Gereg

Fulton Sluice Gates

and
Fluid Control Equipment
Gereg Sewage and Water Equipment (Pty) Ltd.

Gereg Sewage and Water Equipment (Pty) Ltd.

Reg. No. 1999/002945/07

Cnr. Joule and New ton Streets

Labor
BRAKPAN
R.S.A.

P.O. Box 18122

SUNWARD PARK
1470
R.S.A.

Tel. +27 (0) 11 738-1423/4

Fax. +27 (0) 11 738-3204

Web Site : http://gereg.8k.com

Em ail : gereg@global.co.za

Factory and Offices in Labor, BRAKPAN

ii

INTRODUCTION
Gereg Sew age and Water Equipm ent (Pty) Ltd. w as established in 1988 to market
sluice gates and other fluid control equipment, and in 1990 w e acquired from Valvemakers
the manufacturing and marketing rights for the w ell-know n FULTON range of sluice gates,
w hich w ere first manufactured in 1965, and of w hich w e are now the sole suppliers.
Soundness of design and high manufacturing standards are not compromised for the sake
of cost reduction, resulting in a range of products of exceptional quality.
Manufacture is undertaken by our associate company, Hinteregger Erection (trading as
Gereg Engineering) w ho is ISO 9001 listed, (Certificate Registration No. 01 100 000685/2)
and strict Quality Assurance and Control as required by ISO 9001 is practised.
Standard products
Sluice gates
Channel gates

Up to 2000 w ide x 2000 high *

Up to 800 w ide x 3000 high *
1200 w ide x 2000 high *
or 2000 w ide x 1500 high *
Up to 2000 w ide x 1200 high *
Up to 5000 w ide x 500 high *
100 to 300 dia.
Custom made to requirements
75 to 250 dia. (Cast iron)
As required (Fabricated)
Up to 500 dia. *
100 to 300 dia. *
75 to 300 dia.
110 dia.

Weir gates (dow nw ard-opening

Weir gates (tilting)
Tw istlock gates
Handstops and Stoplogs
Flap gates
Telescopic bellmouths
Sludge drain valves
Hand-flushing valves
Ground w ater relief valves
Operating gear for gates and valves

* Larger sizes can be made if required.

Non-standard products
Gates for special applications (roller, slide, radial, etc.)
Revolving screens
Bar screens
Weir plates (plain or notched)
Scum boards and brackets
Clarifier bridges
Pipe w ork and specials
Tanks
Cat ladders
General fabrication w ork in mild and stainless steel

Notes
1. The above lists give an indication of our normal range of products, and are not
necessarily complete. We w elcome enquiries for items not mentioned here.
2. The range may be reduced or added to from time to time
3. We reserve the right to alter specifications, data and dimensions given in this
catalogue at any time, as our policy is one of continual product improvement.
4. No liability is accepted for any errors or omissions.

Final assembly of a batch of Channel Gates.

300 ton Hydraulic press.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Most sluice gates are fabricated from various grades of stainless or corrosion-resistant
steel, but certain sizes can also be manufactured from cast iron. Aluminium is usually used
for handstops and stoplogs. Gates may be supplied w ith or w ithout seals, depending on
customer's requirements.
Operation of gates can be manual, electric, hydraulic or pneumatic.
Sluice gates may be broadly divided into the follow ing types :
Wall m ounted gates, w hich are used to close off an opening in a w all, or the end of a
pipe, and seal around the complete periphery of the opening. They can be either of the slide
or roller type, and can be arranged to seal against on- or off-seating pressure, the former
being w here the pressure or flow tends to force the gate on to its frame and the latter w here
the gate tends to be forced off its frame. By fitting double music-note seals, a gate can be
arranged to seal in both directions if necessary.
When a large gate has to be operated against a high unbalanced pressure, the force
required to open it may be excessive, in w hich case rollers are fitted in order to reduce
friction, and hence the operating effort.
Channel gates, used to control flow in open channels or canals, are of the 3-sided sealing
type, having no seal along the top edge of the gate. They are normally screw operated, w ith
handw heel or gearbox mounted on a bridge, w hich forms part of the headframe. Wide gates
may require tw in-lifting spindles.
Channel gates are usually mounted in slots cast into the sides and floor of the channel, but
can also be w all-mounted if required.
Radial gates, w hich are often 3-sided sealing, are used in canals, or on dam w alls, for
flow control.
Weir gates, are either dow nw ard-opening, or bottom-hinged tilting type, and the flow over
the top of the gate is controlled by adjusting its height. Depending on w ater level, and
w hether the gate must seal off the opening, w eir gates may be either 3- or 4-sided sealing.
Tw istlock gates. Quick-action hand-operated gates w hich can be locked in any partially
open position simply by turning the T-handle.
Handstops and stoplogs. Simple hand-lift gates w hich do not normally have seals, as a
certain amount of leakage is often permissible. How ever seals can be fitted if required.
Flow dividers. These are vertically pivoted sw ing gates used for diverting flow into either
of tw o channels. Seals are optional.
Flap gates. Non-return gates, allow ing flow in one direction only.

