Experience in operation of the hydraulic structures of the Votkinsk HES

Conclusions

• 1. The hydraulic structures of the Votkinsk HES have been operating dependably without any serious disruptions during the period of observation since 1961.

• 2. The new construction decision SUS (the presence of flow windows) reduces the head loss at the screens which is especially important on timber raffing rivers similar to the Kama where losses of timber in raffing are considerable. However, the expediency of such an arrangement must in every case be supported by appropriate technical-economic analysis.

• 3. For cleaning the screens in regions with severe climatic conditions it is better to use hydraulically operated mechanisms taking into account the operational shortcomings of the pneumatic vane type “Polip” installed at the Votkinsk HES.

• 4. Air collectors with large capacity and a pressure of 8 atm built in the concrete of the foundation slabs of the HES proved unsuitable without a coating. In planning similar compartments on other HES it is necessary to provide an airtight coating beforehand since because the concrete can not dry out it is much more difficult to apply the coating during operation and the cost of such work proves considerably higher.

• 5. An open sluice gate section with heating of the space above the water is dependable in operation. To improve the work of the claw beam in the winter heating of its storage space should be provided.