Sluice gates control water flow in man-made water systems like dams, spillways, and reservoirs. They can direct water flow or lower water levels to reduce pressure. All gates have valves for manual or automated operation and prevent flooding. Different types of gates include radial, clamshell, and fusegates.
Sluice gates are devices designed to allow the controlled flow of water from various types of water systems. The gate is a common component in all types of systems ranging from reservoirs, dams and spillways. Essentially, any man-made system used to control the level and flow of water in a river, lake or stream will be fitted with some type of sluice gate.
The exact design of the gates will vary depending on the overall design of the dam or spillway. In some cases, the primary function of the sluice gates is to direct the flow of water from one section of the water system to another. Other times, sluice gates function as a means of lowering the water level of the section of river or lake that is behind a dam or spillway. This is often an important feature that can be used to reduce the amount of pressure on the dam or reservoir when rain or snowmelt has generated an amount of water in the system that is considered desirable or safe.
While the design for sluice gates can vary somewhat based on the purpose and design of the water retention system, all types will have some elements in common. Valves are a common component on all gate designs. Most valve designs today allow for both automated and manual operation. When the valves are engaged, the gate mechanism allows the gates to open and a controlled amount of water to be released. The valves help control the speed and rate of water release, so flooding does not occur.
Several types of sluice gates are in common use today. Radial gates are a rotary design that features gates made up of cylindrical sections. Clamshell gates have a design that allows the gate to open similar to the opening of the two sections of a clamshell. Fusegates use self-supporting blocks that are set into the spillway sill and allow for the orderly release of water at various points along the face of the spillway.
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