Floating maintenance gate for water power station discharge gate chamber drainage maintenance and use method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a floating maintenance door for draining and maintenance of a sluice chamber of a water release sluice of a hydropower station, which comprises a floating door body, a sealing structure arranged at the bottom end of the floating door body, a pump cabin arranged at the bottom of the floating door body and a ballast cabin arranged around the pump cabin, wherein the ballast cabin is arranged in mirror symmetry along the middle part of the floating door body, the pump cabin is connected with the ballast cabin, and the side sealing structures are arranged on both sides of the floating door body. The floating door body has the advantages of improved posture stability, operation automation degree, sealing effect, drainage efficiency, safety, maintenance efficiency and operation convenience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of floating inspection gate technology, and in particular to a floating inspection gate used for drainage maintenance of spillway chambers in hydropower stations and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] Floating inspection gates (hereinafter referred to as floating gates) are a commonly used piece of equipment during the periodic maintenance of the spillway gate chambers of hydropower stations. The main function of the floating gate is to isolate the gate chamber from the outside environment during maintenance. By aligning the floating gate with the gate opening and ensuring a tight seal, the water inside the gate chamber is pumped out to facilitate maintenance work. However, existing floating gates have some problems in use, especially during the sinking or rising process, where they are prone to attitude deviation or tilting, affecting construction efficiency and safety.

[0003] Specifically, this includes the following: 1. During the sinking or rising of the floating gate, it is necessary to ensure that the center of gravity of the floating gate is at the center of the floating gate structure, that is, the floating gate as a whole remains in a horizontal state, in order to avoid the floating gate's attitude tilting or shifting. Although the internal compartments of the floating gate are arranged symmetrically, it is still impossible to guarantee the consistency of the corresponding compartments during the water intake and drainage process, resulting in unstable floating gate attitude.

[0004] 2. It usually requires manual monitoring of the water level in the compartment and real-time communication with personnel to control the valves, which results in high labor intensity for the staff and poses safety hazards.

[0005] 3. The sealing effect between the floating gate and the gate opening is greatly affected by the floating gate's posture. If the floating gate's posture is unstable, the sealing effect will deteriorate, leading to water leakage and affecting maintenance operations.

[0006] 4. The gate chamber drainage process is divided into two phases. Phase I uses the main pump for initial drainage, while Phase II uses a submersible pump for fine drainage. Due to the unstable attitude of the floating gate, drainage efficiency may decrease, extending maintenance time. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is that the floating gate is prone to deviation or tilting during descent, which poses a safety hazard.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a floating maintenance gate for draining and maintaining the gate chamber of a hydropower station, comprising a floating gate body, a sealing structure arranged at the bottom of the floating gate body, a pump room at the bottom of the floating gate body, and a ballast tank arranged around the pump room. The ballast tank is arranged mirror-symmetrically along the middle of the floating gate body, the pump room is connected to the ballast tank, and side sealing structures are provided on both sides of the floating gate body.

[0009] Preferably, the floating gate body includes a base and an operating platform located at the top center of the base. The ballast tank is located inside the base. The base has an octagonal structure, and the operating platform has a rectangular structure. The outside of the operating platform is connected to the base via a ladder.

[0010] Preferably, the base is provided with a connecting pipe, which connects the front sidewall and the rear sidewall of the base, and the pump chamber is located on the connecting pipe.

[0011] Preferably, the pump compartment is equipped with two main pumps, which are arranged in parallel on the drainage pipeline. The output end of the drainage pipeline is connected to the bottom of the floating gate body and the output end is connected to the ballast tank. The pump compartment is also equipped with a water inlet pipeline, which is connected to the ballast tank.

[0012] Preferably, the ballast tank includes a first ballast tank, a second ballast tank, and a third ballast tank. The first ballast tank is distributed on the front and rear sides of the pump compartment, the second ballast tank is distributed at the four corners of the pump compartment, and the third ballast tank is distributed on the left and right sides of the pump compartment.

[0013] Preferably, the sealing structure includes a first sealing structure disposed on the front edge of the floating gate body and a second sealing structure disposed in the middle of the floating gate body.

