimate of flow structures at over
Trent 0121 722 £15k
2000 4496 20 STW sites.
Water
Survey / report on structures at 45 STW sites.
Undertake remedial works at 20 sites including
Steve Riley
1999 - Anglian replacement and calibration of instruments (Mobrey,
01603 £180k
2000 Water 247174 Milltronics & GLI), construction of flume/ weir chambers,
installation / replacement of flumes and weirs,
overpumping etc.
Remedial works to flow structures at 15 WWTW sites,
Ian Derham
1999 - Southern including replacement and calibration of instruments
01962 £295k
2000 Water 716547 (GLI), construction of flume/ weir chambers, installation /
replacement of flumes and weirs, overpumping etc.
Severn
Stephen Remedial works to flow structures at 13 WWTW sites,
Trent
Merchant including replacement and calibration of instruments
2000 Water 0117
£65k
(GLI & Milltronics), installation / replacement of flumes
(Carl Bro) 9232221 and weirs, overpumping etc.
Ian Longreach STW, supply, install and certify new PVC
Thames Simmonds fume within elevated storm overflow channel. Channel
2000 01322
£19k
Water width 1500mm, throat width 1000mm, flow range
220727 2600l/s
Rob Harrogate South STW, replacement of 400l/s FTT
Yorkshire Bainbridge
2000 01756
£25k flume, including levelling of approach and flume beds,
Water
706857 overpumping etc

Page 1 of 2
 Bestobell Service
Reference list – Discharge flow compliance works

Remedial works to flow structures at 16 WWTW sites,

Southern Dave Bone including replacement and calibration of instruments
2000 -
Water 01273 £350k (GLI), construction of magmeter chambers, installation /
ongoing 663277
(Morrisons) replacement of flumes, weirs and magmeters,
overpumping etc.

Page 2 of 2
MM280
rd
Issue date: To Water Services only 3 June 1998

Logistics of Effluent Flow Measurement problem solved

for Southern Water

Bestobell Service (part of the Solartron Mobrey group) has come up with a
cost-effective solution to improve flow measurement at Southern Water’s Peel
Common Waste Water treatment works at Fareham. The company has
successfully installed a new weir plate and associated instrumentation on the
final outflow channel for accurate measurement of the release of treated
wastewater from the works. The works remained operational throughout, and
the installation was carried out in just a few hours, overnight.

Peel Common WWTW is one of the largest treatment works on the South Coast,
serving a population of 240,000. Installation of an outflow measurement weir plate
was carried out as part of Flow Audit and remedial work undertaken by Bestobell for
Southern Water at sites throughout Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

“Our policy is to ensure that final release is being measured and recorded accurately,
in compliance with the Environment Agency Consent to Discharge requirements.
This data is also invaluable for operational and planning reasons,” explains Ian
Derham, of Southern Water’s operational project department who commissioned the
work. “As flow specialists, the Bestobell team was able to propose and carry out
cost-effective, practical solutions to improve our operating standards. Even at Peel
Common, where the scale and nature of the site made it particularly difficult, they
succeeded in providing us with an elegant solution. The alternative may have been
large-scale and very expensive civil work.”

The outflow channel is 4m deep and 2.5m wide and flow rates can be up to 1500
lit/sec. There was no practical means of halting the flow, or of diverting it. “At peak
flow rate the flow would have filled our storm tanks in about two hours flat,” explains
Tony Coles, Site Manager for Southern Water at Peel Common.
The only solution was to over-pump the channel while the work was carried out. This
was further complicated by the fact that the over-pump discharge hoses would have to
cross an access road used regularly by heavy delivery lorries and articulated tankers.
Tony Coles again: “By carrying out the work at night we minimised disruption to site
traffic. It also reduced the likelihood that we would have to deal with peak flows
during the operation.”
Four 12-inch and two 8-inch diesel pumps were used for the over-pumping operation in order
to satisfy the possible maximum flows of 1500 lit/sec. A temporary dam was craned into
positioned across the channel to provide a well for the pump suction hoses. The pumping
equipment was set-up during days preceding the works, and the final discharge hose sections
fitted when the road was closed at 8pm.

