GB2294079A

GB2294079A - Adjustable counterbalanced self-regulatory tilting weir.

Info

Publication number: GB2294079A
Application number: GB9520878A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Cyril Anthony Timms
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-10-15
Filing date: 1995-10-12
Publication date: 1996-04-17
Anticipated expiration: 2015-10-12
Also published as: GB9420852D0; GB2294079B; GB9520878D0

Abstract

An adjustable counterbalanced self-regulatory tilting weir comprises a tilting weir 2 hinged to a rectangular frame 1 and counterbalanced by floating weights 4 via lift chains 5 passing over sprockets 6 attached to a shaft 7 which passes through the frame 1. The counterbalance weights 4 are held in the correct operating position by hinged struts 9 and fixed strut 10. Automatic action of the weir can be overridden by operation of a hand crank fitted to a gearbox 8 engaging shaft 7. The automatically regulated water level can be changed by adjusting the effective length of the chains 5. The floating counterbalances 4 and vertical edge of the tilting weir may be profiled to reduce clogging. <IMAGE>

Description

ADJUSTABLE SELF-REGULATING TILTING WEIR WITH MANUAL OR FIXED ACTION This invention relates to a self-regulating water level control structure.

Water control structures are well known devices, variously known as gates, sluices, penstocks or weirs, which control the level of water by means of fixed or moving barriers. There is a special type of weir, known as a tilting weir, in which the water flow is regulated by an inclined plane adjusted to different heights according to the upstream water level that is required. The dammed water builds up to the required level, before flowing over the weir edge to a lower level.

Water flow however, can be erratic over any given period. Frequent adjustment of a tilting weir becomes necessary to suit changing conditions, particularly in order to release maximum flow in the case of flash floods. Ideally, therefore, a tilting weir should be selfregulating, automatically self-lowering during large discharges, yet have the means for adjustment to vary the regulated level and a manual override to fix the gate opening at any point.

According to the present invention there is provided an adjustable counterbalanced self-regulating tilting weir automatically rising to reduce flow or falling to increase flow in order to maintain a specified upstream level, or operated and fixed in position by manual override, comprising: a rectangular frame, a moving weir consisting of side plates and invert plate with hinge attachment to the bottom of the frame, means to seal the moving weir against the frame, an operating shaft passing through the frame, with attached sprockets over which pass chains connecting the weir to one or more floating counterbalance weights, means to adjust the weight and position of the floating counterbalance(s), fixed and hinged struts to control the location and operation of the floating counterbalance(s), profiled parts to reduce potential clogging and to improve flow, a gearbox connected to the operating shaft, means to operate the gearbox by removeable hand crank and lock the shaft in portion or to disengage the gearbox and allow free movement.

A specific embodlnent of the invention will ow be described by way of example with refer-ence to the accompanying drawing 1/5 where, for clarity, water level and details which are obvious are not shown: The drawing shows in perspective, the self-regulating tilting weir in a median regulating position, the weir holding the upstream water at a specified level by the action of the floating counterbalance weights. If the upstream water level falls, the floating counterbalance weights will follow and lift the weir- accordingly, thus damming the flow to restore the required level. If the upstream water level rises, the floating counterbalance weights will follow and lower the weir accordingly, thus releasing greater flow to restore the required level.

Referring to the drawing, the self-regulating weir comprises a frame 1, a tilting weir 2 hinged at the invert 3 and counterbalanced by floating weights 4 via pitched chains 5 passing over pocketed sprockets 6 attached to a shaft 7, which is free to rotate in normal operation. The effective length of the chains 5 is adjustable by standard components (not shown) in order to vary the relative position of the tilting weir 2 and the floating counterbalance weights 4 and thus change the regulated water level as required. The floating counterbalance(s) are held in the correct operating position by hinged struts a and in correct relative position by fixed strut(s) 10.

A the upstream water level falls, the floating counterbalance weights 4 will follow and lift the tilting weir 2 accordingly, thus damming the flow to restore the required level. Ac. the upstream water level rises, the floating counterbalance weights 4 will follow and lower the tilting weir 2 accordingly, thus releasing greater flow to restore the required level.

