CLEANING AIR FILTER ELEMENTS
(Suggestion R1-68S-46)

An idea for cleaning filter elements is presented in this article by
Mr. Warren D. Heldenbrand of the Chief Joseph Dam Project, Greater
Wenatchee Division, Oroville, Washington. The suggestion states that
the air filters for the ventilating fans at the Booster Pumping Plant
are of the reusable type and have to be cleaned and a film of oil
placed on the elements at least once a year. In the past, each fil-
ter element was washed in cleaning solvent with a brush and then
soaked in oil, and the excess oil had to be drained away.

This new method of cleaning suggested by Mr. Heldenbrand calls for the
use of compressed air in combination with cleaning solvent to clean the
filter elements. The idea could also be used to clean ball bearings,

only the device would have to be circular in design. See sketch below.

As shown in the sketch, the filter elements should be raised with
blocks approximately an inch above the device and enough cleaning sol-
vent placed in the cleaning container to almost cover the filter ele-
ment. Air from an air compressor is then forced into the device, and
air from the 1/16-inch holes flows up through the filter carrying sol-
vent and debris with it. The air compressor used has to be of suffi-
cient size to operate at 80 psi continually.

A paint sprayer can be used to place the oil film on the filter ele-
ments at the end of the cleaning cycle. Caution should be used when
using a flammable type of cleaning solvent. However, a nonflammable
nontoxic solvent is available.

a’ Drill holes 14° apart
& J “JA 4! Pipe
‘

size of air filter

— Compressed air inlet

Tonk

Air inlet

With os needed for

ada
Length os needed for
size of oir filter

Air inlet —
Tonk

Solvent

= Filter, dirty
Filter, dirty ‘ side up
side up 4

Cleaner pipes
SECTION A-A

te RR

17


RUBBER OIL TANKS

Although this idea would have limited use on Bureau Irrigation
Projects, we feel it is worth bringing to the attention of Operation
and Maintenance people.

These rubber tanks are being utilized by the Salt River Project in
Phoenix, Arizona, to
transport oil to sub-
stations. After the

oil is delivered,

these tanks, such as

the 4,600-gallon tank
shown at left, can be
removed freeing the
truck for other purposes.

The Project has pur-
chased two of these
rubber tanks and is
utilizing them for
oil transport, rather
than renting tankers
as in the past.

A 15,000-gallon pillow
tank is also used by
the Project, as shown
in the photograph at
lower left. This par-
ticular tank is used
for oil storage.

One of the leading rub-
ber companies in Phoenix
manufacturers these
tanks, and we are told
that similar tanks have
been used by the mili-
tary in South Vietnam,

If further information
is desired regarding
these tanks, please
write to the Bureau of
Reclamation, Regional
Director, Region 3,
Boulder City, Nevada
89005.

ll


ON-THE-JOB INSPECTION OF CHAIN HOISTS1/

On-the-job inspection of chain hoists is mighty important. Many
unsafe conditions can develop on the job. We are whistling in the
dark if we depend on the hoist to stay in good condition on the job
without doing something about it.

Common sense tells us that whenever we spot STRETCHED CHAIN, WORN
LINKS, OR OPEN HOOKS, the safest thing to do is to replace them.
Why gamble with lives and equipment? Here are some suggestions
for on-the-job inspection of chain hoists:

1. Check chain for wear, stretch, or damage to links.
2. Check hooks for opening.

3. See that both top and bottom hooks are carrying the load
at the hook center and not on the hook tip.

4. Check handwheel action. The handwheel has a back movement
(or play) of one to one and a half pockets before the handwheel
strikes the check washer lug. If it has to turn three pockets
or more, some of the brake parts are worn and need replacing.

5. Check action of hoist. If it lowers hard, it usually means
lack of lubrication in brake. If you have excessive pull in
both directions, it can mean lubrication or it may be a bent

driving pin.

