Hydro Station Power Intake Gates

Learn to:

Use complex schematics as a troubleshooting tool
Verify correct functioning of intake and spillway gate hydraulic circuits
Observe pumps and accumulators for subtle changes in performance
Develop a reliability based approach to system maintenance
Prepare a methodical troubleshooting "battle plan" in advance

This customized course illuminates the hydraulic systems that control hydro station, power intake gates, and also the spillway gates in use at hydro dams. The functions of your specific systems are brought to life on-screen and on the student laptops that we bring to the course. We prepare for this on-site program by producing Live Schematics of your exact hydraulic system, so that students will be able to explore all functional modes with the symbols animated, the motion flow paths with live flow arrows, and pressures with a range of colors. Our tried and true learning tools, and our constantly evolving teaching methods enable the station technicians to properly plan system tests, carry out thoughtful maintenance routines and detect system failure modes

The various gates in use at dams and generating stations are only cycled or operated occasionally, yet must not sag (drift), and must offer the highest levels of reliability. They also need to fail-safe if the hydraulic pumps fail. Our courses taught on-site can include hands-on time on your own components and equipment, as well as multiple practical exercises on pilot-operated hydraulic valves, accumulators, pumps, regenerative cylinder circuits, using our live hydraulics training panels that arrive on-site in our trailer.

Hydraulic Pumps

Objective: Distinguish between gear, vane and piston pumps as used on gate systems

Activities: Conduct volumetric tests to trend pump wear issues

Avoid troubleshooting guesswork by knowing the condition & properties of the fluid source - the pump!

The instructor was very knowledgable and was able to shift to discuss location specific issues. Greg B., BC Hydro

Directional Control Valves

Objective: Explain solenoid and pilot operated valve functions

Activities: Diagnose common directional valve problems

Know what makes the valve function and how to test it!

Pilot Operated Check Valves

Objective: Describe the function of pilot operated check valves

Activities: Test for a damage check valve seat

Know pilot supply and drain line issues cold!

Pressure Control Valves

Objective: Differentiate between relief, pressure reducing and counterbalance valves

Activities: Correctly adjust and diagnose pressure valves

Recognize pressure valve types by symbol & their location within the circuit

Flow Control Valves

Objective: Distinguish between basic and pressure compensated flow controls

Activities: Diagnose and test for a stuck pressure compensator spool

Hydraulic Cylinders

Objective: List procedures to diagnose common problems in cylinders and motors

Activities: Work with an internal cylinder leakage simulation and with our cylinder bypass panel

Avoid myths and accurately diagnose gate cylinder drift!

Accumulator Banks

Objective: Describe characteristics of a properly functioning accumulator bank

Activities: Precharge an accumulator using correct, safe procedures

Determine basic accumulator condition via external observations

Where does this class fit in?

Hydro Station Power Intake Gates is part of a general hydraulics training plan. It follows our 2-day course, Practical Hydraulics, and prepares students for our advanced fluid power course, Advanced Hydraulic Troubleshooting & Motion Control.

CD Industrial Group Inc.