Table I

SIZE OF ELECTRIC HEATERS REQUIRED TO KEEP MOTORS WARM

Approximate watts to maintain
motor frame 10° F above
ambient temperature
in still air

65

70

95

: 110

: 170

: 250

: : : 380

50 : 1800: 600 3 250
50 H] 1200 : 900 % 380
50 4 600 : 2000 g 850
100: 1200 : 2500 : 1050
100 600 2800 3 1180
200 1200 : 2500 : 1050
200 : 600 : 3800 : 1600



CONTROLLING ALGAE GROWTH IN CONCRETE FLUMES

The growth of algae and naiad cocoons in open concrete structures,
flumes particularly, can be a very troublesome problem because of the
serious reduction of water carrying capacity that results, Some years ago
this problem became very acute on the concrete bench flumes of the Black
Canyon Canal, Payette Division, Boise Project, Idaho.

In searching for a coating that might be applied to the interior of
the structures to inhibit the growths, two materials were tried. One mate-
rial was CTP-3 paint, a coal-tar cut back with naptha, and the other was a
catalytically blown asphalt. The CTP-3 paint proved to be effective in pre-
venting the growth of the naiad cocoons and algae and for the most part the
coating was still in good condition after three years of service. There was
some cracking and curling of the CTP-3 paint where it had been applied
over wet concrete, otherwise the paint was intact. The catalytically blown
asphalt failed to adhere to the concrete and after three years was practically
gone.

Rosin-Amine D Acetate was added to the CTP-3 paint in amounts
varying from 0 to 10 percent to determine if this material would assist in
preventing the growth of the algae and cocoons when used in this manner,
From observations made last fall, the Rosin-Amine D Acetate did not
appear to have contributed to the prevention of the growths,

In applying the paint to the concrete surfaces, all loose scale and
other loose material should be removed first. Three coats of CTP-3
should then be applied by spraying, each coat being applied at the rate of
one gallon per 300 square feet of surface. It is believed that better pene-
tration into the voids of the concrete can be obtained by spraying rather
than by brush application of the paint.

CTP-3 paint may be obtained from The American Tar Co., Seattle
3, Washington; The Bituminous Paint Co., 345 Vermont St., San Francisco,
California; and The Crown Tar and Chemicai Works, Denver, Colorado.

ORK KK

CA-50 PAINT PROTECTS FLUME SHEETS FROM SCOUR

After trying other types of paint, the Orland Project in California
reports that CA-50 paint has been the most successful in protecting the
invert of metal flume sheets from the abrasive action of sand carried by
the water, The paint was applied to the invert of a twin barrel metal flume,
following the procedure recommended in the Bureau Paint Manual fer apply-
ing this type of paint. (See O&M Equipment and Procedure Bulletin, Release
No. 2, page 6.)

* ORR KK
13


new projects, the contractors also have elected to precast some of the
smaller structures, reporting an appreciable saving compared with
casting them in place,

On the Rio Grande
Project, New Mexico and
Texas, the fabrication of
a precast concrete turnout
is shown in the photographs
on this page.

In this turnout, the
outlet pipe is placed mono-
lithically with the headwall,
At the extreme left of the
upper photograph a form is
being assembled. The inner
pipe form and reinforcing
steel have been placed, Con-
crete is being placed in the
form in the center of the
photograph, and a completed
precast turnout is shown on the right, The completed structure has been
cured and is ready for transportation to the site of installation. One of
the advantages of this method of precasting is that the pipe reinforcement
extends into the headwall,

The forming and rein-
forcement are shown in more
detail in the photographs at
left.

If wing walls are desired
for a turnout structure of this
type, they are provided by jetting
precast reinforced concrete sheet
piling into place after the turnout
structure has been set. The sheet
piling is also precast in the project
yard, which in this instance is
Ysleta, New Mexico.