Other products for fluid control include:

Telescopic bellm ouths are used to draw off scum and surface fluids in tanks. Adjustment
of the upper (sliding) tube is by means of an extended spindle.
Sludge drain valves. These are used in reservoirs and tanks to allow complete emptying.
They are screw operated by means of an extended spindle, but can also be opened and
closed hydraulically or pneumatically.
Hand-flushing valves. Lever operated valves for rapid draining of tanks, etc.
Ground w ater relief valves, for casting into floors of reservoirs, tanks, canals, etc., to
prevent the build-up of excessive ground w ater pressure, w hich can cause lifting of the floor.

DESIGN FEATURES

Structural m em bers
The design of all sluice gate structural members complies w ith the requirements of DIN
Spec. 19704, and under full head conditions there are ample margins of safety over the
yield and ultimate strengths of the materials used. In addition, deflections are calculated to
be less than those allow able for the type of seals employed.
Seals
Sluice gates are fitted w ith Neoprene music-note ("J" type) seals, w hilst channel gates
have Neoprene angle ("L") type. These bear against the frame surfaces, and give excellent
sealing, as the higher the pressure, the greater the force pressing the seal against the
frame, and the more effective the sealing action.
If, for any reason Neoprene cannot be used, metal to metal or thermoplastic seals can be
provided.
For high off-seating pressures, and for metal or thermoplastic seals, gates are fitted w ith
adjustable w edges to ensure positive contact betw een seal faces.
Leakage rates
Gates are designed for minimal leakage, and in practice are often found to be drop-tight.
How ever the permissible leakage rates as laid dow n in AWWA Spec. C 501, w hich are
1,24 litres per minute per metre of seal for seating pressures, and 2,48 l.p.m. per metre for
off-seating pressures up to 6m, are guaranteed maxima.
NOTE : Correct installation is essential if these rates are not to be exceeded.

Bearing strips
Hydraulic thrust is taken on low -friction H.D.P.E. strips fitted to the gate, and w hich slide
on the frame as the gate moves. These strips are sized to give low bearing loading, resulting
in long life and easy operation. They are also fitted to the larger sizes of channel gates for
the same reason.
4

Operating gear
For manual operation, handw heel diameters and gearbox ratios are matched to spindle
sizes and thread pitches, so that the time required to stroke the gate is kept to a minimum,
at the same time limiting handw heel rim effort to normal acceptable levels of betw een 100
and 150 N.
If gearing is necessary, bevel or combined bevel / spur gearboxes are used.
Spindles
Spindles are sized in accordance w ith calculated tensile and compressive loads w hich w ill
be imposed w hile opening and closing the gate, and spindle guides are spaced so that
buckling of the spindle under compression does not occur.
Cover tubes
Spindle cover tubes can be fitted if desired. If visual indication of gate position is required,
the cover tube w ould be supplied in clear PVC, but steel or stainless steel, being more
robust, is recommended w herever possible. The design of the handw heel boss allow s a
cover tube to be fitted at a later stage, if it is subsequently found to be necessary
Channel gate headfram es
We supply tw o types of headframes for channel gates. The first comprises integral head
and embedded sections, w hilst the second, the upper piece is bolted to the embedded
section, w hich facilitates transport, and allow s the low er portion to be installed in the slots
prior to the balance of the equipment.

4m w ide x 2,6m high m ild steel stop gate for 13m unseating head.
(Supplied to Um geni Water for Inanda Dam intake structure.)

MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION
Com ponent

Material Options

Gates and frames

Handstops and stoplogs

Stainless steel
Corrosion-resistant steel (3CR12)
Mild steel
Aluminium

Tw istlock gates
Flap gates
Telescopic bellmouths
Sludge drain valves

Stainless steel
Corrosion-resistant steel
Mild steel
Cast iron (certain sizes only)

Pedestals
Support brackets
Wall brackets

Stainless steel
Corrosion-resistant steel
Mild steel
Cast iron

Ground w ater relief valves

Cast iron
Stainless steel

Seals

Neoprene
Thermoplastic / metal
Metal / metal

Spindles
Couplings

Stainless steel

Stop collars
Spindle guides
Lifting nuts

Bronze

Handw heels

Aluminium (cast)
Mild steel (fabricated)

Cover tubes

Stainless steel
Mild steel
Clear PVC

Foundation bolts and fasteners

Stainless steel

CORROSION PROTECTION
Material

Protection Options

Stainless steel
Corrosion-resistant steel

Pickled and passivated

Mild steel
Cast iron

Fusion bonded epoxy coated

Primed and painted
Galvanised

Aluminium

Anodised
6

OPTIONS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS

SLUICE GATES (4- sided sealing)

Feature

Option

Application

Mounting

Flat back

Seating and low to medium

off-seating pressures

Spigot back

High off-seating pressures

Gate retaining strips

Neoprene seals

Adjustable w edges

Non-resilient seals

Neoprene "J" type

General use

Metal or thermoplastic

Where neoprene is not suitable

Neoprene "J" type

(Standard invert)

General use

Neoprene rectangular
compression type
(Flush invert)

General use
Restricted floor space
Grit in fluid

Wedging

Side seals

Bottom seal

CHANNEL GATES (3- sided sealing)

Feature

Option

Application

Mounting

Slot fixing

Mid-channel location

Flat back

Wall mounting
End of channel location

Side seals

Neoprene "L" type

General use

Bottom seals

Neoprene rectangular
compression type

General use

HANDSTOPS and STOPLOGS

Feature

Option

Application

Mounting

Slot fixing

Mid-channel location

Flat back

Wall mounting
End of channel location

None

General use

Neoprene "L" type

Where sealing is required

Seals

Channel Gates w ith m anual gearboxes.

(Olifantsfontein W.C.W.)

OPERATING GEAR
Feature

Option

Application

Spindle

Rising

General use

Non-rising

Tee-key operation
Restricted headroom

Pedestal on platform

General use

Pedestal on w all
support bracket

Where there is no
overhead platform

Headframe bridge

Sluice gates w here w all is too low

Channel gates

Handw heel

Light to medium duty

Bevel gearbox

Medium to heavy duty

Bevel/spur gearbox

Heavy duty

Tee-key

Non-rising spindle
Preventing unauthorised use

Lifting handles
and / or rods

Handstops and stoplogs

Tw istlock gates

Electric actuator

Heavy duty

Mounting

Manual

Pow er

Hydraulic actuator*
Pneumatic actuator*

and/or
Push-button / Remote control

*Rising spindle only

Various types of operating gear are show n on Page 8 (previous) :

a. Pedestal on w all support bracket
b. Bevel gearbox on pedestal
c. Hydraulic or pneumatic actuator
d. Electric actuator on pedestal
e. Platform mounted pedestal w ith handw heel
f. Tee-key on support bracket

Standard Inv ert

Wall-m ounted Sluice Gate

10

Flush Inv ert

WALL-MOUNTED SLUICE GATES

Wall-mounted sluice gates (occasionally referred to as penstocks) are used to close off an
opening in a w all, often betw een adjacent tanks or chambers, as w ell as outlets in dam
w alls.
The most common type of seals are Neoprene "music note" or "J" seals, and as it is not
possible to utilise these seals on circular gates, all our sluice gates have square or
rectangular openings.
Water pressure forces the bulb of the seal against the sealing surface on the frame, and
the higher the pressure, the greater the force. To cater for off-seating pressures, the seals
are reversed, so that the bulb is still forced against the frame, and in cases w here both
seating and off-seating pressure conditions occur, double seals, one in the normal, and one
in reverse configuration, are used.
The invert seal is either of the "J" type, for standard invert, or is rectangular, for flush
invert. The latter is recommended for use in sew age and other applications w here the fluid
contains grit, sludge, etc., as no "pocket" occurs across the invert.
We can also fit non-resilient (metal or thermoplastic) seals to w all-mounted sluice gates, if
specially required, and to ensure effective sealing, adjustable w edges w ould be used.
We strongly recommend using rising spindles w herever possible, since the threaded
section, as w ell as the thrust arrangement, are at the top, out of the fluid. Unless their use is
essential, non-rising spindles should be avoided, so obviating possible clogging of the
threads.
Various operating gear options for sluice gates are described on Pages 8 and 9, and
leading dimensions of the standard range of gate sizes appear on Page 13.

