Application Spotlight

Plant setup can vary depending on plant design, geography, and size. A plant set up with a reaction turbine and penstock will usually feature two components: a Turbine Inlet Valve (TIV), also known as a guard or shutoff valve, and a Turbine Inlet Valve Bypass on the downstream end of the penstock before the turbine. The TIV prevents or allows water from entering the turbine.

Wicket gates are a series of adjustable vanes that control the flow of water to a reaction turbine. Each vane, mechanically in parallel, is attached to an adjustable gate ring. Actuating the gate ring either clockwise or counterclockwise positions the wicket gates to regulate water flow to the turbine. Variations of operating the wicket gates are dependent on many factors some including, axis of the turbine, available head, physical space, and turbine type.