Other types of prefabricated
structures are used on the Rio
Grande Project and fabricated by
operation and maintenance personnel
in their own yards. In the photograph
at the top of the following page, there
is shown a prefabricated turnout of
different design. The turnout in this
instance was incorporated in a



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4 A 100 +
Relative Humidity Ti aa 0 .
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55
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C) i020. 30 40 +50 60 70 60 90 100 0120

AIR TEMPERATURE °F

FIGURE |

RELATIONSHIP OF AIR TEMPERATURE, DEW POINT AND
HUMIDITY. APPROXIMATELY CORRECT FOR ELEVATIONS
OF O TO 5000 FT.

GPO 842741


current through the motor winding. The best and most widely used
method is by electric heaters, which are inexpensive and easily
applied. The method using reactors connected across the motor
starter contacts has the advantage that the heat is produced by
circulation of current through the motor coils where it is most
needed and is automatically controlled by the starting and stopping
of the motor. Special reactors designed to give the correct amount
of current in the motor winding are required and the cost is con--
siderably more than for strip heaters. Only a few of these in-
stallations are in use by the Bureau.

If electric strip heaters are used they should be mounted
in contact with the iron frame near the underside of the motor.
The flat strip type heaters are preferable as they can be mounted
flat against the metal frame and give better transmittal of heat
to the iron than the round cartridge type. The heaters should not
be mounted close enough to the motor winding end turns so that the
heat can damage the insulation either by direct radiation or by
flames from any inflammable material which might be set on fire
by the heaters. It is important that heaters be selected which
run at a low surface temperature so that bearing oil or other
inflammable material which might come in contact with it will
not be ignited. To accomplish this, the heaters should be op-
erated at one-half their rated voltage. That is, use a 220-volt
element or two 110-volt elements in series on a 110-volt circuit.
This will also insure long life for the heaters. The heat dis-
sipated by strip heaters operating at one-half rated voltage will
be one-fourth the rated watt value. Electric heaters should be
connected through an auxiliary switch on the motor starter so that
they will be "on" when the motor is “off,” and vice versa. In
using this method it is necessary to apply only enough heat to
maintain the motor frame at 10 to 15° above room temperature to
prevent condensation. Actually the “dew point” temperature at
which condensation starts is below room temperature but some
margin must be provided so that on rapidly rising room temperature
following a cold period, the motor temperature will not lag too
far behind the room temperature. There is a general tendency to
apply too much heat rather than not enough. Table I shows examples
of the approximate sizé heaters required. Several small heater units
are preferable to one large one. The relationship of air temperature
dew point and humidity is shown in Figure 1.

At such installations as irrigation pumping plants which
are shut down all winter, the cost of maintaining electric service
to the plant may make electrical heating too expensive.


JIGS FOR CUTTING GASKET MATERIAL

The metal jigs shown in the photographs below were devised by
the Shasta Division of the Central Valley Project, California, for making
a long and accurate 45-degree bevel to permit fabrication of a strong
cemented joint in both round and square gasket material, Providing the
45-degree end cut is facilitated by use of the jigs and a hacksaw blade
which has been ground to a knife edge, The sharp blade results ina
smoother and more uniform cut. For further information contact the
Supervising Engineer, California Projects, Sacramento, California,



The forms used in fabrication of the turnout headwalls and
outlet structures are shown in the photographs immediately below. The
lower photograph on this page shows the method used in placement of
concrete in the forms,

The method employed
by the contractor in setting
one of the precast headwalls
is illustrated in the photo-
graphs at the top of the next
page. After fine grading,
the precast structure is set
in a bed of fresh mortar
about an inch thick to correct
for slight variations in the
prepared subgrade.