[0014] The method of using floating inspection gates for draining and maintaining the spillway chamber of a hydropower station includes the following steps:

[0015] S1. Floating gate towing: The floating gate body is towed to the lock chamber maintenance area by a pushboat.

[0016] S2. Floating gate relocation: Move the floating gate body to the gate opening aligned with the spillway gate chamber;

[0017] S3. The floating gate sinks, controlling the water intake of the ballast tank inside the floating gate body, causing the floating gate body to sink and fit tightly against the bottom plate and gate pier of the gate hole, stabilize on the bottom, and rely on the sealing structure on both sides and bottom of the floating gate body to form a seal with the gate hole.

[0018] S4. Partial drainage of the first phase of the gate chamber: Open the valves upstream and downstream of the floating gate body, and start the two main pumps in the pump room to pump water from the gate chamber. When the water depth in the gate chamber is less than 110cm, close the main pump of the floating gate, and arrange a submersible pump in the gate chamber upstream of the floating gate and start the submersible pump to continue the drainage.

[0019] S5. Leak sealing in the drainage area: During the drainage process, leaks are sealed at all water-stopping parts of the floating gate body and at the leaking parts of the upstream maintenance gate of the gate chamber to reduce the seepage of water in the upstream and downstream of the gate chamber.

[0020] S6. The second phase of the gate chamber is pumped out and drained. The main pump and submersible pump used in the first phase are used for partial drainage until the water depth in the gate chamber is less than 20cm. Then the submersible pump is turned off and maintenance personnel enter the gate chamber. Small temporary water-retaining cofferdams with a height of not less than 50cm are set up in two areas, one upstream of the floating gate and the other downstream of the maintenance gate, parallel to the floating gate and maintenance gate, to form two closed water storage areas. At the same time, submersible pumps are set up in the water storage area near the maintenance gate to pump the water flow in the water storage area near the maintenance gate to the water storage area near the floating gate. Mini submersible pumps are set up outside the two water storage areas to pump the remaining water in the gate chamber with a water depth of less than 20cm to the water storage area, forming dry maintenance operation conditions in the gate chamber except for the two water storage areas.

[0021] S7. Pressurize the gate chamber: After the gate chamber is repaired, pressurize the gate chamber and open the connecting pipe inside the floating gate body to allow the downstream river water to enter the gate chamber.

[0022] S8. The floating gate rises. After the water levels upstream and downstream of the floating gate body reach the same level, close all valves on the floating gate body and control the floating gate body to discharge the water in the ballast tank. The floating gate body rises, and finally the tugboat is used to move the floating gate body out.

[0023] Preferably, in step S1, the water accumulated in the ballast tank of the floating gate body is drained before the floating gate body is moved.

[0024] Preferably, in step S3, water is first introduced into the two ballast tanks at the left and right ends of the floating gate body. After the two ballast tanks are full, water is then introduced into the two ballast tanks at the front and rear sides of the floating gate body. Finally, water is introduced into the four ballast tanks at the included angle of the floating gate body.

[0025] Preferably, in step S7, after the gate chamber is filled with water and pressure is achieved, the external pipeline of the gate chamber and the ballast tanks arranged in a relatively group are connected in sequence to achieve pressure equalization of the ballast tanks. After pressure equalization is achieved, the gate chamber is drained in reverse order of water inlet.

[0026] This invention provides a floating maintenance gate for draining and maintaining the gate chamber of a hydropower station's spillway and its usage method. Through multiple innovative designs and technical means, it significantly improves the floating gate's attitude stability, degree of automation, sealing effect, drainage efficiency, safety, maintenance efficiency, and ease of operation, while also enhancing system reliability. Specific beneficial effects are as follows:

[0027] 1. Ballast tanks are arranged symmetrically in a mirror image along the center of the floating gate body, ensuring that the center of gravity of the floating gate remains at the structural center during water intake and drainage, preventing tilting or displacement of the floating gate. A phased water intake method (first controlling the water intake of the ballast tanks at the left and right ends, then controlling the water intake of the ballast tanks at the front and rear, and finally controlling the water intake of the ballast tank at the included angle) further ensures that the floating gate remains horizontal, improving its stability. The pump room is equipped with two main pumps and water intake pipelines. An automatic control system monitors and controls the water intake and drainage of the ballast tanks, reducing human intervention and lowering the workload of staff. A real-time monitoring system monitors the water level of each compartment of the floating gate in real time through sensors and the control system, ensuring the consistency and accuracy of the water intake and drainage process and improving the degree of automation.

