Servi Group and Vertikal Service were commissioned to upgrade a rockfill dam to meet the requirements of the Dam Safety Regulations. This required extensive rehabilitation of a 2.4-meter wide bottom discharge valve, located deep in the rock.
The project included several critical tasks to ensure the safety of the dam in terms of emergency response. The dam was functioning without the valve, but the rehabilitation was an emergency valve, which is used to reduce the water level when needed in critical situations.
The surface treatment of the valve was necessary to protect against corrosion and wear. New self-lubricating bearings were installed to ensure smooth operation against the stainless steel tap surface. In addition, acid-resistant sealing rings were installed, as well as new seals and gaskets to prevent leaks.
A new hydraulic cylinder and a stainless steel pull-up rod were also installed to improve the valve's operation. To complete the upgrade, a new hydraulic system was set up with cabinets, cabling and piping between the various components.
In the picture the "arm" is being installed - it is screwed into the cylinder rod, which opens and closes the hatch. At the top you see Petter Holko and in the middle Ronny Færøy from Vertikal Service.
The assignment was to enable the dam to meet the requirements of the Dam Safety Regulations with associated guidelines and guides. This involved the rehabilitation of the ø2400 drain valve.
In addition, they needed:
Vertikal Service was responsible for planning, engineering and project management, as well as occupational safety and access technology for work on the site. They were also responsible for all mechanical rehabilitation and surface treatment. Servi Group delivered new hydraulic and electrical control, as well as installation and commissioning of this equipment. Design and calculations for the new drawbar were carried out by Norconsult.
– – The project was carried out with high precision and quality, and the bottom drain valve is now in optimal condition for further operation. We are very pleased that the first cooperation project between Servi and Vertikal Service has been a success, and look forward to working together on more hydropower upgrade projects in the future, says EVP Service, Henning Midttun
42.5 meters straight down: The access technique of Vertikal Service was a success criterion when the bottom drain valve was located far below ground.
– The work was challenging, especially in terms of access, and that everything had to be planned in detail in advance due to the location of the plant. The project also required broad expertise from those who carried out the work, says Ronny Færøy, technical manager at Vertikal Service. .
Vertikal's broad expertise related to field work came in handy in the project.
– In addition, we had good support from our subcontractors, and not least good cooperation with the customer, says Ronny Færøy.
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