ABSTRACT
Dam gates are designed to control flood flows on the river itself and are therefore generally much larger than intake gates. They are exposed to severe operating conditions such as wear problems due to sediment transport and damage caused by the impact of floating debris. Intake gates are generally located on a canal instead of on the natural watercourse. Double leaf fixed wheel gates, used widely in the past, offered the advantage of allowing both lift and drop operation. Spill flaps on radial gates are almost always operated by oil jacks, requiring neither cables nor sprocket chains. The equipment associated with gates is often delicate, including electrical devices requiring a high operating reliability and therefore frequent inspection and maintenance. Corrosion protection is especially difficult for equipment to be installed in the ground, in contact with a constantly humid environment. Factory protection is often damaged during transport and installation and condensation prevents application of an additional coat after installation.
