ANSI/ AWWA C561-04

(First Edition)

American Water Works

Association

The Authoritative Resource for Safe Drinking Water5M

AWWA Standard

Fabricated Stainless
Steel Slide Gates

....... __..
--- _
~IW.71 American National StandardsInstitute

Effective date: March 1, 2004.

First edition approved by AWWA Board of Directors Jan. 18, 2004.
Approved by American National Standards Institute Dec. 31, 2003.

(__ 6666 West Quincy Avenue Advocacy

Denver, CO 80235-3098 Communications
T 800.926. 7337 Conferences
www.awwa.org Education and Training
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Sections
AWWA Standard
This document is an American Water Works Association (AWWA) standard. It is not a specification. AWWA standards
describe minimum requirements and do not contain all of the engineering and administrative information normally·
contained in specifications. The AWWA standards usually contain options that must be evaluated by the user of the
standard. Until each optional feature is specified by the user, the product or service is not fully defined. AWWA
publication of a standard does not constitute endorsement of any product or product type, nor does AWWA test, certify,
or approve any product. The use of AWWA staqdar:ds is entirelyvoluntary, A~WA standards are intended to represent a
consensus of thewater supply industry that the product described will provide satisfactory service. When AWWA revises
-'or withdraws this standard, an official notice of action will be placed on the first page of the classified advertising
section, ofjournal _AWWA. The action becomes effective on the first day of the month following the month of Journal
AWWA publication of the official notice. · ·

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An American National Standard implies a consensus of those substantially concerned with its scope and provisions. An
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existence of an American National Standard does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether that person has
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goods are produced in conformity with particular American National Standards.
.. .
CAUTION NOTICE: The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approval date on the front cover of this standard
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Science and Technology

AWWA unites the drinking water community by developing and distributing authoritative scientific and technological ·,
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Copyright© 2004 by American Water Works Association

Printed in USA

11
 /

( Committee Personnel
The AWWA Standards Committee on Slide Gates, which developed this standard, had the
following personnel at the time of approval:

David C. Wheelock, Chair

.• Consumer Members

R.J. Alberts, City of Pasco, Pasco, Wash. (AWWA)

Ronald Arrington, US Bureau of Reclamation, Denver, Colo. (USBR)
Arshed Ramankutty, Detroit Water and Sewerage, Detroit, Mich. (AWWA)
H.C. Suan, Edmonton Public Works, Edmonton, Alta. (AWWA)

General Interest Members

L.C. Gerbig, URS Greiner, Denver, Colo. (AWWA)

S.C. Danos,* Standards Council Liaison, Littleton Water Department,
Littleton, Mass. (AWWA)
K.H. Hipps, Consoer Townsend Envirodyne, Chicago, Ill. (AWWA)
M.R. Johnson, R.H. White Construction, Auburn, Mass. (AWWA)
P.J. Olson,* Standards Engineer Liaison, AWWA, Denver, Colo. (AWWA)
Q.C. Wheelock, Brazos River Authority, Waco, Texas (AWWA)

Producer Members

P.E. Brunelle, Rodney Hunt Company, Orange, Mass. (AWWA)

Philippe Cote, H. Fontaine Ltd., Magog, PQ, Quebec (AWWA)
David Niblett, Ashbrook Corporation, Houston, Texas (AWWA)

. G.E. Whipps, Whipps Inc., Athol, Mass. (AWWA)

* Liaison, nonvoting

111
This page intentionally blank.
 Contents
((
All AWWA standards follow the generalformat indicated subsequently. Some variations from this format
may be found in a particular standard.
SEC. PAGE SEC. PAGE
Foreword 4 Requirements
I Introduction..................................... vu 4.1 Data to. Be Provided by
I.A Background vu the Supplier .. .. .... ...... .... .. ........ ... ..... 4
I.B History............................................. v11 4.2 Data to Be Provided by
I. C Acceptance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii the Manufacturer 5
II S pedal Issues ix 4. 3 Materials . . .. . . .. . .. . .. . . .. . . . .. .. . .. . .. .. . . .. .. . .. . . 5
III Use of This Standard ix 4.4 General Design .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. . 7
III.A Purchaser Options and 4.5 Manufacture 13
Alternatives 1x 4.6 Installation....................................... 15
III.B Modification to Standard xi
5 Verification
IV Major Revisions xt
5.1 Inspection .. . . .. . .. . . .. .. .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . . 16
V Comments........................................ xr
5.2 Test Procedures 16
( Standard 6 Delivery
1 General 6.1 Marking 17
1.1 Scope 1 6.2 Shipment 17
1.2 Purpose .. . .. . . . .. . .. . . .. .. . . .. . .. . .. .. .. .. . .. . . .. . .. . 1 6.3 Affidavit of Compliance 17
1.3 Application .. .. 1
Appendix
2 References 2
A Force Required to Actuate
3 Definitions . . . . . . . . . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . . .. . .. . .. . 4 Fabricated Stainless Steel Gates..... 19

v
This page intentionally blank.

\
)
 Foreword
This foreword is for information only and is not a part ofAWWA C561.

I. Introduction.
I.A. Background. A slide gate is a single-faced valve consisting of an open
frame and a slide. Examples of where this type of "valve" is used include controlling
flow at openings in tank walls and at ends of pipes. The term slide gate has been
adopted for use by this series of standards, which supersede AWWA C501-92. The
standards are
C560-Cast Metal Slide Gates
C561-.Fabricated Stainless Steel Slide Gates
C562-Fabricated Aluminum Slide Gates
C563-Fabricated Nonmetal Slide Gates
Other terms used to describe single-faced valves include penstocks and sluice gates.
These gates are raised and lowered by means of a stem or rod, usually manually
actuated or power-actuated hoists.
The slide gates represented by the C-560 through C-563 series differ in material
and in the means of sealing between the slide and the fixed frame.
C560 gates have a cast-metal slide and frame with machined metal seating faces
and wedges to force the slide to seal between the seating faces on the slide and frame.
C561 gates have a fabricated, reinforced stainless steel slide and frame with ultra
hi,gh molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene seating faces.
C562 gates have a fabricated, reinforced aluminum slide and frame with
UHMW polyethylene seating faces.
C563 gates have a fiberglass reinforced composite plastic or rigid compressed
plastic slide and fiberglass reinforced composite plastic or stainless steel frame with
UHMW polyethylene seating faces.
I.B. History. The original AWWA standard for slide gates (then referred to as
sluice gates) was approved as tentative in June 1941 and described cast-iron gates,
The tentative standard was revised and approved in 1967 as AWWA Standard C501.
Subsequent editions were approved in January 1980, June 1987, and June 1992.
Following the latest revision, the Standards Council authorized the development of
additional standards for slide gates to recognize the widespread use of slide gates
similar to C501 gates in performance but manufactured by different methods and of