Many * * * in fact, perhaps most * * * chain hoist defects can be
detected and remedied before serious trouble develops.

i/Reprinted from Reclamation Safety News, Second Quarter 1969,
written by Thomas J. Laskowski, Transit Insurance Administrators.

te RR

The following idea was included in the Biennial Review of Maintenance
Examination Report of Corning Canal and Pumping Plant, Central Valley
Project of February 5, 1968:

"Several wasp and spider nests were found in the electrical
control boxes for the check gates on the canal. It was sug-
gested that mothballs be placed in these boxes. Experience
by operators along the Frient-Kern Canal had indicated they
had success with this method."

21

GPO 885-784


applied, and (3) strictly adhered to. Each supervisor shall make
certain that all persons under his jurisdiction are instructed con-
cerning these procedures and their application.

The supervisor shall determine, through training, observations, or
other acceptable evidence, that his personnel understand and are
following procedures. All employees shall be subject to examination
at any time to check their knowledge of the safe clearance procedures.

Procedures

These procedures are for the safety of personnel in and around struc-
tures. Even though one man is usually responsible for the operation
of a specific structure, other authorized or unauthorized persons
could be severely or fatally injured by an incorrect operation.
Furthermore, improper operation of a facility or structure might
create a situation which would be harmful to the public's image of
the operating organization.

Conditions at Bureau structures sometimes warrant the use of special
procedures to protect personnel and equipment. This perhaps occurs
most often during the inspection or repair of structures and equip-
ment. Periodically, pipes through dams are drained for inspection
or maintenance. If, as an example, the emergency gate was opened
while the pipe was being inspected, people in the pipe would be
drowned. To avoid this, a "DO NOT OPERATE" tag should be attached

to the emergency gate controls. Likewise, if a limitation is imposed
on the amount of water that can be discharged through a pipe in a dam,
a tag should be attached to the emergency gate controls. Also, if a
limitation is imposed on the amount of water that can be discharged
through a pipe in a dam, a tag should be attached to the controls
indicating the special conditions imposed on the operation of the
facility.

Tagging Procedures

When conditions at a Bureau structure warrant the use of a "DO NOT
OPERATE" or "SPECIAL CONDITIONS" tag, the authorized operator will
attach the appropriate tag at the operating source. This may be the
control valves on a spillway gate or on the electrical control panel
which provides energy for the operation of equipment. The operator
shall, as soon as practical after the tagging action has been accom-
plished, enter in a log book the date, time, and place that the tag
was attached.

He shall briefly describe the reason for taking the action and sign
his name to the entry. If the action is initiated by the authorized
operator because of unsafe or unstable conditions observed by him,
he will notify his supervisor immediately of action taken. If the
action is initiated by the supervisor either by written or oral com-
munication to the operator, the operator will attach the appropriate
tags and make an entry in the log book.


THE USE OF LASERS
IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY1/

The number of lasers in use in tunnels and on construction projects
is now mounting rapidly. To date, no single standard has been
adopted for laser exposure. The State of Illinois has passed laws
aimed at reducing the number of laser accidents. Generally, those
lasers are excluded where there is a low level energy output where
the public health hazard of the laser system is absent or negligible.

The helium-neon gas lasers used in construction are very low-power
lasers because all that is required is a visible beam of light to
use as a reference. The intense beam of light provides a precise
alinement for laying pipe, leveling, tunneling, grading, plumbing,
pile driving, and dozens of similar tasks. People work in the pres-
ence of intense light sources all the time. Every man in construc-
tion knows that he should not stare at a welder's torch. The hazards
of low-power lasers should not be overly exaggerated with respect to
other types of construction hazards.

Obviously, if the dangers of laser radiation are understood and a
safety program initiated in accordance with the dangers, hazardous
conditions will be avoided. It is unlikely that the general public
or transient personnel would be exposed to hazardous levels if proper
precautions are taken. For example, the laser attenuator cap may
protect the worker at 200 feet; but if curious bystanders manage to
get in close to the laser and peer directly into the beam at 20 feet,
injury may result.

The risks for our personnel can be reduced if a few simple rules are
followed. Unfortunately, they are sometimes neglected, either through
lack of knowledge but more often through carelessness.

What to Do to Avoid Accidents

DO assign only those persons to set up, adjust, and operate equip-
ment that are qualified to follow appropriate procedures related
to lasers.