11

Standard Inv ert

12

Flush Inv ert

WALL-MOUNTED SLUICE GATES

Standard Dim ensions and Pressure Ratings

Gate size
(w xh)

Pressure head (m)

Seating Unseating

A
Standard Flush
Inv ert
Inv ert

S
Min. Max.

250 x 250

10

490

395

510

87

102

300 x 300

10

540

445

560

87

102

400 x 400

640

545

660

87

102

500 x 500

740

645

760

87

102

600 x 600

855

760

860

90

107

700 x 700

955

860

960

90

107

800 x 800

1055

960

1060

90

107

900 x 900

1155

1060

1160

90

107

1000 x 1000

1255

1160

1260

100

115

1100 x 1100

1355

1260

1400

100

115

1200 x 1200

1455

1360

1500

100

115

1400 x 1400

1655

1560

1600

115

135

1500 x 1500

1755

1660

1800

115

135

1800 x 1800

2055

1960

2100

115

135

2000 x 2000

2255

2160

2300

115

135

Notes:
1. Non-standard sizes and gates for higher pressure ratings can be specially
manufactured.
2. Dimension S varies according to gate design.
3. Dimensions should not be used for construction purposes.

13

Dow nw ard-opening Weir

14

WEIR GATES
(a) Dow nw ard-opening w eirs
These are similar to w all-mounted gates, except that the gate is closed in its "up" position,
and as it is low ered, the opening is uncovered, to allow the flow over the top to be
controlled.
A different seal configuration is used, w ith either "J" or "Triangular" type Neoprene seals
being fixed to the frame instead of the gate.
Dow nw ard-opening w eirs can be either four-sided sealing, if the head is greater than the
height of the opening, and it is necessary to shut off the flow completely, or three-sided
sealing, w hen no top seal is required.
Occasionally a w eir is required to have a w idth much greater than its height. As this may
cause the gate to jam in the guides, the effective height can be increased by means of side
extensions to the gate. If this is not practical, tw in lifting spindles w ith tw o inter-connected
gearboxes are used, but depending on gate size and the travel required, a tilting w eir may
be preferable to a dow nw ard-opening type.
(b) Tilting w eirs
Tilting w eirs are used for w ide openings w here the vertical travel required is not more than
about 500 mm. The gate is hinged at the bottom, and is raised and low ered by means of a
centrally mounted spindle w hich can be operated either manually, or by an actuator. As
friction is very low , operating effort for tilting w eirs is minimal.
Sealing plates can be fitted to the end w alls if required, w hilst a flat Neoprene seal across
the w idth of the w eir prevents leakage along the hinged section.
Scum baffles, located upstream of the w eir, are optional.

End sealing plate

Tilting Weir
15

Channel Gate
Type F

Channel Gate
Type G

Block-outs (Type F)

Block-outs (Type G)

16

CHANNEL GATES
As their name implies channel gates are used to control flow in open channels, and
therefore do not have a top horizontal seal, since the gate height is made about 100 mm
greater than the maximum depth of fluid in the channel. They are usually mounted in slots in
the side w alls and floor, but they can be adapted to bolt against a w all face if necessary.
Channel gates seals are Neoprene angle type dow n the tw o vertical sides, sealing against
the embedded frame members, w hilst a rectangular compression type is used on the invert.
The operating gear is usually carried on the headframe bridge, but can also be pedestalmounted on an overhead platform. Rising spindles are strongly recommended.
In cases w here the channel depth is considerably more than the gate height, or w here the
height of the headframe is greater than normal, the spindle may have to be supported in
guides in order to prevent buckling under compression w hen the gate is closed.
We can supply tw o alterative types of frames as follow s:
Type F w here the headframe legs are extensions of the embedded sections,
or
Type G having a separate bolt-on headframe, w hich facilitates transport and erection, as the
embedded sections can be installed prior to the upper portion, w hich is then bolted
on later after completion of the civil w ork.
Dimensions of the block-outs required in the channel sides and floor for both types are
given on Page 16.
For very w ide gates, tw in-lifting spindles may be required, in w hich case tw o interconnected gearboxes are used, as show n below .

