There are many different and varied styles of raised expanded metal on the market today. But the most commonly used in sluices is this type
#1 shows the raised going against the flow while #2 shows it going with the flow.
#1---------------------> flow
<img src="http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=935681"/>
<img src="http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=935682"/>
#2-------------------------> flow
Conventional wisdom would recommend #2
However, due to the unusually shaped well that is created by the diamond shaped pocket I suppose that a unique turbulence could be created that may cause a disruption to the normally expected low pressure area behind the high edge of each diamond causing an anomaly......
Naw...... #2 is the way to go
One thing that all the studies do agree upon, is that maintaining the proper flow and feed rate is essential for the expanded metal to scour/exchange efficiently.
GG~