DO provide twist lock connectors and proper grounding for all
noncurrent carrying conductive parts of the equipment. Respect
laser equipment as you would any other electrical equipment.
This aspect of the safety problem must be stressed insofar as
the potential electrical hazard is usually greater than that
posed by the low-power laser beam itself.

I/This article is taken from the National Safety Council's Construction
Safety Release No. 69 and was written by Charles R. Nelson.

18


DON'T attempt to locate the laser beam with the eye. This is
especially important where the beam is traveling long distances.
Use some type of reflective material to intercept the beam and
thereby locate its position. Aiming the laser with the eye
should be avoided to prevent looking along the axis of the beam,
which increases the hazard from reflections.

DON'T operate the laser in rain, snow, fog, or dust unless
safety eye wear is utilized.

DON'T use Radio Frequency excited lasers near blasting caps.

DON'T leave the laser equipment unattended while in the ener-
gized state.

A booklet entitled, "Guide for Uniform Industrial Hygiene Codes
or Regulations for Laser Installations," can be obtained by
writing to the American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists, 1014 Broadway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202.

a a ad

ICE AND SNOW CENSUS

Glaciologists are to make a survey of the quantity of ice and snow
on the earth's surface as a contribution to the International
Hydrological Decade. The president of the International Commission
on Snow and Ice, which is supervising the survey, recently stated
that of the 1,360 million cubic kilometers of water in all its forms
on earth, only 35 million cubic kilometers consists of fresh water,
80 percent in the form of ice or snow.

- The Unesco Courier

tk eR

20


WATERFLOW MEASURING DEVICE
(Suggestion R7-68S-22)

In many locations, such as at river gaging stations, canals, laterals,
and in research studies, it is required that a flow of water be meas-
ured with accuracy. In any measuring device, even though suited to
the location, the water level may vary considerably in a period of 24
hours. Fluctuation in the flow causes this variation in water level.
To accurately measure the total volume in a given period, some means
of continually recording the water level must be provided. This is
sometimes accomplished by connecting a stilling well to a measuring
device with a small intake pipe, as shown in the sketch on the fol-
lowing page, and using a float that operates in the well and is con-
nected to a recorder.

When the water is carrying sediment, the intake has a tendency to
become plugged. When this occurs, the water level in the flume and

in the stilling well will not be the same. The recorded water level
accordingly will be in error. A means of preventing deposition of
silt in the intake pipe is the subject of this suggestion made jointly
by Messrs. Neil W. Schild and Fred C. Corey of the Division of Water
and Land Operations, Regional Office, Region 7, Denver, Colorado.

Additional equipment necessary for this device consists of a tank of
compressed air, a single-stage regulator, and approximately 10 feet
of plastic tubing. The compressed air can be obtained from any local
welding supplier, and the single-stage regulator may be purchased for
approximately $20 to $50. The plastic tubing used in one particular
installation was obtained from the Geological Survey which uses the
tubing for Servo-manometer installations, and each office usually has
short pieces available. However, plastic tubing suitable for this
installation can be purchased locally. One-quarter-inch outside-
diameter thick wall tubing is required.

One end of the tubing must be attached to the regulator and the other
end plugged with a small woodscrew. A small needle can be heated and
used to penetrate the walls of the plastic tube to provide holes about
1-1/2 inches apart. The plastic tubing should then be inserted into the
stilling well and the intake so that the holes are located in the sec-
tion of tube which will be in the intake pipe between the stilling well
and the flume. The tubing should be held in the invert of the intake
by a small spring clip. The small size tubing allows sufficient open-
ing for transfer of water and also to insert another tube to periodi-
cally clean the intake.

The amount of air used by this device is dependent on the pressure and
the size of holes in the walls of the plastic tube. As air bubbles
through the small holes, turbulence in the intake pipe will remove
heavy sediment or keep it in suspension. This provides for good move-
ment of water, maintaining a constant level between the flume and the
stilling well.

15


TOP SEAL RADIAL GATE PIPE DRAIN

Radial gates may be subject to wetting on the downstream side due
to a leaky top seal or for other reasons. Under this condition,
maintenance problems are increased because protective coatings
deteriorate quickly. The drain described in this article has been
devised to contain and control the leaking water and thus reduce
maintenance costs.