Tw in-lift Channel Gate

17

TWISTLOCK GATES
Tw istlock gates are used in the same applications as small w all-mounted sluice gates,
w here hand operation is acceptable. They can be locked in any partially open position by
tw isting the handle, w hich brings a cam into play, forcing the gate against its frame. This
same action seals the gate in its closed position.
Tw istlocks are suitable for balanced heads up to 3m seating or 2m unseating, but it must
be borne in mind that operating effort increases w ith size and pressure.
Usually of cast iron construction w ith bronze seating faces, they can also be cast in
stainless steel, or fabricated from stainless, corrosion-resistant or mild steel.
Dimensions of the cast range are given below :

Bore

100

305

390

82

150

305

390

82

200

381

480

102

225

432

540

102

300

570

655

145

18

HANDSTOPS AND STOPLOGS

These are used in open channels, and are normally supplied w ithout seals, but for special
applications, Neoprene angle-type seals can be fitted to minimise leakage. Handstops are
usually fabricated from aluminium, but can also be made in steel if required.
For deep channels, the gate can be made in sections, know n as stoplogs, w hich are
raised and low ered by means of loose lifting rods.
Maximum w idth for handstops is about 1000mm, and all but very small sizes should be
raised under balanced conditions.
Dimensions of the recesses w hich should be left in the channel sides and floor for
installation of handstops and stoplogs, both sealing and non-sealing, are given below , but
note that w ith our aluminium frame extrusion, w all mounting, as an alternative to slot fixing,
is also possible, as is the case w ith fabricated steel frames if required.

19

FLAP GATES
These are used in w alls or on the ends of pipes to prevent reversal of flow , and consist of
a frame w ith a gate or flap w hich is hinged at the top. In order to ensure proper closure
against the frame, the gate is double hung, by means of stainless steel pins in bronze
bushes.
The smaller sizes, leading dimensions of w hich are tabulated below , are generally of cast
iron, but can also be cast in stainless steel, and have bronze or stainless steel sealing faces.
Larger sizes, having square or rectangular openings, are fabricated from stainless,
corrosion-resistant, or mild steel, and are usually supplied w ith neoprene seals.

Cast Iron Flap Gate

Bore

75

184

92

92

77

100

216

147

108

60

150

280

149

140

118

200

336

168

168

75

300

406

205

203

100

20

TELESCOPIC BELLMOUTHS
Telescopic bellmouths are used extensively in sew age purification w orks to draw off
surface fluids and scum. They consist of a low er (outer) tube w hich is connected to a drain
pipe, and an upper (inner) tube w hich slides up and dow n, so varying the level at w hich
skimming is required to take place. Seals are fitted betw een the inner and outer tubes to
prevent leakage.
Operation is usually manual by means of a handw heel and spindle connected to a bridgepiece fitted across the top of the sliding tube, and care must be taken to allow enough room
betw een the bridge and the underside of the operating platform w hen the inner tube is fully
extended.

21

SLUDGE VALVES
Sludge valves are used for complete draining of reservoirs and tanks, being cast into the
floor as illustrated.
They can be supplied in cast iron or cast steel, or, as is usual for the larger sizes, they can
be fabricated from stainless steel, corrosion-resistant steel, or mild steel. Bronze/Neoprene
is standard for the seats, w ith stainless steel being used w here specially required.
Normal operation is by means of a handw heel, but hydraulic or pneumatic operation can be
utilised if necessary.

Bore

75

190

184

180

20

100

220

215

180

20

150

280

265

205

20

200

346

316

270

20

300

480

450

305

25

450

720

600

430

25

22

HAND FLUSHING VALVES

These valves are quick opening lever-operated types, used for draining fluid from tanks,
etc., and are suitable for heads up to 3m.
They are supplied in cast iron as standard, but can also be cast in stainless steel for
special purposes. Bronze seats are standard.
Leading dimensions are given below .

