Flume vs. Flue — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 3, 2023
A flume is a man-made channel for water, while a flue is a duct for smoke in a chimney.
Difference Between Flume and Flue
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A flume is an engineered water channel often used in mining, milling, or timber industries to transport water or floating materials. Flumes can also refer to artificial riverbeds in amusement park rides. Conversely, a flue is a structural element found in buildings, specifically within chimneys, to direct combustion byproducts outside.
Flumes are designed to withstand water currents, usually constructed from wood, metal, or concrete. They are critical in hydraulic engineering, redirecting water for irrigation or hydroelectric power generation. Flues, however, are typically made of fire-resistant materials like brick, metal, or ceramic to safely transport hot gases from a fireplace, furnace, boiler, or stove to the outdoors.
In the context of water parks, a flume describes the trough-like structure of a water slide. Riders experience the thrill of a waterborne descent through these flumes. In the context of home heating, the flue is the lifeline of the chimney, ensuring that toxic gases are vented out of living spaces, making it an essential safety feature in homes with fireplaces or gas appliances.
The operation of a flume is visible, with water often rushing along its path, a spectacle sometimes harnessed for educational or entertainment purposes. The function of a flue is mostly invisible to the casual observer, with its work done quietly and efficiently behind the scenes, crucial for maintaining air quality and preventing smoke backdrafts.
Maintenance of a flume includes ensuring it is clear of debris and structurally sound to prevent water loss or environmental damage. Flue maintenance is equally important; it involves regular cleaning to prevent blockages and the dangerous buildup of creosote, which can lead to chimney fires.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Man-made water channel.
Duct for smoke and gases.
Primary Use
Transporting water/materials, amusement rides.
Venting smoke/gases from combustion appliances.
Construction Material
Wood, metal, concrete.
Brick, metal, ceramic.
Visibility
Often outdoors and visible.
Typically concealed within structures.
Maintenance Concerns
Debris removal, structural integrity.
Cleaning to prevent blockages and fire hazards.
Compare with Definitions
Flume
In hydrology, a flume is used for measuring water flow
Researchers placed a flume in the river to gauge its discharge.
Flue
A flue must be properly installed to prevent leaks
The new heating system required a larger flue.
Flume
A flume is a man-made channel that directs water flow
The log ride at the amusement park uses a flume to simulate a river.
Flue
The flue liner protects the masonry from corrosive byproducts
Installing a stainless steel flue liner can extend the life of the chimney.
Flume
A flume can be part of a natural resource extraction process
Gold was historically collected using a flume during the gold rush.
Flue
A flue is a duct for smoke in a chimney
They had to clean the flue to ensure the fireplace worked safely.
Flume
Flumes are used in water management and treatment processes
The engineers designed a flume to control the irrigation of the fields.
Flue
Flues often have dampers to control airflow and draft
He adjusted the flue damper to reduce the smoke in the room.
Flume
Flumes often appear in recreational water slides
Children cheered as they splashed down the flume.
Flue
Flues are integral to the extraction of combustion gases
The furnace relies on a flue to vent gases outside.
Flume
A flume is a human-made channel for water, in the form of an open declined gravity chute whose walls are raised above the surrounding terrain, in contrast to a trench or ditch. Flumes are not to be confused with aqueducts, which are built to transport water, rather than transporting materials using flowing water as a flume does.
Flue
A flue is a duct, pipe, or opening in a chimney for conveying exhaust gases from a fireplace, furnace, water heater, boiler, or generator to the outdoors. Historically the term flue meant the chimney itself.
Flume
A narrow gorge, usually with a stream flowing through it.
Flue
A duct for smoke and waste gases produced by a fire, a gas heater, a power station, or other fuel-burning installation
No air rises up the chimney, usually because the flue is blocked
Flue gases
Flume
An open artificial channel or chute carrying a stream of water, as for furnishing power or conveying logs.
Flue
A pipe, tube, or channel for conveying hot air, gas, steam, or smoke, as from a furnace or fireplace to a chimney.
Flume
A very small swimming pool designed with a propeller or pump to generate a current, allowing a swimmer to swim in place.
Flue
An organ pipe sounded by means of a current of air striking a lip in the side of the pipe and causing the air within to vibrate. Also called labial.
Flume
A ravine or gorge, usually one with water running through.
Flue
The lipped opening in such a pipe.
Flume
An open channel or trough used to direct or divert liquids.
Flue
A fishing net.
Flume
(transitive) To transport (logs of wood) by floating them along a water-filled channel or trough.
Flue
A pipe or duct that carries gaseous combustion products away from the point of combustion (such as a furnace).
Flume
A stream; especially, a passage channel, or conduit for the water that drives a mill wheel; or an artifical channel of water for hydraulic or placer mining; also, a chute for conveying logs or lumber down a declivity.
Flue
An enclosed passageway in which to direct air or other gaseous current along.
Flume
A narrow gorge with a stream running through it
Flue
A woolly or downy substance; down, nap; a piece of this.
Flume
Watercourse that consists of an open artificial chute filled with water for power or for carrying logs
Flue
In an organ flue pipe, the opening between the lower lip and the languet.
Flue
An inclosed passage way for establishing and directing a current of air, gases, etc.; an air passage
Flue
In an organ flue pipe, the opening between the lower lip and the languet.
Flue
Light down, such as rises from cotton, fur, etc.; very fine lint or hair.
Flue
Flat blade-like projection on the arm of an anchor
Flue
Organ pipe whose tone is produced by air passing across the sharp edge of a fissure or lip
Flue
A conduit to carry off smoke
Common Curiosities
What exactly is a flume?
A flume is an artificial channel designed to transport water.
What is the purpose of a flue?
A flue is designed to safely channel smoke and gases out of a building.
Can flumes be found in natural settings?
Not typically; they are man-made structures, though they may be set in natural environments.
What materials are flues made from?
Flues are constructed from fire-resistant materials such as brick, metal, or ceramic.
Do all buildings have flues?
Only buildings with combustion appliances like fireplaces or boilers typically have flues.
Is a flue visible from outside the building?
The external part of a flue is visible as the chimney stack, but the internal duct is not.
Can flumes affect the environment?
Yes, if improperly managed, they can disrupt ecosystems and cause erosion.
Are flumes only used for water transport?
No, flumes can also transport other materials and serve as rides in parks.
How are flumes constructed?
Flumes can be made from various materials, including wood, metal, or concrete.
Why is it important to clean a flue?
Regular cleaning prevents blockages and reduces the risk of chimney fires.
What happens if a flue is blocked?
A blocked flue can cause smoke to enter the home and lead to carbon monoxide buildup.
How does a flue work?
A flue works by creating a draft that draws combustion gases up and out.
Is it safe to ride a water flume?
Yes, water flumes in parks are designed for safe recreational use.
Are flues energy efficient?
Properly designed flues improve energy efficiency by increasing draft.
Do flumes have any environmental benefits?
Yes, they can be used for controlled irrigation and hydroelectric power.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