Photograph 1 below shows a gate that was recently repaired and the
4-inch dam and pipe drain installed. The spots visible on the
backside of the skinplate are weld holes cut through the old skin-
plate to facilitate installation of a new one.

Photograph 1 - PX-D-65572

Photograph 2 on the next page shows water leaking past the top
seal at the right top corner of the picture and then flowing out
of the pipe drain below.

This modification of the downstream side of radial gates was con-
ceived by Mr. Hubert Malberg, Plant Mechanic Foreman, Yuma Projects
Office, Yuma, Arizona, and built by Mr. Malberg and members of his
crew. The modification was first made on the California River Gates


U.S. DEPT. OF INTERIOR

y--> Plastic Body

Ny

SAFETY TAG

© DO NOT OPERATE

MEN WORKING

BACK
4 SAFETY TAG
© 00 NOT OPERATE
; MEN WORKING or

FRONT

FIGURE |

4

To be Prenumbered-~’


Restoring Equipment to Normal Operation

If the tagging action is initiated by the operator, it is his respon-
sibility to remove the tags when there is no longer need for the tags.
Upon removing the tags, he will enter a record of the action in the

log book. If tagging action is initiated by the supervisor, the tags
will only be removed after the supervisor has directed the operator to
do so. Again, a record of the action will be placed in the log book.

DO NOT OPERATE Safety Tags

As shown in the cover, protection is provided by systematically iso-
lating equipment from all sources of hazardous energy (electrical,
mechanical, and hydraulic) by attaching a "DO NOT OPERATE" safety tag,
similar to that in Figure 1, page 4, to the operating points at the
source of energy. A safety tag shall be the same as a lock, and the
tag point is not to be operated while the tag is in place. The tag-
ging is primarily for the protection of personnel but may provide pro-
tection for equipment. This safe clearance procedure is intended to
accomplish this protection with as little delay and inconvenience as
possible.

Example: The outlet pipe through a dam is to be inspected. The emer-
gency gate is closed, the operating gates are open, and the pipe is
drained. Before the inspection party enters, the pipe and the manhole
covers on the pipes are removed, the authorized operator will establish
a safe clearance by attaching "DO NOT OPERATE" safety tags to the oil
pump motor starting controls and the four-way valve handles that con-
trol the emergency and operating gates, and then inform the inspection
party that it is safe to proceed. The safe clearance will not be
removed by the operator until he has definitely determined that all
members of the inspection party are out of the pipe and the manhole
covers are properly secured to the pipe.

SPECIAL CONDITION Safety Tags

Whenever an operation limitation is imposed on any equipment or facility,
"SPECIAL CONDITION" tags, similar to that shown on page S, should be
attached to the controls of the equipment or facility. The tags should

be placed in a conspicuous location on the controls. Although a "SPECIAL
CONDITIONS" tag may serve as temporary protection for the equipment, it
shall not be used for the protection of people. The authorized operator
of a feature or facility will attach a "SPECIAL CONDITIONS" tag to the con-
trols when conditions warrant or when he has received orders to do so

from his supervisor.

When the condition requiring a "SPECIAL CONDITIONS" tag no longer exists,
the authorized operator will remove the tag after he has received per-
mission from his supervisor to do so. The operator will enter in the
log book a record of all action taken in connection with "SPECIAL CONDI-
TIONS" tags.


The device as shown and described was installed and used in a Water
Use Study Area on the North Platte Project near Torrington, Wyoming,
in the fall of 1967, and may be moved from one location to another
as needed. It provided very good records at a station where previous
records had been doubtful because of heavy sediment in the water.
Some of these particles which plugged the intake were approximately
1/16 to 1/18 inch in size. Pressure used for normal operation was
about 4 psi. However, when visiting the measuring device once a
day, the pressure in the tube can be increased for a short period of
time to completely clean the intake pipe.

Cost per installation

Regulator $20 to $50
Plastic tubing (minimum cost)
Tank of compressed air, $4, including tank rental

If additional information is desired, please write to the Regional
Director, Bureau of Reclamation, Building 20, Denver Federal Center,
Denver, Colorado 80225.