Bore

75

185

270

145

125

80

100

218

325

175

150

92

150

280

448

220

228

155

200

336

555

295

260

165

225

370

575

300

275

165

300

460

722

405

317

224

23

GROUND WATER RELIEF VALVES

These valves are used for relieving pressure caused by ground w ater under the floors of
reservoirs, canals, etc., and are cast in as show n below . The body is of either cast iron or
cast stainless steel, w hilst the flexible disc and sealing ring are Neoprene.
Maximum recommended pressure head on the valve is 4m.
Approximate flow rates for various differential heads are as follow s:
Differential head (m )

0,2

0,4

0,6

0,8

1,0

Flow rate (litres / m inute)

90

160

210

250

280

24

WEIR PLATES AND SCUM BOARDS

Most applications for these items are on clarifiers.
Material, as w ell as plate depth (Dw ), thickness, and total circumferential length should be
specified. Whether plain or notched, and type of notching required should also be
mentioned. Note that maximum length per section of plate is 3m.
Similar remarks apply to scum boards, except that these are not notched.

25

26

INFORMATION REQUIRED WITH ENQUIRIES

Requests for quotations should specify as fully as possible :
1. Type of gate required (sluice, channel, w eir, etc.)
2. Method of operation (manual, electric, hydraulic or pneumatic)
3. Height of operating gear above platform or top of w all ( C )
4. Rising or non-rising spindle
5. Whether cover tube is required for rising spindle
6. Materials of construction
7. Fluid to be controlled (w ater, effluent, etc.)
8. Corrosion protection required
9. Dimensioned sketch of structure or gate arrangement
10. Whether installation is required
11. Any special requirements or conditions
NOTE:

Wherev er possible, gates should be arranged

for on-seating pressure and rising spindle.

Additional information required for the follow ing:

Sluice gates (w all-m ounted)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Width x height or diameter of opening ( w x h or )

Maximum pressure head on gate w hen closed ( Hm )
Maximum unbalanced head against w hich gate w ill be operated
Direction of flow ( seating, off-seating or both )
Height of operating platform or top of w all above invert of opening ( X )
Height of operating gear above platform or top of w all ( C )
Height of invert above floor ( F ) N.B. Min. F = 200 m m
Whether standard or flush invert is required
How operating gear is mounted (pedestal on platform, support bracket, etc.)

Channel Gates
1. Width x depth of channel ( w x d )
2. Height of gate ( h )
3. Gate travel ( B )
4. Height of operating gear above top of channel
Handstops and Stoplogs
1. Width x depth of channel ( w x d )
2. Height of gate ( h )
3. Whether seals are required
Telescopic Bellm ouths
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Diameter of inner tube ( D )

Closed length ( A ) N.B. Minim um A = B + 300 m m
Travel ( B )
N.B. Allow freeboard top and bottom
Height of operating gear above platform ( C )
Bottom connection to underside of operating platform ( E )
Thickness of concrete platform ( T )
7. Size and drilling details of bottom connecting flange
27

28

Weir Gates ( dow nw ard-opening )

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Width of opening ( w )
Height of opening ( h ) for 4-sided sealing
Gate height ( h ) for 3-sided sealing
Maximum head on gate ( Hm )
Direction of flow ( seating or off-seating )
Dimensions X and F N.B. Min. F = h + 260 m m
How operating gear is to be mounted

Weir Gates ( tilting )

1.
2.
3.
4.

Width x height of opening ( w x h ) N.B. Clear opening w idth of w eir = w-120mm

Gate vertical travel ( B ) N.B. Allow freeboard top and bottom
Dimension X
Whether end sealing plates are required

29

4,2m w ide x 3,5m high Channel Gate w ith Rotork electric actuator.
(Johannesburg Northern Works)

30

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
The follow ing instructions are given as a guide for erecting fabricated gates fitted w ith
Neoprene resilient seals. It is important to realize that w hilst every care is taken in
assembling the gates in the factory, both gates and frames are flexible to some extent, and
therefore that deflections and distortions can and do occur during transport and installation.
Although the seals themselves w ill cater for minor distortions, it is essential that these be
eliminated as completely as possible w hen the gates are installed, by making the
adjustments described herein.
Only by experience w ill the erector learn all the " tricks of the trade", but should there be
any points that require clarification, the reader is w elcome to discuss these w ith us.
A set of these instructions is provided w ith every gate w hich is not being installed by
ourselves, and w e strongly recommend that they be follow ed closely in order to ensure
optimum performance and service from the equipment.