Vll
different materials. For consistency among the new standards and recognizing the
new designs employed, the Standards Council directed that all of the standards use
the name "slide gate" in lieu of the term "sluice gate." The Standards Council also
directed that CSO 1 be redesignated C560, with subsequent slide gate standards
numbered consecutively. This is the first edition of C56 l, Standard for Fabricated
Stainless-Steel Slide Gates, and was approved on Jan. _, 2004.
LC. Acceptance. In May 1985, the US Environmental Protection Agency
(USEPA) entered into a cooperative agreement with a consortium led by NSF
International (NSF) to develop voluntary third-party consensus standards and a
certification program for all direct and indirect drinking water additives. Other
members of the original consortium included the American Water Works Association
Research Foundation (AWWARF) and the· Conference of State Health and
Environmental Managers (COSHEM). The American Water Works Association
(AWWA) and the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA)
joined later.
In the United States, authority to regulate products for use in, or in contact with,
drinking water rests with individual states.* Local agencies may choose to impose
requirements more stringent than those required by the state. To evaluate the health
effects of products and drinking water additives from such products, state and local
agencies may use various references, including
1. Art advisory program formerly administered by USEPA, Office of Drinking
Water, discontinued on April 7, 1990.
2. · Specificpolicies of the state or local agency.
Two standards developed under the direction of NSF, ANSit/NSF+6o, Drinking
Water Treatment. Chemicals-Health Effects, and ANSI/NSF 61, Drinking Water
System Components-Health Effects.
Other references, including AWWA standards, Food Chemicals Codex, Water
Chemical Codex,§ and other standards considered appropriate by the state or local
agency.

* Persons outside the United States should contact the appropriate authority having jurisdiction.
t American National Standards Institute, 25 W 43rd St., Fourth Floor, New York, NY 10036.
:j:NSF International, 789 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105.
§Both publications available from National Academy of Sciences, 2102 Constitution Ave. N.W, ·
Washington, DC 20418.

Vlll
 Various certification organizations may . be involved m . certifying products in
accordance with ANSI/NSF 61. Individual states or local agencies have authority to
accept or accredit certification organizations within their jurisdiction. Accreditation
of certification organizations may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
Annex A, "Toxicology Review and Evaluation Procedures," to ANSI/NSF 61
does not stipulate a maximum allowable level (MAL) of a contaminant for substances
not regulated by USEPA final maximum contaminant level (MCL). The MALs of an
unspecified list of "unregulated contaminants" are based on toxicity testing guidelines
(noncarcinogens) and risk characterization methodology (carcinogens). Use of Annex
A Procedures may not always be identical, depending on the certifier.
AWWA C561 does not address additives requirements. Thus, users of this
standard should consult the appropriate state and local agency having jurisdiction in
order to
1. Determine additive requirements, including applicable standards.
2. Determine the status of certifications by all parties offering to certify products
for contact with, or treatment of, drinking water.
3. Determine currentinformation on product certification.
II. Special Issues. In creating this standard, the committee initially drafted a
standard governing a slide gate design with an integral seat-seal system utilizing
ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene as the resilient material providing the .seat
and seal. This design and material, it was felt, offered the widest application to the
water industry, particularly to high head applications and those applications subject
t.~ abrasive conditions. However, an older gate design utilizing a resilient seal separate
from the seat has been in use for a number of years and performs well. Accordingly,
this standard was broadened to include the older design with a seal separate from the
seat. The purchaser is urged to consult with the manufacturers on the application of
the different slide gate designs to the particular application.
III. Use of This Standard. It is the responsibility of the user of an AWWA
standard to determine that the products described in that standard are suitable for use
in the particular application being considered.
III.A. Purchaser Options and Alternatives. The following items should be
covered in the purchaser's specifications:
1. Standard used-that is, AWWA C56 l, Standard for Fabricated Stainless
Steel Slide Gates, of latest revision.
2. Number of units required.

ix
 3. Size and type of closure-conventional or flush-bottom.
4. Any drawings and material specifications required of the supplier or bf the
manufacturer (Sec. 4:1 and 4.2).
5. If test records must be viewed (Sec. 4.3.2).
6. Acceptablematerials (Sec. 4.3.3).
7. Design head measured from the surface of water to centerline of gate, in feet
(meters), for the following:
a. Seating head
b. Unseating head
8. Operating head measured from surface of water to centerline of gate, in feet
(meters).
9. Type of gate mounting used: If a wall thimble is used, required length and
shape (Sec. 4.4.10).
10. If seals, separate from seats, are to be provided (Sec. 4.3.3.8 and 4.4.3).
11. Rising stem or nonrising stem (Sec, 4.4.7 and 4.4.11).
12. Type of actuator-manual, electric-motor-driven, or hydraulic-cylinder. If
electric-motor or hydraulic-cylinder, the purchaser should refer to ANSI/AWWA
C540, Standard for Power-Actuating Devices for Valves and Slide Gates. (".
13. If hydraulic or pneumatic actuators are specified, provide cylinder operating
media and pressure (refer to ANSI/AWWA C540).
14. Omission of stem covers if not required (Sec. 4.4.13.6).
15. If a gate position indicator is to be provided with the actuator (Sec. 4.4.13.7).
16. .Weld inspections, if required (Sec. 4.5.2.2).
17. Inspection by purchaser, if required (Sec. 5.1).
18. Leakage tests in the shop (Sec. 5 .2.1) and in the field (Sec. 5.2.2), if required.
19. Separate shipment of embedded items, if required (Sec. 6.2).
20. Affidavit of compliance, if required (Sec. 6.3).
21. Definition of any special design and construction required for conditions
beyond the scope of this standard, such as throttling service or downward acting gates,
including intended operation frequency and duration.
22. Frequency of operation and special operating conditions, such as ice
formation.
23. An installation-requirement drawing showing clearances, wall to floor thick-
nesses, details of wall pipe and thimble installation, and location of actuator.

x
 III.B. Modification to Standard. Any .modification to the provisions, defini-
tions, or terminology in this standard must be provided in the purchaser's
specifications.
IV. Major Revisions. This is the first edition of this standard.
V. Comments. If you have any comments or questions about this standard,
please call the AWWA Volunteer and Technical Support Group at 303.794.7711,
FAX 303.795.7603, or write to the group at 6666 West Quincy Avenue, Denver, CO
80235-3098, or by e-mail at standards@awwa.org.