Recorder Plastic Tubing

Compressed
Air

Stilling Well —

rioot Hoe

Air Bubbles Vo]

Plastic Tubing

tee

16


Example: Releases to the river from the river outlet works must
not be reduced below 100 cfs during the month of April. The res-
ervoir superintendent will attach a "SPECIAL CONDITIONS" tag to
the river outlet controls on April 1 and will remove the tag on
May 1.

Log Book Entries

All entries shall be made in the log book with ink or other per-
manent marking material. Entries shall be made as soon as prac-
tical after tagging action has been accomplished. All persons
making entries in the log book shall sign their names after the
entry. Entries shall be made as follows:

1. Placement Action: After the tags have been attached, the
operator shall log the date, time, and type of tag used.

2. Removal Action: After the clearance has been made and
the tag removed, the operator shall log the date and time the
tags were removed.

Application of Procedures when Maintenance is Performed by Contract

When contractor's forces perform maintenance on or around Bureau
structures, the above-described procedures shall be followed. All
safety precautions should be explained to the contractor and he
shall be furnished a copy of this publication. Safety tags will

be installed by the regular operator, and the equipment shall not
be operated until such time as the operator removes the tags. If
the contractor desires to test the equipment that is being repaired
and a "DO NOT OPERATE" tag has been attached to the controls, he
shall request the Bureau operator to perform the operation. If
conditions are favorable, the operator will remove the tag and per-
form the necessary operation requested for the testing. After the
tests have been completed, the "DO NOT OPERATE" tag will be replaced
on the controls.

Availability of Tags

The tags referred to in this article (PO&M-137) and (PO&M-138) are
available to Bureau personnel by requisition from the Office of
Chief Engineer, Attention: Code 822, Denver Federal Center, Denver,
Colarado.

a a


United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation

IRRIGATION OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

BULLETIN NO. 70

October, November, December 1969

In This Issue:
Use of Safety Tags on Operation and Maintenance
of Irrigation Structures
Radial Gate Pipe Drain
Maintaining Radial Gates and Hoists
Rubber Oil Tanks
Float Tapes for Orifice Head Measurement
Asphaltic Tape Seal for Leaking Gates
Water Flow Measuring Device
Cleaning Air Filter Elements
The Use of Lasers in the Construction Industry
On the Job Inspection of Chain Hoists


MATERIAL

Dam 3'x4" flot iron
Drain 4" pipe

+>
TOP SEAL RADIAL GATE
7'-6"x6-0"

Sketch

te RR

KEEP IT LEGAL

The Law prohibits reproduction of certain items by any means,
including copiers. In addition to the obvious ones - currency
and stamps - there are others:

a. Passports, immigration papers, citizenship or natural-
ization papers

b. Automobile registrations, drivers' licenses

c. Badges, ID cards, passes or insignia carried by Armed
Forces personnel or federal employees

d. Draft cards, amateur radio operators' licenses

e. Obligations of any foreign government, bank, or corporation.


at Imperial Dam. Pipe drains were then installed on the radial
gates at all automatic wasteways on the Gila Gravity Main Canal
where they proved most beneficial because of the necessity for
having a loose fit on the top seal. When the top seals are
installed tight enough to preclude leakage, the gate will not
operate automatically.

Photograph 2 - PX-D-65573

The minor cost involved in making this modification probably will
be more than compensated for by the increased protective coating
life on the downstream side of the gate. A sketch of this modifi-
cation is shown on the next page.

If additional information is desired regarding this radial gate
pipe drain, please write to the Bureau of Reclamation, Regional
Office, Region 3, Boulder City, Nevada 89005.


oe)

SPECIAL CONDITION
TAG

REMARKS (con't)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
F

BUREAU O

THE INTERIOR
RECLAMATION

SPECIAL CONDITION
TAG NO.

SPECIAL CONDITION ORDER NO.

EQUIPMENT

PLACED BY

DATE & TIME

REMOVED BY

DATE & TIME

REMARKS

% GPO 857-968

PoaM - 138 (3-66)

RK

BACK \

’
/

an

FRONT

“WHITE PAPER

FIGURE 2



DO instruct all personnel in areas using lasers with respect
to the dangers of the equipment and the laser beam, both
direct and reflected.

