Penstock Supplied for Complex Underwater Installation

Specialist divers, underwater contractors and a very fast turnaround were all par for the course with one of T-T Flow’s latest jobs.

The Problem

Stamford Boating Lake, in Stalybridge, needed a suitable replacement for their outdated penstock valve. This cast iron penstock was used to regulate flow from a header reservoir into the lake, enabling the site’s operators to maintain water levels. However, heavy corrosion had rendered the valve inoperable, impacting their ability to manage the lake’s water.

Specialist underwater contractors and divers were needed to isolate flow so that the header reservoir could be drained and the heavily corroded penstock safely replaced. On top of this, aquatic life living in the lake meant the contractor had a very short timeframe in which to complete the installation.

The cost and complexities of preparing the lake for a new valve meant that there was only one opportunity to get it right – so when the contractor came to T-T Flow for the replacement penstock, our team knew there was no room for error in their specification.

The Solution

We supplied our square aperture penstock in corrosion-resistant 304 stainless steel for the underwater application. This isolation valve offers bi-directional sealing via a non-rising spindle acting through a closed frame, features that contribute to reduced maintenance needs and improved performance.

With its lightweight design and resilient sealing to all four sides of the valve opening, the penstock allows for rapid installation and ensures reliable long-term flow control.

The penstock also features self-cleaning guides that are precision machined in polyethylene for reduced operational friction, including self-adjusting gate seals for optimal sealing that conforms to DIN 19569.

Our penstocks are compatible with a range of actuators that are manufactured and stocked on-site at T-T HQ, including stem caps and handwheels. Valve operating equipment can be fabricated to suit your site – from straight one-piece extension spindles, to off-set and multi-section extension spindles paired with floor-mounted pedestals and gearing for automation.