<~-
XI
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A.
ANSI/ AWWA C561-04
(First Edition)

AmericanWater Works
Association

AWWA Standard

FabricatedStainless
Steel Slide Gates

SECTION 1: GENERAL

Sec. 1.1 Scope

This standard describes fabricated stainless steel slide gates with full aperture
closure, designed for either seating or unseating head, or both, in ordinary water
supply service. The stainless steel gates have nonmetallic seats, which may be of self-
adjusting design or may cooperate with adjustable wedging devices or pressure pads.
The gates may be used for square, rectangular, or round openings. The gates may be
conventional-closure or of flush-bottom-closure type.

Sec. 1.2 Purpose

The purpose of this standard is to provide the minimum requirements for the
above-defined fabricated stainless steel slide gates, including materials, general design,
manufacture, testing, inspection, and shipment.

Sec. 1.3 Application .

This standard can be referenced in specifications for purchasing and receiving
stainless steel slide gates and can also be used as a guide . for designing and
2 AWWA C561-04

manufacturing these gates. The stipulations of this standard apply when 'this
document has been referenced and then apply only to fabricated stainless steel gates
in water supply service applications.

SECTION 2: REFERENCES
This standard references the following documents. In their latest editions, they
form part of this standard to the extent specified within the standard. In any case of
conflict, the requirements of this standard shall prevail.
AIS( 1117-Standard Designation for Low-Carbon Steel.
AISI 4140-Standard Designation for Low-Alloy Hardenable Steel.
AISI 8620-Standard Designation for Low-Alloy Hardenable Steel.
ANS It IASME+ B 16.1-Cast-lron Pipe Flanges and Flanged· Fittings.
ANSI/AWWA C540-Power-Actuating Devices for Valves and Slide Gates.
ASME Welding Code-Section IX.
ASTM§ A36/ A36M-Standard Specification for Carbon Structural Steel.
ASTM A48-Standard Specification for Gray Iron Castings.
ASTM A126-Standard Specification for Gray Iron Castings for Valves,
Flanges, and Pipe Fittings.
ASTM A167-Standard Specification for Stainless and Heat-Resisting Chro-
mium-Nickel Steel Plate Sheet and Strip.
ASTM A240/ A240M-Standard Specification for Heat-Resisting Chromium-
Nickel Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip for Pressure Vessels.
ASTM A249-Standard Specification for Welded Austenitic Steel Boiler,
Superheater, ·Heat-Exchanger, and Condenser Tubes.
ASTM A269-Standard Specification for Seamless and Welded Austenitic
Stainless Steel Tubing for General Service.
ASTM A276-Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Bars and Shapes.
ASTM A312-Standard Specification for Seamless and Welded Austenitic
Stainless Steel Pipes.
j.
[

* American Iron & Steel Institute, 1101 17th St. N.W., Washington, DC 20036.
t American National Standards Institute, 25 W. 43rd St., Fourth Floor, New York, NY 10036.
+American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Three Park Ave., New York, NY 10016.
§ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA 19428.
 FABRICATED STAINLESS STEEL SLIDE GATES 3

ASTM A356-Standard Specifications for Steel Castings, Carbon, Low-Alloy

and Stainless Steel, Heavy-Walled for Steam Tiirbines,
ASTM A376-Standard for Seamless Austenitic Steel Pipe for High-Tempera-
ture Central-Station Service.
ASTM A536-Standard Specification for Ductile Iron Castings.
ASTM A7 43-Standard Specification for Castings, Iron Chromium, Iron-
Chromium-Nickel, Corrosion Resistant, for General Application.
ASTM B85-Alloy SC84B.
ASTM B98/B98M-Standard Specification for Copper-Silicon Alloy Rod, Bar,
and Shapes.
ASTM B 139-Standard Specification for Phosphor Bronze Rod, Bar, and
Shapes.
ASTM B 179-Standard Specification for Aluminum Alloys in Ingot and
Molten Forms for Castings from All Casting Processes.
ASTM B505-Standard Specification for Copper-Base Alloy Continuous
Castings.
ASTM B584-Standard Specification for Copper-Alloy Sand Castings for
General Application.
ASTM D471-Standard Test Method for Rubber Property-Effect of Liquids.
ASTM D 1149-Standard Test Method for Rubber Deterioration-Surface
Ozone Cracking in a Chamber.
ASTM D2000-Standard Classification System for Rubber Products in
Automotive Applications.
ASTM D4020-Standard Specifications for Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight
Polyethylene Molding and Extrusion Materials.
ASTM F593-Standard Specifications for Stainless Steel Bolts, Hex Cap
Screws, and Studs.
ASTM F594-Standard Specifications for Stainless Steel Nuts.
Aws* D 1.6-Structural Welding Code, Stainless Steel.
CDA t-Copper Alloy Numbers. (Note: CA precedes alloy numbers defined by CDA)
SSPCI= SP6-Commercial Blast Cleaning.

*American Welding Society, 550 N.W Lejeune Rd., Miami, FL 33126.

tCopper Development Association, Greenwich Office Park 2, P.O. Box 1840, Greenwich, CT 06836.
tSociety for Protective Coatings, 40 24th St., Sixth Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.-
(
4 AWWA C561-04

SECTION 3: DEFINITIONS

The following definitions shall apply in this standard:

1. Constructor: The party that provides the work and materials for
placement and installation.
2. Design head: Design head (seating or unseating) is the maximum
differential head that will actually be applied to the gate under worst-case conditions.
3. Manufacturer: The party that manufactures, fabricates, or produces
materials or· products.
4. Operating head· Operating head is the highest differential head on the
gate when it must be operated.
5. Purchaser: The person, company, or organization that purchases any
materials or work to be performed.
6. Seal- Resilient material attached to the gate slide or gate frame to
prevent leakage.
7. Seat: Horizontal and vertical bearing surfaces that support the gate.
Seats can be attached to the gate frame or to the gate slide and can also serve to

prevent leakage.
8. Sill: Gate frame bottom contact surface for the slide on flush-bottom
gates.
9. Supplier: The party that supplies material or services.A supplier may or
may not be the manufacturer.