DO alert personnel within the vicinity of lasers prior to
the using of any laser device in order that they may take
precautions to shield or otherwise protect their eyes.

DO placard danger areas to inform of potential danger those
members of the general public or other transient persons who
may otherwise be exposed. The placard should warn persons
not to stare at the beam if they should see it.

DO require employees to wear antilaser eyeglasses if there is
no alternative to exposure. Generally, antilaser glasses are
worn only with very powerful lasers not the low-powered con-
struction type. Most susceptible to laser-beam damage is the
eye. When necessary, use laser goggles that are marked as
suitable for the particular wavelength and power density. A
word of caution - goggles may severely restrict or hinder the
worker's vision in some way that jeopardizes his safety from
other hazards of the job.

DO require personnel assigned to lasers to receive a complete
eye examination prior to such assignment. Subsequent eye
examinations should be given each year. Any persisting after-
images of a light source should be reported to a physician.
Eye examinations should help in protecting a company against
unjust compensation claims.

DO keep the output down as low as possible to suit the con-
struction work.

DO above all, DO follow the manufacturer's instructions on the
use of lasers.

Recommended DONT's to Avoid Accidents

DON'T stare directly into the laser beam. If operators whose
work requires observation of the beam must work close to the
equipment, the intensity of the light should be reduced by
attenuator caps supplied by the manufacturer or antilaser
goggles,

DON'T allow reflective material around the area of the beam
(Good Houskeeping). If the reflecting surface is flat, the
characteristics of the reflected beam may be considered iden-
tical to those of the direct beam.

19


USE OF SAFETY TAGS IN
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
STRUCTURES1/

These procedures are to establish, under controlled discipline, a
safe environment within which people can perform their assigned tasks.
All Bureau-constructed facilities shall be operated and maintained
with maximum safety to personnel and equipment. Bureau personnel are
charged with the responsibility of performing their assigned tasks in
the safest possible manner. Operations will be guided and tested by
the fundamental principle, "Start with the correct procedure and fol-
low it exactly."

These procedures are to provide guides to operating personnel at all
irrigation facilities, but more particularly at storage and diversion
dams and pumping plants. They are not intended to supersede previously
issued instructions published for power operations but are to provide
instructions for the operation of facilities that are not operated by
the Bureau of Reclamation Power Division. The practices and procedures
outlined in this article were originally developed by Region 7 and made
mandatory to all Bureau offices by letter from the Chief Engineer to

all Regional Directors dated March 15, 1967. Also, they provide a guide
for the operation and maintenance of Bureau-constructed facilities trans-
ferred to irrigation districts or other irrigation entities.

Definition of Terms

Bureau-constructed Facilities - This includes storage dams, diversion
dams, pumping plants, canal systems, and accessory electrical equipment.

Authorized Operators - Individuals qualified by their supervisor to
operate a specific structure or facility.

Operating Supervisor - Individuals directly responsible for the actions
of authorized operators.

Special Conditions - This is an unusual or temporary condition which
effects the operation of equipment or a facility and is not associated
with other protective procedures. This term indicates the requirement
for a special operating procedure. Special operating conditions may
be implemented to protect equipment or a structure because of certain
existing limitations.

General Responsibility and Authority

Each project supervisory staff has the responsibility to insure that
these procedures are (1) understood by all concerned, (2) properly

1/This article was adapted for this Bulletin from a brochure, dated
March 1968, published by the Regional Director, USBR, Region 7,
Denver, Colorado.


FLOAT TAPES FOR ORIFICE HEAD MEASUREMENT
(Suggestion R7-68S-39)

The use of two float tapes on the upstream and downstream stilling
wells of an orifice check water measurement structure has been sug-
gested by Mr. Edward Hlavinka, Hydraulic Engineering Technician,
Kansas River Projects Office,
McCook, Nebraska. Although
this idea may have limited
application, Mr. Hlavinka
stated that this type of in-
stallation has proved to be
a time saver for all per-
sonnel involved when readings
are made to determine the
effective head on the orifice
gates, such as the ditchrider,
the damtender, or the hydro-
grapher who calibrates the
structure. He also stated
that this idea can be instal-
led in Parshall flumes, if
well room permits.