WALL-MOUNTED GATES
1. Foundation Bolts
The follow ing types are commonly used:

(a) Anchor and epoxy grouted

Accurately mark off the positions of the bolts, and
drill holes of correct diameter for the anchors
being used, ensuring that they are perpendicular
to the face of the w all. Clean out the holes
thoroughly before inserting the anchors, this
being particularly important for epoxy-grouted
(chemical) types.
(b) Cast-in
These may be cast directly into the primary
concrete, or into preformed pockets. They must
be accurately positioned by means of a drilled
template or shutter to hold them in place during
pouring of the concrete.

(c) Weld-on
These are used for very large gates, and are
w elded to previously cast-in w all plates w hen the
frame is installed. Some latitude is permissible in
positioning the w all plates.

N.B. The foundation bolts must be perpendicular to the

wall, and must project the correct amount.

31

32

2. Gate and fram e

Before commencing to install, roughen all concrete surfaces w hich w ill come into contact
w ith grout, and w ash dow n w ith clean w ater. See that the back of the frame and underside
of the pedestal base, etc. are all clean and free of oil and grease.
Remove the gate from its frame by loosening the gate retainers. Screw a half- nut on to
each foundation bolt, hang the frame on the bolts, and secure w ith further nuts as show n,
allow ing 25 to 30 mm space for grout betw een the back of the frame and the w all. If the
frame is very heavy, place packers beneath it for support.
N.B. NEVER bolt the fram e directly on to the w all, even if som e form of packing is
used, as this w ill inevitably cause the fram e to distort, resulting in the gate leaking.
Adjust the nuts until the frame is true and vertical, and the sealing faces are not distorted.
Ensure that the inside faces of the side angles are parallel to each other by moving a
straight-edge of correct length dow n the tw o sides, and observing its contact w ith the sealing
faces. Jack out any distortions by slackening and tightening the appropriate nuts and halfnuts. Note that the lintel and sill (horizontal) frame members project about 20 mm proud of
the back of the frame angles, and they must remain clear of the w all face. If necessary they
can be w edged outw ards from the w all, and the larger gates are provided w ith jacking
screw s for this purpose. In the event that one of the horizontal members is bow ed outw ards,
remove the frame from the w all and eliminate the deflection, preferably in a press.
Once the sealing faces are completely flat and true, proceed as follow s:
For gates up to about 600 sq., apply grease sparingly along the length of the bulb of the Jseals, and then carefully place the gate in position, pressing it against the frame. After
w ithdraw ing the gate, examine the frame sealing faces to see that the bulb has made proper
contact over the entire surface, and adjust again if necessary.
The seal configuration for off-seating pressures has the seals reversed, w ith the bulb on
the inside of the frame, and provided access to the back of the gate is possible, seal contact
can be checked visually, or by means of a feeler gauge.
For large gates w hich are too heavy to handle as above, first make sure that the bulb of
the seal protrudes 1 to 2 mm proud of the bearing strip, then fit the gate in its frame and
tighten the retainers in their original positions. Check that the gap betw een the bearing strips
and the frame is not more than 0,5 mm, paying particular attention to the lintel and sill, and
adjust as necessary.
On flush invert gates the rectangular bottom seal is easily checked for contact w ith the sill
beam. If necessary slacken the seal retainer on the gate, and adjust the seal as required.
After making the above adjustments and checks, nip up and lock all nuts, being careful not
to cause any movement or distortion to the frame.

