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OUR CORE SPECIALISATION

Top-Hinged Float Gates (Automatic)

Top-Hinged Float Gates (Non-Submersible, Automatic) are hydro-mechanical gates that function automatically based on upstream water levels. They open and close without requiring any electrical power or manpower and inherently regulate flood discharge by determining when to open, how much to open, and how long to remain open. This self-regulating mechanism significantly reduces operational risk during flood events and eliminates dependence on skilled gate operators, which is a major constraint across India.
 
As the system does not incorporate any electro-mechanical components such as motors or sensors, and requires no oiling and greasing for its lifetime, it is essentially maintenance free and is widely regarded as a “Fit It-and-Forget It” solution. 

KEY ADVANTAGES

FULLY AUTOMATIC OPERATION

  • Opens and closes automatically based on upstream water level.

  • Independently regulates outflow, determining when to open, how much to open, and for how long to remain open.

  • Ensures timely flood passage and eliminates risks associated with delayed operations. 

NO EXTERNAL POWER REQUIRED

  • No Electrical Power or Manpower Required.

  • No Motors, Sensors or any external mechanisms are required.

  • Can be operated Manually, if required.

STORAGE RELIABILITY

NO MAINTENANCE REQUIRED

CLEAR WATER WAY

  • Automatically closes as water level recedes to FRL.

  • Maintains FRL at all times.

  • Prevents loss of storage after floods.

  • In contrast, delay in closing conventional gates can result in substantial storage losses.

  • No oiling or greasing required during its entire life.

  • Gates are essentially maintenance free.

  • Fully opens during high flood conditions (MWL/HFL), and therefore do not obstruct flow of water. 

  • Functions almost similar to an ungated weir.

  • Allows smooth passage for floating debris, logs, flotsams etc.

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Principles & Functioning of Top-Hinged Float Gates

Top-Hinged Float Gate functions on the “Principle of Moments”. Upstream water pressure acts as Opening Moment, while Gate’s self-load including the dynamic load of water in the ballast tank forms the Closing Moment. Gate is engineered such that it remains in equilibrium till the upstream water level reaches the FRL. As soon as the upstream water level rises above the FRL, the opening moment exceeds the closing moment and the Gate starts to open.

 

Top-Hinged Float Gates remain in the closed position until the upstream water level reaches the Full Reservoir Level (FRL). Once the water level rises above FRL, the gates automatically rotate outward and upward, allowing excess water to pass downstream. As the water level increases further, the gates open progressively wider, thereby increasing the discharge area and passing proportionately greater flows.

 

When the water level recedes, the gates automatically rotate downward and inward, gradually closing as the water level falls below the FRL. The gates operate automatically and do not require any external power or manual intervention. During high flood conditions, the gates open fully to allow unobstructed flow of water, enabling the structure to function similar to an ungated weir

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Applications of Top-Hinged Float Gates

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1

INCREASING STORAGE CAPACITY

Top-Hinged Float Gates can be effectively utilized for increasing the storage capacity of existing minor and medium ungated dams, enabling optimum utilisation of existing infrastructure and improved reservoir efficiency without major structural modifications.

2

INCREASING DISCHARGING CAPACITY

In view of revised design flood assessments carried out by CWC and Dam Safety Review Panels (DSRP), several existing dams require enhancement of spillway discharge capacity. Top-Hinged Float Gates can be used to enhance the discharging capacity of existing dams safely without disturbing the structural integrity of the existing structure.

3

REPLACEMENT OF FALL BOARD SHUTTERS/FLAP GATES

Top-Hinged Float Gates can be effectively utilized for replacing obsolete fall board shutters and flap gates, providing a fully automatic and reliable alternative that enhances operational safety and flood handling capability.

Recent Project Videos

Recent Project Videos

Recent Project Videos
UHSPL |  Bhakra Weir Before & After

UHSPL | Bhakra Weir Before & After

00:54
UHSPL | Dhanei Dam Top-Hinged Float Gates Automatic Operation

UHSPL | Dhanei Dam Top-Hinged Float Gates Automatic Operation

01:23
UHSPL | Bhakra Weir Modernisation Project

UHSPL | Bhakra Weir Modernisation Project

15:12
UHSPL | Dhanei Dam Top Hinged Automatic Gates

UHSPL | Dhanei Dam Top Hinged Automatic Gates

10:38

Technical Brochure

This brochure provides detailed information on working principles, applications, and advantages of Top-Hinged Float Gates.

Project Hydraulic Inputs

For preliminary assessment and design of Top-Hinged Float Gates, the following hydraulic particulars are required.

Contact Form

Head Office

218, Krishna Plaza, Near Garden, Lakadganj, Nagpur, MH (440008)

Inquiries

For any inquiries, questions or commendations, please call: 

+91 93720 34260

mail@universalautogates.com

Disclaimer : All information on this website is provided in good faith for general information purposes only. Universal Hydro Structures Pvt. Ltd. makes no warranties regarding accuracy or completeness and shall not be liable for any losses or damages arising from its use.

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