In the lower photographs
on the following page, several
completed structures to be
placed in the lateral system
are stored in the contractors
fabrication yard. These in-
clude Parshall flumes and
turnout headwalls and outlet structures. The method of handling the struc-
tures is also shown. The limiting capacity of available handling equipment
will control the economical use of prefabricated structures, but in most
instances a savings in costs can be made on the smaller structures where

ommal, /

= Sree. Ne

6


combination check, drop,
and farm turnout structure,
In the fabrication of this
type of turnout, the turnout
pipe was first manufactured
and later incorporated into
the headwall, as the head-
wall and wing walls were
being placed monolithically,
In the installation shown, a
smooth transition will be
formed from the side slab
of the check to the turnout
wing walls by hand trowel-
ling.

The prefabricated structures are handled and set in place by a
winch truck equipped with an A-frame boom, Headquarters for the Rio
Grande Project are located in El Paso, Texas, Additional information
and plans of the structures can be obtained by contacting the Project
Manager at El Paso, or by writing the Director, Region 5, Bureau of
Reclamation, Amarillo, Texas.

The Riverton Project, Wyoming, also utilizes precast structures
in rehabilitation, In the photograph below, project forces are precasting
farm delivery weirs in
the project yards at Pavil-
lion,

Something over two
completed structures can
be fabricated daily by a
crew of five men. Project
people estimate that the
precast weirs can be fabri-
cated and installed for
about half the cost of cast-
ing the structures in place,

In construction of the
Superior Canal Laterals
on the Bostwick Division
of the Missouri Basin Pro-
ject, Nebraska, the con-
tractor elected to precast
headwalls and outlets of metergate turnout structures, Parshall flumes,
and the headwalls for road crossings. Several views of the structures
are shown on the following pages,



Where electric power is not available to keep motors
warm during shut-down periods. the most practical solution is
providing moisture proof covers of plastic or waterproofed fabric.
These covers should be bound tightly around the shaft and motor
base so as to be as air tight as possible. This method will not
entirely exclude moisture under severe atmospheric conditions.
It is therefore necessary that motors so protected be dried out
by the application of heat before they are returned to service
after long shut-down periods, if megger readings taken on the
windings show the insulation value is too low. Reduced life
of the motor windings can be expected where they are subjected
to repeated cycles of wetting and drying and the above method
of protection is recommended only in cases where the motors
cannot be kept warm during shut-down periods. See Power O&M
Bulletins No. 3 and 9 for information on dry out methods and
insulation resistance measurements and standards. Power O&M
Bulletin No. 9 on "Keeping Motor Windings Dry" will be revised
in the rear future to cover this subject.

Cok inck

Enclosures

Copy to: Director of Power Utilization, Washington, D. C.,
Attention 640 (in triplicate)


Construction will consist of overexcavating the bottom and
side slopes of the canal to accommodate the lining, In the bottom,
18 inches of material will be removed. The subgrade will then be
scarified to an additional depth of 6 inches and the scarified material
will be compacted. Where suitable, the excavated material will be
utilized, spreading and compacting it in three 6-inch lifts. If the
subgrade material is not suitable in some reaches for construction of
a heavy compacted earth lining, it will be replaced by more suitable
material from borrow pits.

The horizontal width of the lining on the side slopes will be
about 6 feet, and this also will be placed in horizontal 6-inch lifts,
The subgrade material, where it is suitable, will be utilized also in
the lining on the side slopes,

Lining is to be done in accordance with Bureau Specifications
DC-3997, and copies can be obtained by writing the Regional Director,

Region 7, of the Chief Engineer, both of whom have offices at the Denver
Federal Center, Denver, Colorado.