When installing the two auto-
matic float tape indicators,
it is necessary to weigh the
Photograph 1 - PX-D-65576 8-inch floats and counter-
weights and pair them up to
be sure they weigh exactly

the same. The floats and
tapes can be zeroed in by
the use of a carpenter's
level. Water levels can
also be used as a check.
Photograph 1 at upper left
shows the upstream weight
tape installation as it
appears on the recorder
bench at the orifice check
measuring structure, and
= Photograph 2 shows the down-

stream weight tape instal-
lation and the differential
head recorder.

A sketch of this automatic
float tape indicator is shown
Photograph 2 - PX-D-65577 on the next page. It was

12


ASPHALTIC TAPE SEAL FOR LEAKING GATES

The Ainsworth Irrigation District in northern Nebraska has solved
their problem of leaking gates on lateral and farm turnouts by
using asphaltic tape.

A leak was discovered by the District personnel, and water was seep-
ing between the cast iron gate seat and the concrete breast wall on
the second or regulating gate in the constant head orifice structure.

This particular gate was

not set flush with the con-
crete and water leaked out
through the cracks. The
tape acts as a gasket between
the cast iron gate seat and
the concrete breast wall. A
typical installation is shown
in the photograph at left.

The tape used to seal the
gates is a commercial prod-
uct made of a heavy-duty as-
phaltic mastic, preformed in
tape shape, 3/16-inch thick
by 2-, 3-, or 4-inch widths
and comes in standard lengths
of 4 feet extruded between
two protective wrappers. A
layer of glass fabric is im-
bedded in the plastic tape
to provide dimensional sta-
bility and reinforcement.

It is commonly used for seal-
ing hairline cracks in con-
crete canal linings.

Installation is simple as indicated below:

a. The gate frame is removed to allow sufficient space to place
the tape on the concrete.

b. Gate frame is reinstalled.

When gate frame is reinstalled, it pushes out the excess tape material
as shown in the above photograph. A 4-inch tape was used on this ini-
tial installation; however, it was felt that a 2-inch strip would have
been sufficient to seal the gate frame against the concrete structure.

If additional information is desired on this subject, please write to
the Regional Director, Region 7, Attention: Code 7-430, Building 20,
Denver Federal Center, Denver, Colorado 80225.

ee KR

14


IRRIGATION OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
BULLETIN No. 70

October, November, December 1969

INTRODUCTION

The first article starting on page 1 provides a guide for irrigation
districts and others in the use of safety tags as a warning signal
not to start equipment that is shutdown for repair or to indicate
that some operation limitation has been imposed.

A top seal radial gate drain developed by the Yuma Projects Office,
Yuma, Arizona, is described on page 7. This unique device was made
to bypass water leaking through the top seal of a closed radial gate.
It not only reduces maintenance costs but also gives the gate a much
better appearance by preventing rust and paint streaking.

"Maintaining Radial Gates and Hoists" is the title of this article
on page 10; it sets forth recently issued recommendations for the
proper maintenance of radial gates and hoists.

An article on page 11 describes how the Salt River Project, Phoenix,
Arizona, utilizes rubber oil tanks in their day-to-day operation of
the project.

On page 12, a suggestion from the Kansas River Projects Office, McCook,
Nebraska, on the use of float tapes for orifice head measurement saves
time for all concerned when the necessary readings are made at the
stilling wells.

A simple method to stop leaking gates on lateral and farm turnouts by
using asphaltic tape can be found on page 14.

The results of a suggestion submitted jointly by two employees of the
Division of Water and Land Operations, Region 7, Denver, Colorado,
entitled "Water Flow Measuring Device" can be found on page 15.

How to clean filter elements is presented in a short article found on
page 17.

Starting on page 18, an article from the National Safety Council's
Construction Safety Release points out the DO's and DON'T's for the
use of lasers in the construction industry.

Most chain hoist defects can be avoided by following a few simple rules
and regulations as described in the last article found on page 21.