[0028] 2. The floating gate body is equipped with multi-layered sealing structures on both sides and the bottom, including a first sealing structure at the front edge and a second sealing structure in the middle, ensuring a tight seal between the floating gate and the gate opening to prevent water leakage. Multiple sealing measures are implemented at various water-stopping points on the floating gate body to ensure the sealing effect between the floating gate and the gate opening during drainage, reducing seepage water from upstream and downstream of the gate chamber and improving the sealing effect. Gate chamber drainage is divided into two phases. Phase one uses main pumps and submersible pumps for partial drainage, while phase two uses small temporary water-retaining cofferdams and miniature submersible pumps for fine drainage, ensuring that the water depth in the gate chamber drops below 20cm, creating dry conditions for maintenance operations. The two main pumps in the pump room are arranged in parallel to improve drainage efficiency, shorten drainage time, and improve the efficiency of maintenance operations, thereby improving drainage efficiency.

[0029] 3. An automatic control system monitors and controls the inflow and outflow of ballast tanks, reducing human intervention and minimizing personal safety risks during operation. Phased water inflow and outflow ensure the floating gate remains in a safe and controllable state, preventing accidents caused by instability and improving safety. A pushboat is used to quickly transport the floating gate to the lock chamber maintenance area, shortening transport time and improving maintenance efficiency. A phased and efficient drainage system quickly drains the water from the lock chamber, creating favorable working conditions for maintenance operations, shortening maintenance time, and improving maintenance efficiency.

[0030] 4. An operating platform is installed on the top of the floating gate body, facilitating operation and monitoring by personnel and improving operational convenience. A ladder connects the operating platform to the base, allowing operators to easily access the floating gate body for necessary operations and maintenance, further enhancing operational convenience. Two main pumps are arranged in parallel within the pump room, ensuring that the other pump continues to operate normally even if one pump fails, improving system reliability. Sensors and a control system monitor the water level and status of each compartment of the floating gate in real time, ensuring normal system operation, preventing unexpected situations due to malfunctions, and improving system reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0032] Figure 1 This is the front view of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a top view of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a side view of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom compartment of the present invention.

[0036] In the diagram: 1. Floating gate body; 2. First sealing structure; 3. Second sealing structure; 4. Pump room; 5. First ballast tank; 6. Second ballast tank; 7. Third ballast tank. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The technical solution of the present invention will be described more clearly below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0038] Example 1:

[0039] like Figure 1-4 As shown, the present invention provides a floating maintenance gate for the maintenance of the draining gate chamber of a hydropower station, including a floating gate body 1, a sealing structure arranged at the bottom of the floating gate body 1, a pump room 4 set at the bottom of the floating gate body 1, and a ballast tank arranged around the pump room 4. The ballast tank is arranged mirror-symmetrically along the middle of the floating gate body 1, and the pump room 4 is connected to the ballast tank. Side sealing structures are provided on both sides of the floating gate body 1.

[0040] The side sealing structure is made of MC nylon material, which is processed into strips and fixedly installed on both sides of the floating door body 1. It has high strength and corrosion resistance; compared with the hardwood originally used, it reduces material and processing costs. Each compartment inside the floating door body 1 is equipped with a water level monitoring sensor, and the water level monitoring sensor signals are connected to the control system.

[0041] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown. The floating gate body 1 includes a base and an operating platform located at the top center of the base. The ballast tank is located inside the base. The base has an octagonal structure, and the operating platform has a rectangular structure. The outside of the operating platform is connected to the base via a ladder.

