KGAL Fluid Summer 2025 PT - Flipbook - Page 2
consulting engineers
Enhancing Reliability at Pitlochry...
Drum Gate Analysis Completed
Images courtesy of SSE ... Pitlochry under construction
We have recently completed a detailed reliability study, known as a Failure Modes and Eûects Analysis
(FMECA), for the Drum Gates at SSE's Pitlochry Dam. This proactive analysis aims to systematically identify
potential areas for enhancement within the drum gate systems, assess their potential impacts, and provide
targeted recommendations to support long-term reliability and operational best practice.
The comprehensive FMECA involved a thorough review of the drum gates' operation, associated equipment,
and instrumentation, drawing on established industry methodologies.
Key Insights from the Analysis:
The analysis highlighted several key areas for ongoing
attention and management:
" Siltation Management:
The study conürmed that managing silt ingress into the
control water system is an important aspect of maintaining
optimal performance. This can potentially aûect various
components involved in the automatic operation of the gates.
Recommendations focus on continued and potentially
enhanced silt mitigation strategies and ongoing preventative
maintenance for key components.
We have also been appointed by SSE Ltd to provide a new actuation system for the
Emergency Draw-oû Gate at Pitlochry Dam, using a 110-volt motor and gearbox
setup. The existing arrangement had raised concerns about reliability, so a more
dependable method of operation was required.
The new design incorporates a 110-volt motor and gearbox, which reduces the
operating speed of the main gate lifting gearbox by approximately two and a half
times. To integrate the new system, additional monitoring features have also been
included, such as a hunting-tooth limit switch and a rotary encoder.
KGAL is committed to supporting SSE in their eûorts to ensure the continued safe
and reliable operation of the Pitlochry Dam drum gates, which play a vital role in
water level control and ýood management.
" Structural Integrity Considerations:
As with any long-serving critical asset, the analysis
considered the structural integrity of the drum gates under
extreme conditions. It was recommended to review existing
structural assessments in line with current standards to
ensure continued resilience.
" Emergency System Readiness:
The reliability of backup systems, such as the emergency
valve, is crucial. The analysis pointed to areas for routine
checks and potential reünements to ensure its continued
dependability.
The existing set-up
" Mechanical Component Performance:
The study also reviewed various other mechanical
components. Some were identiüed as beneüting from
focused maintenance and performance reviews to ensure
they continue to operate as intended.
The FMECA provides SSE with valuable insights to support
their ongoing maintenance and asset management strategies.
Key recommendations focus on proactive measures for silt
management, structural reviews, emergency system checks,
and reünement of preventative maintenance for speciüc
mechanical items.
CAD drawings of the new design