The Irrigation Operation and Maintenance bulletin is published quar-
terly, for the benefit of irrigation project people. Its principal
purpose is to serve as a medium of exchanging operation and mainte-
nance information. It is hoped that the reports herein concerning
labor-saving devices and less costly equipment and procedures, devel-
oped by resourceful project people, will result in improved efficiency
and reduced costs of the systems for those operators adapting these
ideas to their needs.

To assure proper recognition of those individuals whose suggestions
are published in the bulletins, the suggestion number as well as the
person's name is given. All Bureau offices are reminded to notify
their Suggestions Award Committee when a suggestion is adopted.

wk RRR

Division of Irrigation Operations
Office of Chief Engineer
Denver, Colorado 80225

COVER PHOTOGRAPH:

The cover photograph shows a
typical control board used in
the Bureau Engineering Labora-
tory, Denver, Colorado. Note
the two safety tags, one hang-
ing from the upper middle switch-
box and the other hanging from
the valve at lower right, used
when machinery is shutdown for
repairs. Photo PX-D-65571



MAINTAINING RADIAL GATES AND HOISTS

These current recommendations for the maintenance of radial gates
and hoists were recently issued by the Office of Chief Engineer,
based on additional operating experience and the use of modern
lubricants. The recommendations are as follows:

Where grease fittings are provided for lubrication of the gate
trunnion pin bearings, the bearings shall be lubricated at least
twice a year. Grease equivalent to Texaco All-temp or Fiske
Brothers Refining Company Lubriplate No. 630-AA shall be used
where a specific type of grease is not called for on the drawings
or in the Designers' Operating Criteria.

Gate seals shall be inspected once a year and shall be repaired,
adjusted, or replaced when necessary. If seal adjustments are
changed, care shall be taken to be sure the adjustment does not
prevent free movement of the gate.

The gate hoists should be tested at least twice a year to be
sure the controls and motors are operating properly. The limit
switch should be inspected periodically to see that it is func-
tioning properly.

The gate hoist worm gear reduction unit should be lubricated
with grease equivalent to Lubriplate APG 140 or Texaco Maropa
Lubricant 3. The gear reduction unit of the gear motor and the
spur gearing in the drum units should be lubricated with a good
grade of nondetergent SAE 20 oil. Drain plugs should be removed
annually to be sure there is no water present. The gear boxes
should be drained at 5-year intervals and refilled with fresh
oil. High-pressure grease fittings and flexible couplings should
be lubricated with Texaco All-temp Lubriplate No. 630-AA or its
equivalent at least twice a year.

Wire ropes with galvanized sockets should be inspected annually
for deteriorating effects such as corrosion, kinking, breaking
of individual wires, or loosening in the sockets, which may make
replacement necessary. The wire ropes should be lubricated annu-
ally, or more often if found necessary, with a good lubricant
which will penetrate into the rope, will not dry out or flake off,
and will not drip off on warm days. Grease equivalent to Texaco
All-temp or Lubriplate No. 630-AA dissolved in sufficient solvent
to permit brush application has been found satisfactory as a wire
rope lubricant. This has the necessary penetrating quality at
application, after which the solvent evaporates, leaving the
grease inside the rope where needed.

a ed

10


reported that this device
was much superior to the
weight tape indicators
previously used.

The float tapes being in-
stalled in close proximity
to each other afford an in-
stantaneous reading of both
wells and eliminate any pos-
sibility of error introduced
by the time delay of other
methods such as a real and
weighted tape.

This material mentioned in
the article can be purchased
from companies supplying
water level recorder and
related types of equipment.

SKETCH

te eRe

SIX-FOLD ECONOMIC BENEFIT FROM IRRIGATION

An analysis recently issued by the University of Nebraska Bureau of
Business Research shows that in 1963 for each $1.00 in net increase
in crop production due to irrigation, a total of $6.68 in new busi-
ness activity was generated throughout Nebraska. This is one of

the basic conclusions of the report titled "Economic Impact of
Irrigated Agriculture on the Economy of Nebraska." The study was
performed under contract with the Bureau of Reclamation and published
by: The Bureau of Business Research, The University of Nebraska,
Lincoln, Nebraska 68508.

a a ae

13