Identification of the failure causes of the water dam gate valves control mechanism

The gate valves described in the article are used to handle the water flow between the pressure chamber and the other operating parts of the water dam. The opening and closing of the gates are accomplished by a system of bars (spindles, tubes) connected by universal joints (cardan joints) and guided in a longitudinal guide. In 2011, the above equipment was reconstructed, whereby the manipulation of the gates was redesigned to hydraulic actuation. Problems with opening and closing the gates have already occurred since the hydraulic actuator and control were implemented. In addition, during operation, the chamber containing the hydraulic equipment flooded, and water entered the hydraulic system. Therefore, manipulation of the gate valves had to be carried out manually. The identification of the causes of the malfunctioning of the above equipment is presented in the article. Using the dynamometers designed by the authors, operational measurements of the driving torques of the closing mechanism were carried out, during which the limiting values of the driving torques were identified. Based on the strength analysis of the data obtained by the operational measurements, it was found that it is necessary to use driving units with higher torque for safe and reliable operation. From the strength point of view, the mechanical parts of the linkage are properly designed.