OBERMEYER HYDRO, Inc. Ideas that Hold Water

Gate panels are made from high strength steel plate which is epoxy coated or galvanized in accordance with customer preference. Stainless steel gate panels may be supplied on request. Gate panels for systems less than 1 meter high are made from flat plate which is bent to conform to the spillway shape when in the lowered position. A small amount of additional curvature of the gate panel profile is provided to allow space for the deflated air bladder when the gate panels are fully lowered. Gate panels for systems higher than 1 meter are provided with stiffening ribs running parallel to the direction of flow. The ribs provide strength without obstruction of flow. A high degree of torsional rigidity is not required because of the uniform support of the gate panels by the air bladders. For the same design stresses, the gate panels are much lighter, less costly and less restrictive to water flow compared to gate panels for hydraulically operated gates.

Gate panels are provided with a row of threaded studs near the pivot edge to which the hinge flap is clamped. Similar threaded studs are provided at the right and left edges of each gate panel for sealing the adjacent gate panels or to the abutments.

The outermost ribs on each gate panel are provided with lifting holes. The upper/downstream edge of each gate panel features holes or studs for the attachment of nappe breakers. For installations which utilize restraining straps, holes or studs are provided for attaching the restraining straps to each gate panel.

The upstream/lower edge of each gate panel features a smooth rounded surface for transferring a reaction load to the air bladder and hinge flap.