[0042] The control platform includes a balance detection unit installed on the floating gate body 1. The balance detection unit is distributed at both ends and the edges of both sides of the floating gate body 1. It is used to detect whether the floating gate body 1 is balanced as a whole. After the floating gate body 1 is detected to be tilted, the corresponding ballast tank is controlled to take in water, so that the tilted end is lowered and the floating gate body 1 is leveled.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown. A connecting pipe is installed inside the base, connecting the front and rear side walls of the base. The pump compartment 4 is located on the connecting pipe. After the floating gate body 1 seals the gate chamber, the connecting pipe is used to connect the gate chamber to the outside during drainage or water intake, assisting the main pump of the gate chamber in drainage or water intake without affecting the sealing of the floating gate body 1.

[0044] like Figure 4 As shown. The pump compartment 4 is equipped with two main pumps, which are arranged in parallel on the drainage pipeline. The output end of the drainage pipeline is connected to the bottom of the floating gate body 1 and to the ballast tank. The pump compartment 4 also has a water inlet pipeline connected to the ballast tank. One main pump is operational while the other is on standby. The main pumps draw water from the side of the floating gate body 1, and the water flows by gravity into the ballast tank.

[0045] like Figure 4 As shown. The ballast tanks include a first ballast tank 5, a second ballast tank 6, and a third ballast tank 7. The first ballast tank 5 is located on the front and rear sides of the pump room 4, the second ballast tank 6 is located at the four corners of the pump room 4, and the third ballast tank 7 is located on the left and right sides of the pump room 4. When the floating gate body 1 is sinking, the ballast tanks at both ends are controlled to take in water, that is, the two third ballast tanks 7 are simultaneously filled with water, so that the floating gate body 1 sinks. After the two third ballast tanks 7 are completely filled with water, the water inlet pipes of the third ballast tanks 7 are closed, and the four second ballast tanks 6 are controlled to take in water. Finally, the first ballast tank 5 is filled with water to achieve the sinking of the floating gate body 1.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown. The sealing structure includes a first sealing structure 2 disposed on the front edge of the floating gate body 1 and a second sealing structure 3 disposed in the middle of the floating gate body 1. The double-layer sealing through the first sealing structure 2 and the second sealing structure 3 improves the sealing performance between the floating gate body 1 and the bottom of the gate chamber.

[0047] The method of using a floating maintenance gate for draining and maintaining the spillway chamber of a hydropower station is characterized by the following steps:

[0048] S1. Towing of the floating gate: The floating gate body 1 is towed to the lock chamber maintenance area by a pushboat.

[0049] S2. Floating gate relocation: Move the floating gate body 1 to the gate opening aligned with the spillway gate chamber;

[0050] S3. The floating gate sinks, controlling the ballast tank inside the floating gate body 1 to take in water, causing the floating gate body 1 to sink and fit tightly against the bottom plate of the gate hole and the gate pier, stabilize on the bottom, and rely on the sealing structure on both sides and bottom of the floating gate body 1 to form a seal with the gate hole.

[0051] S4. Partial drainage of the first phase of the gate chamber: Open the valves upstream and downstream of the floating gate body 1, and start the two main pumps in the pump room to pump water from the gate chamber. When the water depth in the gate chamber is less than 110cm, close the main pump of the floating gate, and arrange a submersible pump in the gate chamber upstream of the floating gate and start the submersible pump to continue the drainage.

[0052] S5. Leak sealing in the drainage area: During the drainage process, the leaks in each water-stopping part of the floating gate body 1 and the leaking parts of the upstream maintenance gate of the gate chamber are sealed to reduce the seepage water in the upstream and downstream of the gate chamber.

[0053] S6. The second phase of the gate chamber is pumped out and drained. The main pump and submersible pump used in the first phase are used for partial drainage until the water depth in the gate chamber is less than 20cm. Then the submersible pump is turned off and maintenance personnel enter the gate chamber. Small temporary water-retaining cofferdams with a height of not less than 50cm are set up in two areas, one upstream of the floating gate and the other downstream of the maintenance gate, parallel to the floating gate and maintenance gate, to form two closed water storage areas. At the same time, submersible pumps are set up in the water storage area near the maintenance gate to pump the water flow in the water storage area near the maintenance gate to the water storage area near the floating gate. Mini submersible pumps are set up outside the two water storage areas to pump the remaining water in the gate chamber with a water depth of less than 20cm to the water storage area, forming dry maintenance operation conditions in the gate chamber except for the two water storage areas.