SECTION 4: REQUIREMENTS

Sec. 4.1 Data to Be Provided by the Supplier

When required, the supplier shall provide certified drawings and material
specifications of the equipment to be supplied under the provisions of this standard.
The drawings shall be in sufficient detail for the purchaser to determine if the
proposed equipment meets the specifications. The drawings shall show the
dimensions of the gate opening.
 FABRICATED STAINLESS STEEL SLIDE GATES 5

Sec. 4.2 Data to Be Provided by the Manufacturer

When required, the manufacturer shall submit, for acceptance by the purchaser,
certified drawings showing the principal dimensions, general construction, and
materials used for all parts of the slide gates and actuator. All slide gates shall be
manufactured and provided in accordance with these drawings after they have been
accepted by the purchaser. The manufacturer shall also provide illustrated catalog
data and parts schedules in sufficient detail to serve as a guide for assembly and
disassembly of the gate and for ordering repair parts.

Sec. 4.3 Materials

4.3.1 Physical and chemical properties. The requirements of all AWWA,
ANSI, ASTM, CDA, or other standards referenced in this text shall govern the
physical and chemical characteristics of the slide gate components. Dual certified
stainless steel permits "L" grades to be used with higher mechanical properties
associated with the standard grades of 304 and 316 stainless steel.
4.3.2 Tests. Whenever slide gate components are to be made in conform-
ance with industry standards that include test requirements or testing procedures,
such requirements or procedures shall be met by the manufacturer. The records of
such tests shall be made available if required by the purchaser.
4.3.3 Requirements. All material designated hereinafter, when used in slide
gates produced according to this standard, shall conform to the ·requirements of the
standards designated for each material listed.
Materials shall conform to the following specifications:
4.3.3.1 Thimble, frame, guides, slide, yoke, and stem guides: stainless steel
ASTM A167, ASTM A240, ASTM A249, ASTM A269, Type 304 and 304L or
Type 316 and 316L. "L" grades shall be used for all welded components.*
4.3.3.2 Actuator pedestal and gear housing: cast iron-ASTM A126, class B
or ASTM A48, class 30, or steel ASTM A36/A36M, or aluminum t-ASTM A356,
ASTM B179, or stainless steel-ASTM A276, Type 304 or 316, or ASTM j\-312, or
ASTM A376, or Ductile Iron-ASTM A536 grade 65-45-12.
4.3.3.3 Gears: steel-AISI 8620, AISI 4140, or AISI 1117.

* Gates produced according to this standard may be fabricated of other grades of stainless steel if
specified by the purchaser, to meet particular application conditions. Consult the manufacturer
regarding availability.
t Not recommended for use with stainless steel gates where aluminum is in direct contact with stainless
steel.
6 AWWA C561-04

4.3.3.4 Thrust nuts:

4.3.3.4.1 Rising stem thrust nuts: stainless steel ASTM A276, Type 304 or
316 or ASTM A743, grade CF8 or CF8M.
4.3.3.4.2 Nonrising stem thrust nuts: bronze ASTM B584.*
4.3.3.5 Stem couplings: stainless steel-ASTM A276, Type 304 or 316, or
bronze ASTM B584 (CA 863, CA 865, or CA 873).t
4.3.3.6 Gate actuator lift nut: bronze-ASTM B584 (CA 865, CA 863)
or ASTM B505 (C95800).
4.3.3. 7 Seats: cast or extruded ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene
(UHMW-PE), ASTM D4020.
4.3.3.8 Seals: When used, seal material is to be nonmetallic resilient
material, such as neoprene, EPDM, or polyethylene. Reclaimed rubber, as described
in ASTM D2000, shall not be used.
4.3.3.9 Stem guide bushings: cast or extruded UHMW-PE ASTM D4020,
or stainless steel ASTM A276 Type 304 or 316, or bronze ASTM B584 (CA 932 or
CA 873), ASTM B98/B98M (CA 651 or CA 655), or ASTM B139 (CA 510).
4.3.3.10 Stems: stainless steel ASTM A276, Type 304, 316, or 303.:j:
4.3.3.11 Anchor bolts and fasteners: stainless steel-ASTM F593 or ASTM
F594, alloy group 1 or group 2, or ASTM A276, Type 304 or 316.
4.3.3.12 Flush-bottom sill: Resilient sills for flush-bottom-type gates shall
be extruded or molded neoprene. Reclaimed rubber, as described in ASTM D2000,
shall not be used.
4.3.3.13 Flush-bottom sill retainer: stainless steel-ASTM A276, Type 304
or 316.
4.3.3.14 Wedges and pressure pads: stainless steel-ASTM A276 Type 304
or 316, ~r ASTM A743 Type CF8 or CF8M, or UHMW polyethylene ASTM
D4020.

* If bronze is not acceptable, consult the manufacturerfor alternatives.

t Some materials described in the cited documentsare subject to dealuminization or dezincification in
some waters. In the absence of specific provisions by the purchaser, any material listed shall be
acceptable. However, it is recommendedthat the purchaser prohibitthe use of materials identified as
being subject to dezincification or dealuminizationunless experience has shown. that dezincification
or dealuminization has not been a problem.
:j:When immersed, Type 303 stainless steel is potentiallysusceptible to end grain attack at machinedor
cut faces.
 FABRICATED STAINLESS STEEL SLIDE GATES 7

Sec. 4.4 General Design

4.4.1 Frames.
4A.l. l Material. · The frame shall be made of wrought stainless steel of the
specified grade. The minimum material thickness of all members except seal retainers
shall be 14 in. (6.4 mm).
4.4.1.2 Design. The frame shall be designed for the design head indicated
with a minimum safety factor of 4 with regard to ultimate tensile, compressive, and
shear strength and a minimum safety factor of 2 with regard to tensile, compressive,
and · shear yield strength. All mating surfaces shall be accurately formed to ensure
proper operation.
4.4.2 Slides.
4.4.2.1 Material. The slide shall be made of wrought stainless steel of the
specified grade. The minimum thickness of all members except seal· retainers shall be
1/4
in. (6.4 mm).
4.4.2.2 Design. The slide shall be designed for the minimum safety factor
of 4 with regard to ultimate tensile, compressive, and shear strength, and a minimum
safety factor of 2 with regard to the tensile, compressive, and shear yield strength.
The slide shall have surfaces to engage the guides for its full length. Slide deflection
should not exceed 1h6o of gate width at maximum design head. All mating surfaces
shall be accurately formed to ensure proper operation. The lateral clearance between
the frame and the guides shall be controlled so as to permit free travel.
4.4.3 Seats and seals.
4.4.3.1 Design. The gate may have an integral seat-seal system or a seal
separate from the seat. Seats and seals shall be secured to the frame or to the slide
in a manner to ensure they will remain in place, free of distortion or loosening during
the life of the gate.
4.4.3.2 Seat contact. The seating-sealing surfaces shall contact their mating
surfaces so as to meet the specified leakage requirements in Sec. 5.2.2.1. Seat contact
pressure shall not exceed 600 psi at the design head. For this calculation, the top seat
and bottom seat, if any,. shall not be considered as load bearing.
4.4.4 Flush-bottom sill.
4.4.4.1 Design. The design of the sill shall be such as to provide resistance
against leakage. The maximum allowable leakage is specified in Sec. 5.2.2.1. The seal
at the sill shall be mounted on the slide or the frame and shall be held securely in
place,
8 AWWA C561-04

