PENSTOCK AND
PIPELINES
EQUIPMENT
Components and accessories for penstocks and pressurized pipelines
Penstocks are high-pressure pipes that carry water from the headpond to the turbine, converting potential energy into kinetic energy. They are normally equipped with interception devices, air valves, and overspeed control systems, which are essential for plant safety. Their reliability is crucial for operational continuity and maximum energy efficiency.
TOTOGA provides robust and reliable components for every configuration. We offer tailor-made solutions for both existing plants and new installations, even in environments with high mechanical stresses or strict geometric constraints.
GUARD VALVES
AND HEAD VALVES
Hydraulic and electric actuators for gate control
WHAT THEY ARE
Guard valves are devices designed to safely intercept the water flow directed to the turbines. They are installed immediately upstream of the turbine and their purpose is to protect the plant in case of a malfunction or when a shutdown is required. They are equipped with safety closing systems so that even in case of blackout, the actuators can still perform their safety function. Head valves, or main inlet valves, are installed upstream of penstocks and serve to protect pressurized pipelines.
They are typically installed upstream of the penstocks.
PRODUCTS
- Butterfly valves with counterweight and hydraulic actuation;
- Ball valves with movable seal, with counterweight and hydraulic or water actuation
HYDRAULIC POWER UNITS (HPUs)
Hydraulic power units for actuators and operating systems
WHAT THEY ARE
Hydraulic power units (HPUs) are the core of hydraulic actuation systems, supplying cylinders and actuators for operating gates, trashracks, valves, turbine distributors/injectors, and other mechanical components. Along with the HPUs, it is possible to supply associated control panels and complete hydraulic piping, designed to match the plant configuration. A well-designed HPU ensures constant pressure, controlled speed, and operational safety even under critical environmental conditions or frequent maneuvering.
PRODUCTS
Hydraulic units complete with tank, pump group, valves, heat exchangers, instruments, and integrated electrical panel
Customized layouts for installations in confined or outdoor environments
Certified components sized according to ISO and DIN standards
Control panels
DISSIPATING VALVES AND AREATING VALVES
WHAT THEY ARE
Dissipating valves are devices for intercepting water flow and dissipating hydraulic load. They are used to reduce water pressure and allow safe operation. They are commonly used to create turbine bypass systems for run-of-river plants connected to minimum environmental flow outlets or aqueduct pipelines, or for discharging water from minimum flow pipes in large dams. They may operate electrically, hydraulically, or mechanically with counterweight systems. Annular dissipating valves are also frequently used in bypass systems for guard valves or head valves to fill pipelines downstream of the main valve before opening. Aerating valves are designed to allow air into the pipelines during emptying and release it safely during filling. These devices are crucial for the safety of penstocks and the entire hydropower system.
PRODUCTS
Needle valves (spindle valves);
Ring valves;
Aeration valves
DISMANTLING JOINTS, FLANGES AND ACCESSORIES
Lifting systems for intake structures
WHAT THEY ARE
Dismantling joints are essential components for assembling and disassembling pipes and valves, allowing spacing between components and easy extraction.
PRODUCTS
Fixed dismantling joints;
Expansion joints;
Bellows joints;
Flanges;
Manholes
MECHANICAL OVERSPEED DETECTORS AND SENSORS
WHAT THEY ARE
Overspeed paddles or pendulums are mechanical sensors installed at the initial sections of penstocks and near the head valve. Their purpose is to detect any overspeed of the water flow inside the pipeline and send a closing signal to the associated head valve. The sensitive element is submerged in water, and the movement caused by friction with flowing water activates a lever with counterweight. If the water flow becomes too high, such as in the event of a penstock rupture, the lever triggers a mechanism releasing the closure of the counterweight valve. Penstocks, like the rest of the plant, are also equipped with electrical and electronic sensors of various types. Selecting high-quality instruments with high reliability and durability is crucial for this application.
PRODUCTS
- Overspeed paddles;
- Pressure sensors;
- Magnetic or ultrasonic flow sensors;
- Level sensors;
- Position and inclination sensors, limit switches