Paul Cherry of the Bestobell / Mobrey team remembers: “In the event, there was no rain that
night, so we did not have to cope with maximum flows. The team worked under floodlights and
completed the installation of the weir plate in a matter of hours. By early hours of the morning
the weir was operational, and the road was open again.”

Level measurement at the weir point is provided by an ultrasonic level meter, which is fitted
with a specially modified head verification device, for checking calibration of the meter without
having to go down into the channel.

In addition to the Peel Common project, Bestobell has now completed remedial work on Open
Channel Flow Structures at various other sites on behalf of Southern Water. On completion of
the work, each installation has been certified as being substantially compliant with the
requirements of BS3680.

Ends

For further information contact:

Peta Glenister: Tel: (01753) 534646. Fax: (01753) 823589. email: peta@mobrey.com

Editorial contact:
Rachel Owen, Black & White Technical Marketing Communications, 8 Sceptre House,
57 The Hundred, Romsey SO51 8BZ. Tel: 01794 521156. Fax: 01794 521157.
Email: rachel.blackandwhite@btinternet.com

Solartron Mobrey is one of the world’s largest suppliers of instrumentation for level measurement,
serving markets in 66 countries, through a worldwide network of distributors and agents.

Web site: www.mobrey.com

 1

MM278
st
Issue date: To Water & Waste Treatment only 1 July 1999

Implementing effluent flow monitoring regulations and guidelines

By Alasdair Ward of Solartron Mobrey

• Nearly all the Consent to Discharge orders granted by the Environment Agency
to larger sewage treatment works include a requirement for continuous
monitoring of flow volumes. Although the Agency has not been in a position to
actively enforce this requirement until now, it will begin implementing a new
programme of checks later this year, designed to ensure compliance. In this
article, Alasdair Ward of Solartron Mobrey warns that there is a great deal of
work to be done if the industry is to meet the EA requirements. He calls for
clarification from the Agency on some of the detail, and advocates a more
structured approach to the whole issue of flow auditing and site certification.

The UK enactment of European Directives under the Water Resources Act 1991 and the subsequent
Environment Act 1995 demand that the Environment Agency (EA) achieves certain Water Quality
Objectives. In carrying out this work, and as part of its wider duty to protect the environment, the
Agency requires dischargers to measure and record effluent flows. This requirement is included in
most Consents to Discharge granted by the EA for medium and larger discharges of trade and sewage
effluent.

Until now, Consent to Discharge conditions relating to flow measurement has not been widely
enforced. The Agency has the power for criminal prosecution of non-compliant companies, with the
possibility of significant fines for repeated offences. Under a new policy, the Agency will soon start
to implement a programme of enforcement, designed to ensure compliance among dischargers.
Where Consents already include flow measurement conditions, these will be enforced. Where they do
not, appropriate conditions will be added.

98% of the waste water treatment sites in UK have at least some open channel flow, and for many it is
the primary method of discharge. Hence much of the discussion on the subject of discharge centres
on issues of open channel flow measurement.

As one of the first steps in its programme to ensure compliance, the EA published its Technical Report
P150 Flow Monitoring of Discharges: An Audit Manual* in January 1999. It is based on, and distils the
essential relevant information from the European Directive, and from the British Standard BS3680 Methods
of Measurement of Liquid Flow in Open Channels, which details correct design and use of primary flow
structures such as flumes and weirs. Based on the existing documentation and experimental data, the EA
report has identified a minimum accuracy of ±8% for discharge flow monitoring. Interestingly, early work

1
 2

by Mobrey’s flow audit team in this area indicated that about 90% of all open channel flow structures in
the UK do not meet this 8% accuracy standard. According to the Environment Agency, many sites are
inadvertently sub-standard, and may not even be aware that there is a problem. In other words, if the full
force of the law were to be applied across the UK right now, most operators would be seriously in breach
of the terms of their Consent to Discharge. Typical problems include design inaccuracies, build-up of
deposits over time, inappropriate up- or down-stream flow conditions and incorrectly calibrated secondary
instrumentation.

