BS ISO 8368:2019

What is ISO 8368 - Flow measurements in open channels for hydrometric determinations about? 

ISO 8368 is a safety standard on flow measurements in open channels using structures for Hydrometric determinations. 

ISO 8368 gives guidelines for selecting a particular type of flow measuring structure for measuring liquid flow in an open channel. ISO 8368 describes how the individual structures function in simple non-technical terms and sets out the factors and parameters to take into account in order to make an informed decision on which type of structure to use. 

Values of the relevant parameters describing the limitations and uncertainty involved in the use of these structures are given in ISO 8368. 

NOTE: ISO 8368 does not cover: 

• The detailed hydraulics of operation of each type of structure 
• The detailed civil engineering requirements to be met during its construction 

Who is ISO 8368 - Flow measurements in open channels for hydrometric determinations for?  

ISO 8368 on flow measurements in open channels is relevant to: 

• Hydrologists 
• Government-sponsored environmental protection agencies 
• Water resources management 
• Research laboratories 

Why should you use ISO 8368 - Flow measurements in open channels for hydrometric determinations? 

Flow measuring structures are used worldwide to measure liquid flow in artificial channels in water treatment facilities, research laboratories, and natural watercourses. 

The number of weirs and structures found in the artificial environment far exceeds the number of those found in the field. The flow information is used by government-sponsored environmental protection agencies that manage the natural water resources in a country or region and enforce environmental legislation. ISO 8368 is intended to maintain and preserve water quantity and quality in the natural environment. Flow measuring structures can be installed by any interested party or user. This could be an environmental protection agency or private operators, such as a commercial organization or an individual. The user is therefore faced with the choice of which form of measuring structure to install. ISO 8368 gives advice on which type of structure is the most appropriate to satisfy the needs of the application, within all other relevant constraints and limitations.  

Overall, ISO 8368 is useful as it gives technical detail on each type of structure that is, by intention, couched in simple terms. ISO 8368 makes it so that even the non-specialist user can gain an understanding of what is involved in the selection and installation of flow measuring structures, without the need for in-depth knowledge of fluid hydraulics. 

What’s changed since the last update? 

BS ISO 8368:2019 supersedes BS ISO 8368:1999, which is withdrawn. 

BS ISO 8368:2019 replaces the second edition (ISO 8368:1999), which has been technically revised. 

The main changes from the previous edition are: 

• The list of types of the structure included in the text has been reviewed and the details of any structure that is no longer recommended for use have been removed 
• The technical details of all structures included in the text have been reviewed and updated where necessary 
• Greater detail has been given to the considerations needed when evaluating the whole life cost of a structure 
• Greater detail has also been given to the considerations needed when evaluating the impact of a structure on the environment, and the natural processes occurring in the channel