4.4.4.2 Material tests. Rubber compounds shall be capable of withstanding

an ozone-resistance test when tested in accordance with ASTM D 1149. The tests shall
be conducted on unstressed samples for 70 hr at 104°F (40°C) without visible
cracking in the surfaces of the test samples after the tests. Rubber compounds shall
have less than 2 percent volume increase when tested in accordance with ASTM
0471, after being immersed in distilled water at 73.4°F ± 2°F (23°C ± 1 °C) for 70 hr.
4.4.5 Guides.
4.4.5.1 Material. Guides shallbe stainless steel of the specified material type.
1/4
The minimum material thickness, except for seal retainers, shall be in. (6.4 mm).
4.4.5.2 Design. Guides shall be integral with the frame or bolted to the
frame. Guides, including their bolting, if any, shall be designed to resist the design
head indicated and the wedging action, if any, with a safety factor of 4 with regard to
ultimate tensile, compressive, and shear strength and a minimum safety factor of 2
with regard to the tensile, compressive, and shear yield strength; The guides shall
support at least one half of the slide height when the slide is in full open position.
Guides of self-contained gates shall be designed to adequately support the yoke and
resist all operating loads with a safety factor of 4 on the ultimate or 2 on the yield
with regard to the tensile, compressive, and shear strengths of the material.
4.4.6 Yoke. Self-contained gates shall be provided with a wrought stainless
steel yoke designed to withstand the thrust of the actuator when a 40-lb ( 178-N)
effort is placed on the handwheel or crank, with a minimum safety factor of 4 with
regard to ultimate tensile, compressive, and shear strength and a minimum safety
factor of 2 with regard to the tensile, compressive, and shear yield strength. Yokes for
hydraulic cylinders shall meet the above criteria at the output thrust at maximum
working pressure (pressure relief valve setting). In addition to the above criteria for
manual operation, yokes for electric actuators shall be designed for a safety factor of
1.5 with regard to yield strength at. the locked-rotor torque of the actuator. Yoke
deflection should not exceed 1h6o of gate width at maximum operating load. The
actuator mounting and guide contact surfaces shall be accurately formed to ensure
proper stem alignment. The yoke shall be designed to allow removal of the slide from
the gate assembly.
4.4. 7 Stem connection. The. stem shall be connected to the slide by a thrust
nut or by a thru-bolt connection. The connection shall be designed to prevent
rotation of the thrust nut. Rising stem thrust nuts shall be threaded and keyed or
threaded and pinned to the stem. Nonrising stem thrust nuts shall be threaded. but not
 FABRICATED STAINLESS STEEL SLIDE GATES 9

.{ keyed. The connection shall be designed to withstand the stated design load with a
minimum safety factor of 4 with regard to ultimate tensile; compressive, and shear
strength and a minimum safety factor of 2 with regard to the tensile, compressive, and
shear yield strength. The design load for the stem connection shall be (1) for manual
actuator-the output thrust developed when 40-lb (178-N) effort is applied to the
handwheel or crank; (2) for electric actuators-1.25 times the output thrust developed
in the motor-locked rotor torque condition; (3) for hydraulic actuators-1.25
times the output thrust developed by the maximum working pressure (pressure
relief valve setting).
4.4.8 Wedging devices and pressure pads. Adjustable wedges or pressure pads
shall be provided to ensure seat contact when the gate is fully closed, for gates with
seats that are not self-adjusting, when deemed necessary by the gate manufacturer to
meet the specified leakage. The mating surfaces of these devices shall be accurately
made and of sufficient contact area to assure proper operation. Adjusting mechanisms
shall be so designed as to remain securely in place after adjustment.
4.4.9 Assembly bolts, studs, nuts, and anchor bolts. All assembly bolts, studs,
nuts, and anchor bolts shall be of such size and spacing as required to resist the design
forces with a minimum safety factor of 4 with regard to ultimate tensile, compressive,
and shear strength and a minimum safety factor of 2 with regard to the tensile,
compressive, and shear yield strength. Bolting on circular Hanged-back gates mounting
to pipe flanges shall mate with class 25-lb or class 125-lb drilling as specified in ANSI/
ASME B 16.1. Mounting bolts or studs shall be of adequate number and spacing to
. seal the mounting flange and resist the shearing action caused by operating forces.
Where adhesive anchors or expansion anchors are used, the bolt loads shall not exceed
the bolt manufacturer's recommendations.
4.4.10 Wall thimbles.
4.4.10.1 Material. Where thimbles are used, they shall be fabricated of the
specified grade of wrought stainless steel. The minimum material thickness shall be
1/4
in. (6.4 mm).
4.4.10.2 Design. The cross section of the thimble shall be of a shape to
inhibit pullout and water seepage. Provision for pipe- attachment shall be made when
specified. The front, or mounting flange shall be accurately formed to provide a
suitable mounting surface and shall be provided with mounting fasteners that mate
the gate frame drilling. Gate mounting studs shall be attached by nuts, no thinner

