Hydromechanical equipment
Engineered to manage extreme kinetic energy and safeguard penstock infrastructure during critical transient events.
Managing massive, pressurized water columns demands structural integrity and millisecond response. Litostroj engineers high-capacity Main Inlet Valves (MIV) and Energy Dissipation Systems (EDS) protecting powerhouse machinery and downstream environments.
Synchronized with our digital governors, custom Pressure Regulating Valves (PRV) ensure fail-safe flow diversion and pressure stabilization during emergencies and grid rejections.
Operational parameters
Gatekeepers and guardians
Main inlet valves (MIV)
The primary mechanical isolation and protection for the hydromechanical unit.
Butterfly valves (low to medium head)
Turbine inlet valves for penstocks up to Ø6m, heads to 250 m, and velocities to 8 m/s. Streamlined obturator ensures minimal head loss.
Spherical / rotary valves (high head)
Turbine inlet valves for penstocks up to Ø3m, heads to 1000 m, velocities to 15 m/s.
The metal sealing system
The metal sealing system (fixed + movable ring) guarantees drop‑tight closure every time. The optional double seal activated by pressurized water, mechanically locked, and monitored by limit switches lets you replace the maintenance seal without emptying the penstock
Built to last
Welded steel construction from forgings, plates, and castings is built to last. Closing options include a weighted lever or a double‑acting hydraulic actuator - perfect even for the tightest spaces.
Pressure regulating valves (PRV) & bypass
Master flow with energy dissipating valves.
Howell-Bunger valves (fixed cone)
Built for penstocks up to 2.75 m and heads up to 275 m, they deliver rugged, reliable performance in the most demanding conditions.
The conical jet releases into open air for efficient energy dissipation, while our optional baffled hood maximizes dispersion – ideal for submerged or splashing applications.
Choose soft rubber for drop‑tight sealing or metal seals for extreme durability.
Vaned pressure regulating device
Pressure-regulating vane systems (or segmental gates), engineered for unsteady-flow control in long open channels of low-head HPPs.
Designed to attenuate pressure oscillations in axial turbine flow passages (bulb, Kaplan) during shutdown sequences. Vanes open synchronously with wicket-gate closure, followed by slow controlled closure to fully seated position.
Gradual vane closure effectively dampens free-surface wave propagation in inlet and outlet channels.