eR KKK

SKIMMING WEIR AT FARM TURNOUT

An innovation of the Rio Grande
Project, New Mexico and Texas, is
the skimming weir placed at a farm
turnout as shown in the photograph
at left. The weir is located on the
West Main Canal,

ete

The inlet to the turnout is pro-
vided with check plank grooves about
a foot upstream from the turnout
gate. Planks in the grooves reduce
the amount of silt and sand that enters
the lateral and consequently, the
farmers' fields,

ie Ui

xe OK KOK


Department of the Interior

Bureau of Reclamation

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES
RELEASE NO. 6

September-October 1953

CONTENTS

Trashrack Rake Modification
- Precast Irrigation Structures

Heavy Compacted Earth Lining-Courtland Canal
Skimming Weir at Farm Turnout

Jigs for Cutting Gasket Material

Expanded Metal Plate Prevents Slipping
Electrical Sounding Bell for Water Surface Measurement
“Side-arm” Attachment for Drainage Work
Controlling Algae Growth in Concrete Flumes
CA-50 Paint Protects Flume Sheets from Scour
Maleie Hydrazide-A Plant Growth Retarder
Keeping Motor Windings Dry


the cork float drops until the contact is broken and the light goes off. In
operation, readings are taken as the light goes off.

BRASS scAcw RING

cone Gaser
_ 2:5 veer aus Reeceerow

coreeR

1 la sour BAT IEE | cideme: saree _aesss

Yaa coroce
Rouno WeAO scat

Lotbee.
(Cwates Tent

“/32 coppee_ nur

o7ee Float

ELECTR ICAL Sounwoing  GeLL

designed by- Lee A Braithwatte

Jc.R.  9-8-52

KR KK

11


EXPANDED METAL PLATE PREVENTS SLIPPING

Expanded metal plate has been
fastened to plank walkways within
the Whipple Pumping Plant on the
Kittitas Division of the Yakima Pro-
ject, Washington, The inexpensive
wooden platforms covered with the
metal plate provide access to controls
and valves, with good footing being
assured even when the platforms are
wet, A very neat appearance also
results,

Installation of the expanded
metal plate is relatively simple and
such material can be used to good
advantage in both indoor and outdoor
locations,

eK

ELECTRICAL SOUNDING BELL FOR WATER SURFACE MEASUREMENT

Obtaining accurate water surface elevations in wells or pipes can
be more easily and accurately done by use of an electrical sounding bell.
Many devices of this general type have been developed. The one developed
and in use by the Shasta Division of the Central Valley Project, the design
of which is shown on the facing page, is presented because of its simplicity.

The bell can be fabricated from materials available in most project
shops, and no cumbersome wire is needed to supply a source of power to
the device, The two small batteries within the body of the unit are adequate,

The bell can be used in any pipe or well that is 2 inches in diameter
or larger, where it can be lowered to the water surface. As the electrical
sounding bell, attached to a metallic tape, is lowered into a pipe or well,
the cork float is buoyed up on contact with the water, This closes the elec-
trical circuit and turns on the light. As the bell is lifted out of the water,

10


uniform types of structure can be mass produced. From an observation
of some of the structures in place, they appear satisfactory in every way.

eR KR KK

HEAVY COMPACTED EARTH LINING - COURTLAND CANAL

The Courtland Canal on the Bostwick Division of the Missouri
River Basin Project in Nebraska, is constructed principally through loess,
The canal has an average bottom width of 25 feet, a water depth of 8.5 feet
and 13:1 side Slopes. Lining the canal economically to provide for control
of seepage and to stabilize the side slopes has been of much concern to the
designers,

Various types of linings have been considered, Recently bids for
construction of a heavy compacted earth lining on 3.7 miles of the canal
resulted in a low bid price of about $0.60 per square yard, The lining
will be 2 feet thick in the bottom of the canal and 3, 25 feet thick on the side
slopes, normal to the slope.

7


satisfied with the rake in handling the debris, principally pondweed
and moss encountered in the canal system. A view of the rake in
operation is shown in the photograph below.

eK KKK

PRECAST IRRIGATION STRUCTURES

A good many years ago the Bureau of Reclamation prepared
designs for precasting small structures, but they were not utilized to
any great extent for various reasons, Probably one of the principal
reasons the precast structure did not prove popular at that time was
that equipment for convenient handling, transporting and setting of

available, With the avatlability o

the structures was not available, T ability of present day

equipment for such work, one of the major objections to precast struc-
tures is removed,