( -
"'-··-
than American Standard Finish Hex nuts, welded to the back of the thimble or by
10 AWWA C561-04

tapped holes in the thimble. Tapped holes, where used, shall have a minimum thread
engagement of one-stud diameter. A ring or a flange around the outside of the wall
box shall be provided to form a water stop and anchor ring in the concrete.
4.4.10.3 Release of air. To permit entrapped air to escape as the thimble is
being encased in concrete, holes shall be provided in each entrapment zone, formed
by the reinforcing ribs, flanges, and water stops. The holes shall be 1 Y2 in. (38 mm)
in diameter and no more than 2 ft ( 600 mm) apart.
4.4.11 Stem and stem couplings.
4.4.11.1 Material. The stem shall be solid stainless steel of the specified
grade.
4.4.11.2 Design. The operating stem shall be rising or nonrising and shall
be designed to withstand a manual actuator ( or electric motor actuator in manual
mode) tension load caused by the application of 40-lb (178-N) effort on the crank or
handwheel or a 50-ft/lb (68-N/m) torque on a wrench nut without exceeding one-
fifth of the ultimate tensile strength of the stem material. In compression, the
operating stem shall be designed for a critical buckling compressive load assuming a
40-lb (178-N) effort on the crank or handwheel or a 50-ft/lb (68-N/m) torque on a
wrench nut with a safety factor of 2. The critical buckling load shall be determined
by using the Euler Column formula,* where C = 2. Where hydraulic-cylinder
actuators are used, the stem design force shall not be less than 1.25 times the output
thrust of the hydraulic cylinder with a pressure equal to the maximum working
pressure (pressure relief valve setting) of the hydraulic fluid supply. Where electric-
motor-driven actuators are used, the stem design force shall not be less than 1.25
times the output thrust of the unit in the stalled motor condition.
4.4.11.3 Threads. Stem threads which generate gate motion (rising stem
threads at the actuator lift nut or nonrising stem threads at the gate thrust nut) shall
be machine cut or rolled American Standard general purpose Acme or stub Acme
type. Stem coupling threads and rising stem thrust nut threads may be American
Standard general purpose Acme or stub Acme or may be unified screw threads.
Where unified screw threads are used, typically hydraulic-cylinder stem connections,
the pitch may not be finer than Unified National Coarse (UNC). On rising-stem

* Euler Column formula: P = Cn2 EA (r!l)2, where P = axial load on stem, C defines end restraints
conditions, E = modulus of elasticity, l = length or span between supports, r = radius of gyration, and
A = area of stem, minor diameter for threaded portion of stem.
 FABRICATED STAINLESS STEEL SLIDE GATES 11

gates with manual actuators, the top of the stem shall be provided with a stop collar
to be field adjusted according to the manufacturer's instructions at the time of gate
installation to prevent overdosing the gate.
4.4.11.4 Coupling. Where stems are provided in more than one piece, the
sections shall be joined together by solid couplings. The couplings shall be threaded
and keyed or threaded and bolted and shall be of greater strength than the stem.
4.4.11.5 Inverted gates. For all inverted-gate applications where the gate is
lowered to open, a stop collar or other positive means shall be provided to prevent
the loss of the slide from the guides.
4.4.12 Stem guides. Stem guides shall be provided as required to meet the
stem design requirements of Sec. 4.4.11.2. The stem guide brackets may be mounted
on the gate guides or yoke or may be mounted on the wall of the chamber. Wall-
mounted guides shall provide lateral adjustment between the wall and the guide
bracket and between the guide bracket and the guide for field alignment. Guides,
which are mounted on the gate assembly, shall be designed and fabricated to assure
proper alignment. The guides shall have adequate adjustment to permit proper
alignment. The stem guide assemblies and their anchor bolts shall be designed to
maintain the alignment under all operating loads. The stem guide shall be bushed
with a maximum diametral clearance of 1/s in. (3.2 mm). Guides shall be placed
according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The length-radius of gyration of
the stem ratio shall not exceed 200.
4.4.13 Manual actuators.
4.4.13.1 Operation. The manual actuator shall have either a direct drive
handwheel without reduction gearing or shall be crank-actuated with either single- or
double-reduction gearing as necessary to meet l.ifting capacity required. The actuator
shall be sized to permit slide operation with an effort of not more than 40-lb ( 178-N)
pull on the handwheel-handcrank or 50-ft/lb (68-N/m) torque on the lift nut or
input shaft, depending on the lift type. Maximum pull or torque to start the slide in
motion must not exceed one and one-half times this amount. All components of the
actuator shall be designed to withstand these input efforts or torques with a minimum
safety factor of 5 with regard to ultimate tensile, compressive, and shear strength.
4.4.13.2 General design. The actuators shall have a bronze lift nut threaded
to fit the operating stem. Tapered roller or ball bearings shall be provided above and
below the flange on the lift nut to take the thrust developed during gate operation.
All bearings (and gears) shall be enclosed in a cast iron, ductile· iron; ~r cast
12 AWWA C561-04

aluminum housing with oil seals and 0-rings · or mechanical seals used to seal the
unit. Fittings shall be provided so that all bearings (and gears) can be periodically
lubricated. The actuator shall be supplied with a pedestal, torque tube, or baseplate,
machined and drilled for mounting · the lift housing and ready for bolting to the
operating floor, top wall mounting bracket, or gate yoke, as required.
4A 13.3 Gear reducing actuators. The drive gears used in gear reduction
actuators shall be of steel and 'accurately machined, with cut teeth to provide smooth
and proper operation. Input shafts shall - be stainless steel and supported by tapered
roller or other roller-type bearings designed to withstand the radial and thrust loads
generated during operation. All geared actuators shall be suitable for operation by use
of a portable motor apparatus.
4.4.13.4 Crank-handwheel. The crank shall be removable and fitted with
a corrosion-resistant rotating handle. The maximum crank radius shall be 15 m.
(380 mm), and the maximum handwheel diameter shall be 30 in. (760 mm).
4.4.13.5 Opening direction. The direction of wheel or crank rotation to
open the gate shall be indicated on the actuator. Single-speed actuators shall open
counterclockwise. Two-speed actuators shall open counterclockwise for the low
mechanical-advantage gear ratio (high-speed pinion shaft).
4.4.13.6 Stem cover. Each rising stem unit shall be provided with a stem
cover unless otherwise specified by the purchaser. The cover shall be made of
galvanized steel pipe, or aluminum pipe, or a clear plastic pipe that will not discolor,
crack, or become opaque for at least five years after installation. Slotted metal stem
covers used to indicate a position shall have clear plastic windows. The cover shall be
of sufficient diameter and length to permit full travel of the threaded stem without
obstruction. The stem cover shall be vented, drained, and mounted in a housing or
adaptor plate for easy field installation.
4.4.13.7 Indicator. When specified, each rising-stem type actuator with a
solid galvanized steel or aluminum pipe cover and all nonrising-stem actuators shall
be provided with a dial or counter-type positions indicator to show the posi~ion of
the gate at all times. The indicator shall be geared to the actuator.
4.4.13.8 Dual actuators. All gates 48 in. (1;200 mm) and wider and having
widths greater than twice their height shall be provided with dual stems and with two
actuators connected by a tandem shaft for simultaneous operation. Cross shafting
shall be stainless steel or aluminum. Flexible couplings shall be provided at each end
of the cross shaftings.
 FABRICATED STAINLESS STEEL SLIDE GATES 13

