Parshall flumes flow rate uncertainty including contributions of the model parameters and correlation effects

Abstract

This study addresses the uncertainty evaluation of the flow rate measured through the use of Parshall flumes, describing the measurement principle, method and related mathematical models and uncertainty sources. Based on experimental data obtained from an open channel in a waste water facility, the flow rate measurement uncertainty was calculated using a Monte Carlo Method. The performed numerical simulations were focused on three measurement approaches, namely, the use of fixed or variable model parameters and the correlation between them. The obtained results showed significant relative differences (up to 12%) within the studied cases.

Keywords

• Parshall flume
• Flow rate
• Measurement uncertainty
• Correlation