Bespoke Flumes by Armfield: Tailored Solutions For Research

When it comes to hydraulic and environmental research, one size does not fit all. Every research project has unique requirements, and that’s why Armfield offers bespoke flumes designed specifically to meet the needs of individual institutions and research programmes. With over 50 years of experience, Armfield is the leading name in the design and construction of research and teaching flumes, providing tailored solutions that enable ground-breaking studies in hydrology, coastal erosion, sediment transport, and more.

What Makes Armfield Bespoke Flumes Unique?

While Armfield’s standard range of teaching and research flumes offers impressive flexibility, bespoke flumes go a step further by providing customisable designs that align precisely with your specific research objectives. Our bespoke flume systems are designed with a deep understanding of the complexities involved in hydraulic research, offering a tailored approach that enhances experimental capabilities and accuracy.

With bespoke options, Armfield can create flumes of almost any size and configuration, incorporating features such as specialised wave generation, custom sediment transport systems, and environmental simulation equipment. These systems are not only versatile but also built with cutting-edge technology and precision, ensuring that your research is as accurate and reliable as possible.

Customisation Options for Bespoke Flumes

Bespoke flumes from Armfield can be customised in virtually every aspect, allowing for unparalleled adaptability in both teaching and research environments. Whether you’re investigating the effects of river flow, on sediment transport or simulating coastal erosion under storm conditions, our bespoke flume systems offer everything you need to conduct specialised, high-precision experiments.

Here are some of the customisation options available for bespoke flumes:

1. Wave Generation Systems

Armfield offers advanced wave generation systems for research projects focused on coastal dynamics. Bespoke flumes can also integrate wind simulation to create wind-generated waves, making it possible to study the combined effects of wind and water in coastal environments.

Example Application:
It is mainly used for river and coastal research but has contributed to a wide range of research, ranging from studying sedimentation in the ocean to theorising the formation of hill slopes on Mars..

2. Sediment Transfer and Weighing Systems

Sediment transport plays a vital role in environmental research, particularly in studies of erosion and deposition. Armfield can integrate sophisticated sediment transfer systems into bespoke flumes, including both recirculation and non-recirculation options. Our flumes are equipped with specialised weighing systems that log data in real time, making it easy to track sediment movement and deposition over time.

Example Application:
A bespoke flume developed for a research university included a sediment recirculation system with a separate solids-handling pump that could handle sediment up to 10mm in size. This system allowed the team to simulate sediment transport in river channels, providing insights into erosion patterns under various flow conditions.

3. Wind Simulation Systems

Understanding the interaction between wind and water flow is essential for many hydraulic studies. Armfield offers bespoke flumes equipped with wind simulation systems capable of producing wind speeds in excess of 25 metres per second. These systems are fully integrated with the flume, allowing researchers to combine wind and wave effects for more comprehensive environmental simulations.

Example Application:
A bespoke flume with wind simulation capabilities was designed for a marine research facility to study the combined effects of wind and waves on coastal erosion. The flume incorporated variable-speed fans and a clear cowling, enabling the team to simulate a variety of wind profiles in conjunction with different water flow conditions.

4. Specialised Weir Configurations

Weirs are a critical component in controlling water flow in hydraulic experiments. Armfield bespoke flumes can incorporate a variety of weir options, such as Venetian blind weirs, base hinge weirs, undershot/overshot weirs, and stop log weirs. These custom weir configurations allow for precise control over water height and flow, making them ideal for experiments involving sediment transport, flood simulation, or river dynamics.

Example Application:
A custom flume with a Venetian blind weir was created for a water engineering firm to reduce turbulence and enable smooth sediment transport in their flood simulation experiments. This system provided a stable environment for studying the effects of floods on sediment deposition.

Precision and Automation in Bespoke Flume Design

Automation is a key feature in all Armfield flumes, and our bespoke systems are no exception. Each custom flume is fitted with a PLC control system that automates critical parameters such as flow rate, water depth, and tilt. This level of precision ensures that your experiments are reproducible and data collection is accurate, freeing researchers to focus on their analysis.

Additionally, our bespoke systems can be integrated with Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) technology, allowing for real-time tracking and visualisation of flow dynamics. This advanced feature is invaluable in experiments where understanding the fine details of fluid flow is critical.

End-to-End Service: From Concept to Completion

At Armfield, we pride ourselves on delivering more than just equipment. Our team works closely with clients throughout the entire process, from initial design consultations to installation and commissioning. We provide full support at every stage, ensuring that the bespoke flume system is delivered on time, installed correctly, and operating smoothly.

Our professional service team also provides comprehensive training for your staff, ensuring that you can maximise the capabilities of your new flume system. Whether you need on-site support or remote assistance, Armfield is committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcomes in your research.

FAQs

1. What kind of projects can benefit from bespoke flumes?
Bespoke flumes are ideal for complex research projects that require specific features not available in standard models. Examples include coastal erosion studies, sediment transport experiments, and flood simulations. Armfield can tailor flumes to meet the exact needs of each research project, ensuring that every aspect is optimised for accuracy and efficiency.

2. How are Armfield bespoke flumes customised?
Every component of an Armfield bespoke flume can be customised, including wave generators, sediment handling systems, wind simulation, and weir configurations. We work closely with our clients to design flumes that meet their specific research goals, and we offer a wide range of optional features to enhance experimental capabilities.

3. What support does Armfield offer for bespoke projects?
Armfield provides complete end-to-end support for all bespoke flume projects. From the initial design and consultation phase through to installation, commissioning, and training, our team ensures that your bespoke flume meets your exact specifications. Ongoing maintenance and remote support are also available to ensure that your flume continues to operate at peak efficiency.

4. How does automation improve the precision of bespoke flumes?
Automation allows for precise control over key experimental variables such as flow rate, water depth, and tilt. In a bespoke flume, this can be critical for achieving accurate and repeatable results. Our PLC control systems can also integrate with advanced technologies like PIV, providing real-time visualisation of flow dynamics for more detailed analysis.

Taking the next step

If you’re ready to invest in a bespoke flume system that meets your unique research needs, contact us today. Armfield’s expert team will work with you to design a tailored solution that enhances your research capabilities. Visit our contact page to speak with a specialist and get started on your bespoke project.

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