[0054] S7. Pressurize the gate chamber. After the gate chamber is repaired, pressurize the gate chamber and open the connecting pipe inside the floating gate body 1. The downstream river water of the floating gate body 1 enters the gate chamber.

[0055] S8. The floating gate rises. After the water levels upstream and downstream of the floating gate body 1 reach the same level, close all valves on the floating gate body 1 and control the floating gate body to discharge the water in the ballast tank. The floating gate body 1 rises. Finally, use a pushboat to move the floating gate body 1 out.

[0056] Submersible pumps need to be deployed upstream and downstream of the gate chamber for auxiliary pumping and drainage, as well as for pumping out water accumulated in the gate chamber cofferdam. The number of submersible pumps to be activated depends on the amount of leakage. During pumping operations, the floating gate operators must check the operation of the submersible pumps at any time. If cable insulation is damaged or abnormal operation is found, the cable or pump body must be replaced.

[0057] When the water depth in the lock chamber drops to 1.1m, the ballast tank valves are closed, the main pump in the lock chamber stops operating, and the submersible pump continues to pump water. When the water depth in the lock chamber drops below 40cm, the floating gate operators clear floating debris from the lock chamber to prevent it from blocking the pump inlet. When the water depth in the lock chamber drops below 30cm, the cofferdam inside the lock chamber is constructed.

[0058] In step S1, the water accumulated in the ballast tank of the floating gate body 1 is drained before the floating gate body 1 is moved.

[0059] In step S3, first, the two ballast tanks at the left and right ends of the floating gate body 1 are controlled to take in water. After the two ballast tanks are full of water, the two ballast tanks at opposite corners of the floating gate body 1 are controlled to take in water. Finally, the two ballast tanks at the front and rear ends of the floating gate body 1 are controlled to take in water.

[0060] In step S5, after the gate chamber is filled with water and pressure is achieved, the external pipeline of the gate chamber and the ballast tanks arranged in groups are connected in sequence to achieve pressure equalization of the ballast tanks. After pressure equalization is achieved, the gate chamber is drained in reverse order of water inlet.

Claims

1. A method for using a floating maintenance gate for draining and maintaining the spillway chamber of a hydropower station, characterized in that... The floating inspection door is used. The floating inspection door includes a floating door body (1), a sealing structure arranged at the bottom of the floating door body (1), a pump room (4) set at the bottom of the floating door body (1), and a ballast tank arranged around the pump room (4). The ballast tank is arranged in a mirror symmetrical manner along the middle of the floating door body (1). The pump room (4) is connected to the ballast tank. Side sealing structures are provided on both sides of the floating door body (1). The usage method includes the following steps: S1. Towing of the floating gate: The floating gate body (1) is towed to the lock chamber maintenance area by a push-tug boat. S2. Floating gate relocation: Move the floating gate body (1) to the gate hole aligned with the spillway gate chamber; S3. The floating gate sinks, controlling the water intake of the ballast tank inside the floating gate body (1), causing the floating gate body (1) to sink, closely fitting with the bottom plate of the gate hole and the gate pier, and sitting stably on the bottom. It also relies on the sealing structure on both sides and the bottom of the floating gate body (1) to form a seal with the gate hole. S4. Partial drainage of the first phase of the gate chamber: open the valves on the upstream and downstream sides of the floating gate body (1), and start the two main pumps in the pump room to carry out the gate chamber drainage operation. When the water depth in the gate chamber is less than 110cm, close the floating gate main pump, arrange the submersible pump in the gate chamber near the floating gate upstream, and start the submersible pump to continue drainage. S5. Drainage area sealing: During the drainage process, seal the water-stopping parts of the floating gate body (1) and the leakage parts of the upstream maintenance gate of the gate chamber to reduce the infiltration of water into the upstream and downstream of the gate chamber. S6. The second phase of the gate chamber is pumped out. After the first phase uses the main pump and submersible pump to partially drain the water until the water depth in the gate chamber is less than 20cm, the submersible pump is turned off. Maintenance personnel enter the gate chamber and set up small temporary water-retaining cofferdams with a height of not less than 50cm parallel to the floating gate and maintenance gate in two areas, one upstream of the floating gate and the other downstream of the maintenance gate. This forms two closed water storage areas. At the same time, a submersible pump is set up in the water storage area near the maintenance gate to pump the water in the water storage area near the maintenance gate to the water storage area near the floating gate. Mini submersible pumps are set up outside the two water storage areas to pump the remaining water in the gate chamber with a water depth of less than 20cm to the water storage area, forming dry maintenance operation conditions in the gate chamber except for the two water storage areas. S7. After the gate chamber is repaired, the gate chamber is pressurized. The connecting pipe inside the floating gate body (1) is opened, and the downstream river water of the floating gate body (1) enters the gate chamber. S8. The floating gate rises. After the water levels upstream and downstream of the floating gate body (1) reach the same level, close all valves on the floating gate body (1) and control the floating gate body to discharge the water in the ballast tank. The floating gate body (1) rises. Finally, use a pusher boat to move the floating gate body (1) out.

