Penstock Valves

Sluice gates are used for isolation or flow regulation in open channels, chambers, reservoirs, water supply works, water treatment facilities, and industrial hydraulic installations. Selection should be based on opening geometry, water head, seating direction, installation method, and the required mode of operation or automation.

This category includes Zubi VMCL wall-mounted gates and VCTL channel-mounted gates. The VMCL design uses a welded frame/body construction with internal bronze guides, supports either unidirectional or bidirectional sealing, and is available in sizes from 150×150 to 2000×2000 mm. The stated maximum standard pressure for VMCL is 0.6 bar, with leakage tightness in accordance with DIN 19569-4 Class 5 and AWWA C561.

VCTL units are sliding channel gates for square or rectangular sections, suitable for cast-in concrete installation, wall mounting, or adaptation to an existing channel. For this design, the maximum operating pressure is linked to gate height, since overflow occurs when the water level rises above the top of the leaf.

Available body and leaf materials include AISI 304L, AISI 316L, AISI 316Ti, 254SMO, Duplex SAF2205, Superduplex SAF2507, AISI 310, and AISI 904L. Seat materials include EPDM and NBR; VMCL is also available with Silicone, Viton, Flucast, or PTFE seats. Actuation options include manual, electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic operation, with gearboxes, chain wheels, stem extensions, limit switches, proximity sensors, and solenoid valves where required for local or remote control.

During specification, the engineer should verify seat leakage class, side loads, guide alignment, corrosion resistance, solids content in the channel, and access for inspection and cleaning of guides, sealing elements, and the lifting mechanism.