FOR ARAPUNI

Hokitika Guardian, 16 June 1932, Page 8

FOR ARAPUNI

ENORMOUS SLUICE GATE. BUILT AT KILMARNOCK. LONDON, April 24. Professor Hornell, the Swedish, expert, after examining, the position at Arapuni recommended that a further gate or gates should be installed in the diversion tunnel to act as guard sluices for those already in existence, in view of the importance of always maintaining the tunnel prepared for use in the event of the necessity arising to expose the headrace for inspection or repairs to the lining. Messrs Glenfield and Kennedy, Kilmarnock, were asked to design suitable equipment. After study of the problem they decided to recommend a single free-rollei* tunnel sluice gate in preference to two, in order to weaken the country in the region of the shafts as little as possible. The dimensions selected for the gate were 24ft. span by 20ft. height. It will operate under a head of 158 ft., and the water pressure on the, face will amount to over 2000 tons, making it probably the most heavily loaded sluice gate in the world, constructed or projected. The gate' has self-releasing side staunching arrangements on the upstream side which can he adjusted into close contact with their respective faces on the built-in frame while the sa te is closed and under pressure, and relieved from contact when the gate begins to lift, the lintel staunching ilso being adjustable under pressure. Iperation is by means of hydraulic sower, one central cylinder, situated it ground level, being connected to the gate by two lifting rods and com- j pemjating arrangements. Four tie i bolt.:; pass completely through the gate i to the bottom member, the upper ends | terminating in two articulated beams , connected to- the lifting rods. The gate itself weighs over 80 tons, and its total weight with its attendant equipment exceeds 300 tons.