2. The method of using the floating maintenance gate for draining and maintaining the spillway chamber of a hydropower station as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The floating gate body includes a base and an operating platform located at the top center of the base. The ballast tank is located inside the base. The base has an octagonal structure, and the operating platform has a rectangular structure. The outside of the operating platform is connected to the base via a ladder.

3. The method of using the floating maintenance gate for draining and maintaining the spillway chamber of a hydropower station as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The base is provided with a connecting pipe, which connects the front side wall and the rear side wall of the base, and the pump chamber (4) is located on the connecting pipe.

4. The method of using the floating maintenance gate for draining and maintaining the spillway chamber of a hydropower station as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The pump compartment (4) is equipped with two main pumps, which are arranged in parallel on the drainage pipeline. The output end of the drainage pipeline is connected to the bottom of the floating gate body (1) and the output end is connected to the ballast tank. The pump compartment (4) is also equipped with a water inlet pipeline, which is connected to the ballast tank.

5. The method of using the floating maintenance gate for draining and maintaining the spillway chamber of a hydropower station as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The ballast tanks include a first ballast tank (5), a second ballast tank (6), and a third ballast tank (7). The first ballast tank (5) is located on the front and rear sides of the pump compartment (4), the second ballast tank (6) is located at the four corners of the pump compartment (4), and the third ballast tank (7) is located on the left and right sides of the pump compartment (4).

6. The method of using the floating maintenance gate for draining and maintaining the spillway chamber of a hydropower station as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing structure includes a first sealing structure (2) disposed on the front edge of the floating gate body (1) and a second sealing structure (3) disposed in the middle of the floating gate body (1).

7. The method of using the floating maintenance gate for draining and maintaining the spillway chamber of a hydropower station as described in claim 1, characterized in that: In step S1, the water in the ballast tank of the floating gate body (1) is drained, and then the floating gate body (1) is moved.

8. The method of using the floating maintenance gate for draining and maintaining the spillway chamber of a hydropower station as described in claim 1, characterized in that: In step S3, first, the two ballast tanks at the left and right ends of the floating gate body (1) are controlled to take in water. After the two ballast tanks are full of water, the four ballast tanks at the four corners of the floating gate body (1) are controlled to take in water. Finally, the two ballast tanks on the front and rear sides of the floating gate body (1) are controlled to take in water.

9. The method of using the floating maintenance gate for draining and maintaining the spillway chamber of a hydropower station as described in claim 1, characterized in that: In step S7, after the gate chamber is filled with water and pressure is achieved, the external pipeline of the gate chamber and the ballast tanks arranged in groups are connected in sequence to achieve pressure equalization of the ballast tanks. After pressure equalization is achieved, the gate chamber is drained in reverse order of water inlet.

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