4.4.13.9 Surface preparation. All carbon steel and alloy surfaces shall be
prepared in accordance with Sec. 4.5.3.1 and shall have a high-solids epoxy protective
coating or equivalent applied. Coating does not have to be suitable for potable water
unless the actuator is immersed.
4.4.14 Powered actuators.
4.4.14.1 Speed of operation. The normal rate of movement of the slide
during gate operation shall be 10-14 in./min (254-356 mm/min) under specified
operating conditions.
4.4.14.2 Finish.
4.4.14.2.1 Cleaning and preparation. Surfaces shall be prepared in accor-
dance with Sec. 4.5.3.1.
4.4.14.2.2 Submerged surfaces or surfaces subjected to splashing. After
cleaning, these surfaces shall be primed and finish-coated in the manufacturer's shop
with a minimum two-coat high-solids epoxy coating or equivalent suitable for use in
potable water. After coated surfaces are dry, all machined or bearing surfaces and the
holes, both plain and threaded, shall be coated with a protective grease suitable for
potable water until time of installation.
4.4.14.2.3 Exposed abovegrade surfaces. After cleaning, these surfaces shall
be primed and finish-coated in the manufacturer's shop with a high-solids epoxy
coating or equivalent suitable for outdoor exposure. The coating does not have to be
suitable for potable water.
4.4.14.3 Electric motor actuators. Electric motor actuators shall be per
. . ANSI/AWWA C540, Sec. 3, except for speed of operation and finish previously
noted.
4.4.14.4 Cylinder actuators. Except for speed of operation and finish previ-
ously noted, cylinder actuators shall be in accordance with ANSI/AWWA C540, Sec. 4,
with the exception of piston rods. All piston rods shall be 30,000 psi (206.8 Mpa)
minimum yield strength, type 303, 304 or 17-4 PH stainless steel, hard chrome plated,
0.0005-in. (0.0127 mm) thick and shall have a 20-micro in. (0.000508 mm) finish or
smoother.

Sec. 4.5 Manufacture

4.5.1 Workmanship. All parts in the slide, gate and accessories shall be
accurately manufactured. All like parts shall be interchangeable so that replacement
{ parts can be provided at any time and attached in the field with a minimum of
\-<c .
14 AWWA C561-04

fitting. All parts shall conform to the design dimensions and shall be free from defects
in material and workmanship. All attaching bolt holes shall be drilled accurately to
layout indicated on the drawings.
4.5.1.1 Castings. All castings shall be clean, sound, and without defects that
could impair their function.
4.5. l.2 Welding. All welding of stainless steel shall be in accordance with
AWS D 1.6 and ASME Welding Code-Section IX.
4.5.2 Fabrication and finish.
4.5.2.1 Workmanship. The gate, slide, and frame shall be fabricated to
within 1/s in. (3.2 mm) squareness, flatness, and dimensional tolerance with respect
to gate opening. All bolt holes shall be accurately located to mounting patterns
indicated on the drawings and shall be drilled or punched and free of all burrs and
defects. All machined parts shall be accurately machined with interchangeable parts,
so that replacement parts can be provided at any time and replaced in the field with
minimal effort. All parts shall conform to the design dimensions and shall be free
from defects in material and workmanship. Castings shall be clean, sound, and
without defects that could impair their function.
4.5.2.2 Welding
4.5.2.2.1 Stainless steel. Gates shall be welded using the welding process
described in AWS D 1.6 and ASME Welding Code-Section IX. Welding processes
and welders shall be qualified and maintained as required byAWS D 1.6 section 4.
All welds shall be visually inspected in accordance with AWS D 1.6 section 6.
4.5.2.2.2 Additional inspection. No additional weld inspection is required
unless specifically requested by the constructor or purchaser. If requested, the specific
weld inspection shall be identified as required· in reference to AWS D 1.6. •
4.5.3 Protective coatings and surface treatment:
4.5.3.1 Items to be coated. The only items requiring protective coating are
carbon and alloy steels, exposed to weather. All surfaces shall be cleaned to SSPC
SP6, dry and free of grease before coating. After cleaning, the surfaces shall be,primed
and finished in the manufacturer's shop with a high-solids epoxy coating or
equivalent.
4.5.3.2 Noncoated material. Galvanized or aluminum manual actuator
housings, stem covers, or other hardware do not require protective coating.
 FABRICATED STAINLESS STEEL SLIDE GATES 15

4.5.3.3 Coating. After cleaning, the surfaces to be coated shall be primed

and finished in the manufacturer's shop with a high-solids epoxy coating or
equivalent.
4.5.3.4 Stainless steel cleaning. Stainless steel does not reqmre protective
coatings for corrosion resistance, and protective coatings are generally not recom-
mended. All stainless steel parts shall be cleaned and free of grease and dirt, and all
stainless steel weldments shall be cleaned and free of slag, weld spatter, and heat tint
discoloration.

Sec. 4.6 Installation

Handle, store, and install the wall thimble or other connection device, gate,
actuator mechanism, stem, stem guides, and accessories in accordance with the
manufacturer's drawings and recommendations. Care shall be taken to avoid warping
the gate frame and to maintain tolerances between seating faces. All gates, thimbles,
stems, and actuators shall be plumbed, shimmed, and aligned accurately.
4.6.1 Hole protection. Tapped holes in thimbles shall be plugged for
protection.
4.6.2 Surface protection. During construction, the surfaces of the connect-
mg device, wall thimble, gate, actuators, and appurtenances shall be covered or
otherwise protected from concrete spillage, paint, oil, and debris. Any damage that
occurs to the connecting device or gate in storage or handling shall be corrected prior
to installation of the gate or operating and testing the gate.
4.6.3 Thimble. Thimbles shall be positioned accurately and supported to
prevent shifting during the pouring of the surrounding concrete. Thimbles shall be
carefully braced both horizontally and vertically to prevent distortion. Concrete shall
be poured carefully to provide a good bond to the thimble without voids. Concrete
shall be forced under the thimble up to the air-vent holes.
4.6.4 Slide. After actuated gates have been completely installed, adjusted,
and properly lubricated, each slide shall be operated for one complete cycle, op.en-
close-open or dose-open-close.
4.6. 5 Switch setting. After installation of gates with electric motor actuators,
torque switches shall be adjusted and limit switches set according to the
manufacturer's recommendations. The gate shall then be operated through one
complete cycle, open-close-open or close-open-close,

