Mini flume
The mini flume is portable and can be set up inside, for example in a classroom or office.
This river flume shows the flow of water in a simple channel, driven by a system of re-circulating pumps. It features scale models of typical engineered structures, including weirs, bridges, culverts and debris screens. Observers can see in real time how these different structures interact with the flow and what happens under flood conditions.
It provides a powerful demonstration of water safety and highlights the risks associated with fast flowing water near weirs and culvert screens. We have also developed some specific learning resources for water safety.
The video is also available in eight separate chapters on our YouTube channel, using these links:
Chapter 3: Bridge pier straight
Chapter 6: Culvert and wing walls
Chapter 7: Culvert and screens
Chapter 8: Vortex control device
Factsheet
Dimensions, demonstration requirements and other vital statistics are available in this factsheet.
Learning resources
Working with schools and other environmental education charities, we have developed a range of freely available resources that can be used to support STEM education and learning activities for all ages in the classroom and the community.
Our learning resources about rivers explore how engineered structures in the river channel affect the flow of water and can impact local flood risk.
Learning resources
Learning Resources: Rivers
Learning resources to help understand how engineered structures in the river channel, like culverts, screens and weirs, affect water flow and local flood risk.
Learning Resources: Catchments
Learning resources to help explore how different landscapes and land uses can affect how water flows and the risk of flooding
Learning Resources: Weather and climate
Learning resources to help understand the principles of weather monitoring, why it’s important and how this links to weather hazards and our changing climate.
Learning Resources: Coasts
Learning resources to help explore how different types and combinations of coastal defences can improve resilience to coastal flood risk and erosion.
