Navigation locks are located throughout the world. A number of different gate types are uti¬lised for navigation structures with their own unique design features, including lock service gates, fill/empty gates and dam gates. A variety of mechanical/electrical systems are used to op¬erate these gates. Two typical methods are hy¬draulic cylinders or electrically operated gear-driven machinery.
rnrnSome of the design considerations for selecting operating machinery include the type of gate, loading conditions, site conditions, operations, maintenance and operator preference.
rnrnA number of mechanical/electrical design ma¬nuals and guidance exist for lock operating ma-chinery. However, information on comprehensive ?lessons learnt? from actual installations are li-mited. Problems with mechanical/electrical sys¬tems quickly emerge causing expensive unsche-duled closures. A comprehensive ?lessons learnt? on navigation operating machinery will help faci-litate the design of new construction or rehabilita¬tion and in troubleshooting existing operational and maintenance issues.
rnrnThe Objective of the Working Group is to establish a mechanical and electrical engineering working group to assemble ?lessons learnt? from navigation lock operating systems.
rnrnThe intention will be to provide a comprehensive summary of lessons learned and best practices that can be incorporated into future lock operat¬ing machinery designs. The report will include a summary of relevant guidance documents from various countries. The Working Group will provide guidance on the choice of systems to use in fu¬ture designs for navigation structures.
rnrnThe report will use case studies to compile les¬sons learnt on hydraulic machinery, electro-mechanical machinery and electrical control systems and determine best practice to improve reliability and thus availability. Some of the is¬sues that could be investigated include:
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- Troubleshooting ? Difficult for lock person¬nel to troubleshoot, programming of PLC is complicatedrn
- Exterior Mounted Components ? Vulnera¬ble to sun, water and floodingrn
- Custom designed cylinders and other com¬ponents with long lead times for ser¬vice and deliveryrn
- Possibility of impact damage on machinery connections to the gatern
- PLC versus hardwire systems, use of pro¬grammable logic controller replaces many parts and flexible for adopting changesrn
- Hydraulic components provide for fewer moving parts, centralised HPU, accurate control of speed, shock absorbing, smooth operation and fewer installation/alignment issues and less pivot points for wear.rn
- Labour-intensive maintenancern
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rnThe Working Group will review all areas of con¬cern and prioritise them to prepare a shortlist of matters of critical concern to navigation operators and engineers and develop its report accordingly.rn