Technical Report P150 sets out guidelines for the flow audit procedure, and is the document, which will be
used by Agency personnel involved in surveying sites. It is available for companies carrying out their own
flow audits. The Agency will require that dischargers install flow monitoring to the required specification
and have the installation certified by an external body. The Agency will audit a number of installations
each year.

Discrepancies
There is no doubt that Technical Report P150 is a useful, and much needed document, the widespread use
of which is to be encouraged throughout the industry. However, having studied it, the author believes that
there a few discrepancies between it and other standards, which need to be cleared up if confusion is to be
avoided. These discrepancies include:

• In section 2.2.2.7 Construction of the Primary Device, P150 quotes the BS3680 tolerances for flume
construction. In fact these tolerances are almost universally unachievable in practice, and most flow
engineers tend to employ more practical guidelines to ensure accuracy of the flume. According to the
Agency, implementation is being discussed internally at the moment, but it seems likely that, as long
as the overall accuracy of the installation can be shown to be ±8%, these tolerance details will
probably not be enforced.
• In section 2.2.3 Installation Effects, the technical report quotes BS3680 saying that the distance that
should be allowed upstream of a weir is ‘10 times the maximum width of the nappe plus five time the
maximum head’. The report omits to say that this distance is not required by the British Standard if
the approach velocity is negligible. If there is no disturbance to the water, then the upstream distances
are not necessary for accurate measurement.

Despite these discrepancies, the technical report provides the industry with a good starting point. It will
help to clarify thinking on the subject and provides a useful tool for use by discharges and Agency
surveyors. Interestingly, the Agency is apparently considering production of a shorter, less technical
version of the document, aimed at managers and non-technical staff.

Compliance and the case for accreditation

In order to comply with the legislation on effluent discharge, water companies must prove to the EA that
they are monitoring flows adequately. In other words, they must complete a full flow audit, correct any

2
 3

errors and implement a maintenance programme to ensure accuracy is maintained. Importantly, they must
document all of these procedures in a manner suitable for inspection by the EA, in order to prove
compliance.

There are already a few companies – Mobrey being one of them - offering flow auditing and consultancy
for compliance with the new regulations. When work is completed to the required standard, a certificate of
compliance is issued, which can be used as documentation for inspection by the EA. However, since the
EA does not operate an accreditation scheme for bodies carrying out this work, there is no cast iron
guarantee of quality, or that the work will meet EA requirements.

Today the legislation is new and those with the necessary skills and experience to carry out this work are
few, and for the most part, are well known in the industry. However, without proper regulation, there is a
danger of cowboy and / or inexperienced operator’s in the future offering sub-standard ‘compliance’
audits. Flow is a complex subject, but one on which there are vast amounts of experimental data. With the
right knowledge and experience even the most complex flow systems can be fully audited to the required
accuracy.

The publication of Flow Monitoring of Discharges: An Audit Manual is a great first step by the EA in
helping the industry to implement new legislation, but it does not go far enough. There is a strong case for
an accreditation scheme for companies offering consultancy and contract civil work (such as the
Competent Body scheme which authorises test labs to certify compliance with regulations on
electromagnetic compatibility for new products, for the electronics industry). Such a scheme would set
minimum levels of quality and give the industry a practical means of ensuring compliance.

Ends

For further information contact:

Peta Glenister: Tel: (01753) 756600. Fax: (01753) 823589. email: peta@mobrey.com

Editorial contact:
Rachel Owen, Black & White Technical Marketing Communications, 8 Sceptre House,
57 The Hundred, Romsey SO51 8BZ. Tel: 01794 521156. Fax: 01794 521157.
Email: rachel.blackandwhite@btinternet.com

Solartron Mobrey is one of the world’s largest suppliers of instrumentation for level measurement,
serving markets in 66 countries, through a worldwide network of distributors and agents.

Web site: www.mobrey.com