New Zealand’s Lyttelton Graving Dock and Pump House dates back to 1883.
AWMA was engaged by Lyttelton Port Company (LPC) to replace the original timber sluice gate.
The original ‘Sluice Gate’ is a vertical timber gate that operates against a stone channel, using a manual rope and pulley system. The gate is required to flood the dock, allowing ships to enter and exit.
The proposed project solution had to address the poor state of the existing asset through installation of a new channel and gate. The new assets are required to have an expected life of 50+ years, as well as minimal leakage rate. However, most significantly, the replacement gate needed to address the risk of critical failure and safety concerns. Manual handling risks are mitigated through the provision of new hydraulic controls.
AWMA supplied a custom designed Topsealing Penstock (TLF), for aperture size 1200mm x 1500mm, with a rounded base to match the profile of the sill.
Manufactured from grade 2507 super duplex stainless steel, the new asset will achieve a minimum 50 year design life, even in the highly saline environment. Automated actuation via a hydraulic cylinder system ensures safe and efficient operation.
Out with the old, in with the new...
Upon commissioning, the dry dock operator noted they were “very impressed with the low leakage rate of the newly installed gate,” asset installers, HEB Construction, stated, “the gate was easy to maneuver and dimensionally accurate... great to see awesome workmanship on your product.”
