When the Tool and Project Are a Perfect Match

Flumes are well known to be tricky to validate. They’re often too narrow for standard flow gauging devices to measure accurately, which makes getting reliable data a real challenge. When Loren from Landpro called with a flume to validate, we were excited to have the chance to show off our brand new NivuFLow Stick.

With its slim, forward-looking sensor, it fits perfectly into tight channels. Dirk and Loren managed to take five vertical measurements within a 30 cm flume — something that just isn’t possible with bulkier gear. The NivuFlow Stick can operate effectively in very shallow water, 30mm above the sensor face.

Another bonus? You can define bank slope settings, including vertical walls, like we had at this site. (Can you tell we are pretty smitten with our new gear?)

After a training session from Dirk, Loren took a couple of flow measurements. Both came back within a few percent of each other — and aligned closely with the flume’s theoretical rating. A tidy little win, and a solid validation.

The NivuFlow Stick is now part of New Zealand’s rental fleet, ready to take on your next validation or stream gauging project.