If the water flow incresses beyond normal expectations, the floating counterbalance weights 4 will continue to rise with the water level, lowering the tilting weir 2 to allow increasing discharge.

In order to lift or lower the tilting weir 2 regardless of water level, a hand crank is fitted to the gearbox 8 which is engaged with the shaft 7, and the sprockets 6 are turned in the appropriate direction. The gearbox 8 is then locked in position as required and the hand crank can be removed for security.

Beans. are provided to prevent excess leakage between the tilting weir 2 and the frame 1.

The upstream vertical edge of the tilting weir 2 and the ends of the floating counterbalances 4 are profiled to reduce clogging by floating detritus and to improve flow through the weir.

Claims

CLAIXS

1. An adjustable counterbalanced self-regulating tilting weir automatically rising to decrease flow or falling to increase flow in order to maintain a specified upstream level, or operated and fixed in position by manual override; comprising a rectangular frame, a tilting weir consisting of side plates and invert plate with hinge attachment to the bottom of the frame, means to seal the tilting weir against the frame, an operating shaft passing through the frame, with attached sprockets over which pass chains connecting the tilting weir to one or more floating counterbalance weights, fixed and hinged struts to control the location and operation of the floating counterbalance weights, means to adjust the operating length of the chains, and weight and position of the counterbalance(s!, profiled parts to reduce potential clogging and to improve flow, a gearbox connected to the operating shaft, means to operate the gearbox by removeable hand crank and lock the shaft in position, or to disengage the gearbox and allow free movement.

2. An adjustable self-regulating or fixed tilting weir as claimed in Cia in. 1 wherein means are provided to seal the tilting weir against the frame.

3. An adjustable self-regulating or fixed tilting weir as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 2 wherein means are provided to adjust the operating length of the chains, and weight, number and position of the floating counterbalances.

4. An adjustable self-regulating or fixed tilting weir as claimed in Claims 1 to 3 wherein profiled components are provided to protect against clogging and to improve flow through the weir.

5. An adjustable self-regulating or fixed tilting weir as claimed in Claim 1 to 4 wherein means are provided to operate the weir manually, overriding the automatic action and locking the weir in any required position regardless of water level.

fi. An adjustable self-regulating or fixed tilting weir substantially as de cri bed herein with reference to the accompanying drawing.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. An adjustable counterbalanced self-regulating tilting weir automatically rising to decrease flow or falling to increase flow in order to maintain a specified upstream level, or operated and fixed in position by manual override; comprising a rectangular frame, a tilting weir consisting of side plates and invert plate with hinge attachment to the bottom of the frame, means to seal the tilting weir against the frame, an operating shaft passing through the frame, with attached sprockets over which pass chains connecting the tilting weir to one or more floating counterbalance weights, fixed and hinged struts to control the location and operation of the floating counterbalance weights, means to adjust the operating length of the chains, and weight and position of the co::nterbalance(s), profiled parts to reduce potential clogging and to improve flow, a gearbox connected to the operating shaft, means to operate the gearbox by removeable hand crank and lock the shaft in position. or to disengage the gearbox and allow free movement.

2. An adjustable self-regulating or fixed tilting weir as claimed in Claim 1 wherein means are provided to seal the tilting weir against the frame.

4. An adjustable self-regulating or fixed tilting weir as claimed in Claims 1 to 3 wherein profiled components are provided to protect a.--.inst clogging and to improve flow through the weir.

5. An adjustable self-regulating or fixed tilting weir as claimed in Claim 1 to 4 wherein means are provided to operate the weir manually.

overriding the automatic action and locking the weir in any required position regardless of water level.

C). An adjustable self-regulating or fixed tilting weir substantially de cribed herein with reference to the accompanying drawing.

7. A counterbalanced self-regulating tilting weir comprising a tiltable weir gate hinged to the base of a support and counterbalanced by float means.