It has been observed that many operating projects now are
using precast concrete structures of various kinds in performing re-
habilitation and betterment work. During construction on some of our


MALEIC HYDRAZIDE - A PLANT GROWTH RETARDER

The chemical maleic hydrazide, or MH as it is commonly desig-
nated, is being field tested as a plant growth retarder by the Connecticut
State Highway Department with a view to reducing maintenance costs, by
eliminating some of the mowing that is necessary, The chemical and its
use are described in an article appearing in the August 20, 1953, issue
of Engineering News-Record. From the article it would appear the
chemical could also be used in the economical control of grasses grown
along our canal banks.

Engineering News-Record describes MH as "'a white, crystalline
material slightly soluble in water. When applied to grasses, the chemi-
cal reacts unfavorably on certain plant growth hormones and thereby
hinders plant growth, The degree of stunting is proportionate to the dosage
applied and therefore, can be used to reduce the number of mowings
required".

The Connecticut State Highway Department cites examples of the
growth control. One area treated with MH has not been mowed in two years,
Another, treated last October, has not required mowing since being treated.
In other areas, seventeen mowings have been eliminated. The results of
the tests have shown that although MH has been only 60 percent successful
to date, the chemical shows promise for the purpose intended,

The chemical being used by the Connecticut State Highway Depart-
ment in field tests was MH-40, a 40 percent mixture of the chemical,
supplied by the Naugatuck Chemical Division of the U. S. Rubber Company,
Naugatuck, Connecticut. The chemical is sprayed on the roadside grasses,
using a single-nozzle fan spray, The spray is operated at 50 to 100 psi
and the chemical applied at the rate of 10 to 15 pounds of MH-40 per acre,
mixed in 50 gallons of water.

Care should be employed in using the chemical on a ditch bank
to prevent damage to adjacent crops by drifting of the spray. Excessive
dosages of the MH can produce browning of the grass or even be herbicidal,
The article also states that MH should not be used on grass that is in poor
condition or less than two years old,

Apparently MH can be used at any time of year, but since it is
absorbed into the plant systems through the leaves, it is desirable to spray
the areas when the foliage is dense, rather than immediately after cutting.

Before using the maleic hydrazide, it would be well to contact the

manufacturer for instruction regarding the particular type of grass to be
treated and your particular problem.

KK KOK

14


IN REPLY REFER TO:

UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION

DENVER FEDERAL CENTER
DENVER, COLORADO

August 4, 1953

Memorandum

To: Regional Director, Region 1, 3.4 5,6 7
Supervising Engineer, California Projects. Sacramento, Calif.
Attention: Power & Irrigation 0&M

From: Chief, Power Utilization Field Division
Subject: Methods for keeping motor windings dry

Special provision should be made to protect motor
windings which operate in a damp atmosphere or are subject to
condensation of moisture when out of service for long periods.
Motors located in galleries of dams are frequently subject to
continual moisture, either by dripping on the equipment or con-
densing on the cold metal parts. Motors in irrigation pumping
plants of either the indoor or outdoor type are generally shut
down during the winter months and are subject to condensation
ef moisture, in localities where the atmospheric conditions are
severe.

The organic insulating materials used on motor windings
tend to soak up any moisture coming in contact with it and require
the application of heat over a long period of time to drive it out.
Damp insulation has very low insulating value and the winding may
fail the next time the machine is started. Moisture may also cause
corrosion of exposed metal parts.

Motors subject to excessive moisture can be properly pro-
tected by keeping them warm enough during shut-down periods so that
condensation does not form, or by providing a suitable permanent
cover to protect against dripping water or a temporary cover for
use during shut-down periods. Which of the above solutions is best
will depend on local conditions.

