Cast iron single faced thimble mounted sluice gates
1992 Edition

IS 13349 prescribes specific materials for various sluice gate parts to ensure durability and performance. Components like thimbles, frames, guides, slide parts, gear pedestals, and brackets are generally made from cast iron with a minimum grade of FG 200 as per IS 210:1993. The yoke or bridge may be cast iron or structural steel conforming to IS 210:1993 or IS 2062:1992 respectively. Wedges and their facings utilize naval brass, phosphor bronze, leaded tin bronze, or stainless steel following IS 291, IS 7814, IS 318, and IS 3444 standards. Operating nuts and guide bushes are made of leaded tin bronze (IS 318). Connecting blocks use cast iron, tin bronze, or leaded tin bronze per relevant IS codes. Seating faces employ materials such as naval brass, phosphor bronze, tin bronze, leaded tin bronze, or stainless steel, adhering to IS 291, IS 7814, IS 306, IS 318, and IS 6911. Stem extension rods and couplings are fabricated from mild steel or stainless steel meeting IS 2062 and IS 6603 standards, while anchor bolts are also of mild or stainless steel.

The standard distinguishes between two types of bottom closures for sluice gates: Conventional and Flush Bottom. Conventional closures have two corrosion-resistant seating faces—one on the slide bottom and one on the frame—that come into contact upon gate closure, with the slide's bottom edge extending below the invert level. This design requires sufficient vertical space between the gate invert and the channel or chamber invert but may create a recess where debris can accumulate, potentially impeding closure. Conversely, flush bottom closures lack corrosion-resistant metal seating faces; instead, they incorporate resilient rubber seals either on the slide bottom or frame bottom, allowing the gate bottom to align flush with the chamber invert. This design prevents debris buildup and is recommended where gate invert and channel floor elevations are equal.

IS 13349 specifies leakage limits based on sluice gate class when tested under the maximum unseating hydraulic head: Class 1 gates allow up to 2.5 liters per minute per meter of seating perimeter, Class 2 up to 3.5 lpm/m, and Class 3 up to 4.5 lpm/m. Leakage testing is done at two stages. First, a shop test is conducted at the manufacturer's facility applying the maximum unseating head to verify leakage within allowable limits. Subsequently, a field leakage test is performed post-installation, with the manufacturer’s representative present. This involves gate cycling, measuring seating and unseating hydraulic heads, and confirming leakage does not exceed the specified maximum. Additional tests as per clauses 11.2 to 11.5 may also be required to ensure compliance.

IS 13349 covers manual lift mechanisms for sluice gates, including ungeared types with horizontal handwheels and geared types featuring cranks on driving shafts. These mechanisms can be mounted directly on the gate’s yoke, especially for self-contained gates, with or without a pedestal. The pedestal is designed to be machined and drilled for gear housing installation, positioned approximately 500 mm above the base or operating floor to facilitate ergonomic operation. It includes a covered access window to enable cleaning and lubrication of the stem threads. Importantly, the lifting effort required after the gate is unseated should not exceed 70 Newton-meters, ensuring manageable manual operation. For detailed design, IS 11228:1985 provides guidance.

Installation of sluice gates with wall thimbles should strictly follow manufacturer instructions regarding minimum clearance during storage, handling, and installation to prevent frame distortion and maintain seating face tolerances. All components—gate, thimble, stem, guides, and operating devices—must be accurately plumbed, shimmed, and aligned for smooth operation. Wall thimbles should be precisely positioned and braced to avoid movement or deformation during concrete pouring, with horizontal and vertical supports provided. Tapped holes in thimbles must be plugged before concrete placement to protect threads. Concrete should bond thoroughly with the thimble, and grout must be forced into air vent holes. The gate opening may be circular, square, or rectangular; square gates can be fitted into circular openings with appropriate flange adaptations. For flush-bottom gates, a recess in the floor matching the gate bottom frame is required and should be filled flush with the chamber floor using suitable materials like asphalt or concrete combined with sawdust, consulting the manufacturer for dimensions.