(__
16 AWWA C561-04

4.6.6 Actuator storage. If hydraulic-cylinder actuators are to be stored at the

jobsite for one month or longer, the cylinders shall be filled with oil at the storage
site. If oil-filled cylinders are stored horizontally, they shall be rotated at least once
per month. If electric actuators are to be stored at the jobsite for one month or
longer, provisions shall be made to energize the electrical enclosure strip heaters.
4.6.7 Cylinder. After installation of gates with hydraulic-cylinder actuators,
the alignment of the cylinder with the gate shall be checked by opening the gate
before water is turned into the gate chamber. Binding or side thrust on the cylinder
rod shall be eliminated to ensure proper cylinder operation and long life of seals. All
connections shall be carefully checked for leaks. After proper alignment has been
obtained and absence of leaks assured, the gate, submerged or subjected to normal
operating heads, shall be checked through another complete cycle of operation, open-
close-open, or dose-open-close.

SECTION5: VERIFICATION

Sec. 5.1 Inspection

All work performed according to this standard shall be subject to inspection and
approval by the purchaser. The purchaser shall have access to all places of
manufacture where materials are produced or fabricated or where tests are conducted,
and they shall be accorded full facilities for inspection and observation. Any slide gate
or part that does not conform to the requirements of this standard shall be made
satisfactory or shall be rejected and replaced.

Sec. 5.2 Test Procedures

5.2.1 Shop testing.
5.2.1.1 Performance tests. After completion, all seating and wedging sur-
faces shall be cleaned thoroughly of all foreign materials and final adjustments shall
be made. The slide gate shall then be operated in the shop from the fully closed to
the fully open positions to verify that the assembly is functional. A shop leakage test,
meeting the requirements of Sec. 5.2.2, shall be made when specified in the
purchaser's specifications.
Note: Shop leakage tests cannot be carried out for all types and sizes of gates.
Purchasers should consult the manufacturer involved before specifying such tests.
 FABRICATED STAINLESS STEEL SLIDE GATES 17

5.2.2 Field leakage test. A field leakage test may be performed by the
purchaser after installation of the slide gate. The manufacturer shall be notified of the
test so as to allow sufficient time to enable a representative of the manufacturer to be
present at the test site. After all adjustments have been made and the mechanism
properly lubricated, each gate slide shall be operated through one complete cycle as a
final check on proper operation before starting the leakage test. Seating and unseating
heads shall be measured from the top surface of the water to the center of the gate.
5.2.2.1 Head. Under the design head, seating or unseating, as specified, the
leakage shall not exceed 0.10 gpm/ft (1.24 lpm/m) of seating perimeter.

SECTION 6: DELIVERY*

Sec. 6.1 Marking

This standard has no applicable information for this section.

Sec. 6.2 Shipment

Slide gates shall be complete when shipped. The manufacturer shall use all due
and customary care in preparing them for shipment to avoid damage in handling or
in transit. Particular care shall be taken to make certain that the parts are completely
closed and locked in position before shipment. Parts that are to be embedded in
concrete may be shipped separately if requested by the purchaser. Slide gates 24 in.
( 600 mm) and larger shall be bolted securely or otherwise fastened to skids in such a
manner that they be safely handled.

Sec. 6.3 Affidavit of Compliance

When required, the manufacturer shall provide an affidavit of compliance with
all applicable provisions of this standard and with the purchaser's specifications.

*Governmental marking, packaging, and shipping references reflect US requirements. Users of AWWA
C561 outside the US should verify applicable local and national regulatory requirements. · ,
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 APPENDIX A
. . .

Force Required to Actuate Fabricated Stainless Steel Gates

This appendix is for information only and is not a part of AWWA C561. ·

The maximum force required to actuate a slide gate occurs during the unseating
and raising of the weight of the slide. In closing, normally the downward motion of
the gate, the weight of the stem and slide act in the direction of motion and reduce
the force required.
The force required to actuate the slide is, in part, empirically determined. The
force may be calculated as shown below. For design purposes, the force should not be
taken as less than 50 lb per lineal inch of gate opening height,

F = 62.4 x f x A x H + 1.5 x P1 + P2

([metric] F = 1,000 x f x A x H + 1.5 x P1 + P2)

Where:
F total maximum force required to open slide, lb (N)
f friction factor of slide against seat
A area of gate opening, ft2 (m2)
H head of water at gate centerline, ft (m)
P1 weight of slide, lb (kg)
P2 weight of stem, lb (kg)
The friction factor f between the slide and the seats may be taken as 0.20 for
UHMW-PE seats. Appropriate changes in opening force calculations (bearing
pressure and friction factor) must be made if seals, separate from the seats, are
utilized. The weight of the stem and slide should be obtained from the manufacturer
of the gate. It has not been general practice to reduce the weight of the slide or stem
because of the buoyant effect of the water.
The force required to overcome the frictional effect of the wedges is accounted
for by empirically assigning one half of the weight of the slide to the opening force.

(
__ .....

'"'--' ..

19
20 AWWA C561-04

On partially opened parallel closure gates and on wedge type gates, after release
from the wedges, the force becomes

([metric] F1 = 1,000 x fxA x H + P1 + P2 + P3)

Where:
F1 total maximum force required for sustained effort on the actuator, lb (kg)
P3 62.4 x H x ax c, lb

([metric] P3 = 1,000 x H x a x c, N)

Where:
a = cross sectional area of gate slide (gate width x bottom rib plan
dimension), ft2 (m2)
c = coefficient

P3 accounts for the downpull force caused by the flow velocity when the gate is
slightly open. It is significant only on large gates and higher heads. The coefficient
varies with the shape of the gate lip. The c coefficient can range from less than O to
more than 1.0.
The above forces are based on the use of a handwheel, crank, or electric-motor-
actuated gate where the lift nut turns around a threaded rising stem or where the
threaded stem turns inside a thrust nut on nonrising stem applications.
When cylinder actuators are employed, it is suggested that the total forces
calculated above are to be multiplied by a 1.3 safety factor when starting the gate
from dosed to open.
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