Keeping motors warm during the time they are not in service
can be accomplished by the use of electric heaters, or special re-
actors across the motor starting contactor to circulate a small


TRASHRACK RAKE MODIFICATION

The debris that collects on the trashrack of the Wellton-
Mohawk Pumping Plant No, 1 of the Gila Project, Arizona, consists
largely of pondweed, as shown on the cover page, A mechanical rake
was provided for clearing the debris from the trashrack; however, in
operation, difficulty was encountered in using the rake, due to the type
of debris, It collected on the trashrack and interwove into a homoge-
neous compact mass, forcing the wheels of the rake to ride over it,-
This in turn lifted the rake away from the trash bars,

In the photograph below, the modifications devised by the
project forces are shown, A Set of rake teeth or plows have been
mounted just ahead of the wheels, The teeth clear a path through the
debris so that the wheels are permitted to roll on the surface of the
rack as designed, successfully removing the entwined mass,

Several rakes of the type installed on the Gila Project have
been installed on other Bureau constructed projects. The type of
debris appears to have a bearing upon the success of the rake in
clearing trashracks, As now modified the Gila Project is well


INTRODUCTION

With this release, No, 6 of the Operation and Maintenance
Equipment and Procedure Bulletin, we have now been publishing bi-monthly
for a year, the information you have submitted. Many of the suggestions
included in the Bulletin appear to have been helpful to operating projects, and
we have received comments from many of you. Your comments are appreci-
ated, and if you have further comment on the ideas heretofore publicized,
they will be welcome,

We are in need of additional material for the Bulletin, So don't
feel backward about letting us have your ideas,

At this time of year, operating projects are beginning to think about
winter protection for the irrigation facilities. The memorandum included in
this release, ''Methods for Keeping Motor Windings Dry" prepared by the
Chief, Power Utilization Field Division may be of interest in this respect,
Should you have any further questions concerning the protection of motors,
you may contact the author, or the O&M Liaison Representative, Denver
Federal Center, Denver, Colorado,

The Operation and Maintenance Equipment and Procedure Bulletin
is circulated for the benefit of irrigation project operators. Reference toa
trade name does not constitute an endorsement of a particular product and
omission of any commercially available item does not imply discrimination
against any manufacturer,

KKK KK


"'SIDE-ARM'' ATTACHMENT FOR DRAINAGE WORK

The photograph and sketch below illustrate the use of a
"side arm" attachment placed on a dragline, which may be of value in
drainage maintenance,

Submitted by Region
6, Bureau of Reclamation,
Billings, Montana, it is
pointed out that this ma-
chine permits the cleaning
of the bottom of the drain
by dragline without disturb-
ing the sides, This is
highly advantageous in un-
stable soils.

The machine illustrated
is one manufactured by an
English concern and is used
for maintenance of drains
and ditches, It appears
from the photographs and

literature that accompanied the
photographs that such an attach-
ment would be simple to make and
one that could be placed on any
dragline, One important consid-
eration would be that of installing
a latch on the swing gear to pre-
vent excessive use of the brakes,
which otherwise would be required,

TOP WIDTHS 0° since the pull is in an off-center

position and would tend to swing
ae the machine,

For further information,
contact the O&M Supervisor,
Region 6, Bureau of Reclamation,
Billings, Montana, or the O&M
Liaison Representative, Chief

Engineer's Office, Building 53,
Wa DFC, Denver, Colorado,

ah

|
ah
pee?

Working Range as Constructed
eR KKK

12


KEEPING MOTOR WINDINGS DRY

In a memorandum to power and irrigation O&M personnel of the
Bureau of Reclamation, Engineer E. P. Schurch, points out some pre-
cautions to be taken in protecting electric motors during their operation
in damp atmospheres or when subject to condensation when the motors
are out of service for long periods. Mr. Schurch has given permission
for this memorandum to be published in this issue of the Bulletin.

Mr. Schurch is Chief, Power Utilization Field Division, Bureau
of Reclamation, with headquarters at the Denver Federal Center, Denver,
Colorado, After reading his memorandum if you have further questions on
the subject, he will be glad to answer them,

The memorandum follows,

15