33

34

3. Operating gear
Using a plumb bob, determine the correct position of the pedestal, before marking off and
drilling the foundation bolt holes. Ensure that the spindle w ill be accurately aligned w ith the
connection on the gate, and w ill be true and vertical. If a w all support bracket is to be
installed, similar care must be taken w ith its positioning and alignment.
Using the nuts on the foundation bolts, make sure that the pedestal is true and vertical,
again leaving about 30 mm grout space betw een its base and the top of the platform.
Spindle guides and brackets (w here supplied) should be equally spaced, but take care that
there is enough space betw een the top of the gate and the low est guide to allow the gate to
open fully. Also note that if there are any couplings on the spindle, these must be able to
travel freely betw een guides w ithout fouling.
After determining the w all bracket positions, drill the holes for the bolts, and adjust the
brackets by means of the nuts as previously described, so that they are correctly aligned
and true prior to grouting.
Install the spindle complete w ith guides, and adjust these on the brackets, using the slots
provided on the latter.
The gate should then be operated up and dow n through its full travel, to ensure that the
spindle is free, and that there is no fouling anyw here. Next, carefully lock all nuts, w ithout
causing any movement or distortion.
4. Grouting
Clean all metal and concrete surfaces, w et the latter, and grout up the spaces from the
bottom upw ards, using a proprietary brand of non-shrink grout, and making the mix as dry
as possible. Shuttering should be used as required.
The grout should be lightly rammed, taking great care not to distort any frame members
during the process.
After the grout has set, remove all excess, clean the metal surfaces, and finished off
neatly. Replace the gate in its frame, tighten the retainers, and again operate up and dow n
through the full travel to ensure that no misalignment has occurred during grouting.
5. Com m issioning
Lubricate the spindle threads w ith all-purpose grease, and raise and low er the gate fully.
With the gate firmly in its closed position, check that the stop collar is correctly located on
the top of the spindle, so as to prevent over-closing of the gate, w hich could cause the
spindle to buckle due to excessive compression. The collar must be securely locked on the
spindle by means of the grub screw s provided.
This is very im portant.
The gate is now ready to be w et tested under operating conditions.
N.B. Apart from incorrect installation or seal adjustment, leakage is often caused by grit,
pieces of concrete, or other foreign objects lodging in the seals, or betw een gate and frame,
and under the bottom seal in the case of flush invert gates, so preventing proper closure.
NEVER attempt to stop leaks by over-tightening the handw heel.
35

36

CHANNEL GATES
1. Fram e
Clean the slots in the concrete and insert gate and frame so that the seals are on the
upstream side. Using the jacking screw s provided, level the invert member flush w ith the
bottom of the channel, checking that the invert seal makes contact along its full w idth.
Position and align the vertical frame members so that they are parallel to each other, and
are free of all tw ist. Check that the vertical seals make contact w ith the frame sealing faces
along their entire length, w edging the frame members inw ards if necessary, at the same
time making sure that the gate does not jam in the frame. Wooden struts placed across the
inside of the frame as show n, w ill prevent it from being bow ed inw ards during grouting.
Check that the headframe is true, vertical and free of tw ist, and that the embedded frame
is held firmly by the jacking screw s. Next, stroke the gate up and dow n through its full travel,
again checking for correct seal contact, w ith the gate closed, but not over-tightened.
2. Grouting
Grouting can now be done, bearing in mind the previous remarks concerning w allmounted gates.
In cases w here the headframe has been removed from the embedded section, and w ill
only be fitted later, it w ill not be possible to screw the gate dow n on to the invert, and care
must be taken not to force the invert member upw ards by ramming the grout too vigorously.
3. Com m issioning
Commission as for w all-mounted gates, again taking care to adjust and lock the stop collar
on the spindle in its correct position w ith the gate firmly closed.
N.B. See the rem arks m ade on Page 35 concerning likely causes of leakage.

MAINTENANCE
Periodically clean all dirt from the spindle threads, and apply all-purpose grease. Site
conditions w ill determine how often this needs to be done, it being important not to allow
excessive build-up of dirt and grit on the threads.
Pump grease into the nipples on the operating gear at about 6-monthly intervals, and in
the case of gates having non-rising spindles, the bronze lifting nut in the gate should be
greased at the same time.
Every 6 to 9 months, inspect the seals for damage and deterioration, and replace as
necessary
Regularly check gate closure, and re-adjust the stop collar if required.

37

Gereg
Gereg Sewage and Water Equipment (Pty) Ltd.
Reg. No. 1999/002945/07

Cnr. Joule and New ton Streets

P.O. Box 18122

Labor

SUNWARD PARK

BRAKPAN

1470

R.S.A.

R.S.A.

Tel: +27 (0) 11 7381423/4

Fax: +27 (0) 11 7383204
E-mail: gereg@global.co.za

38