SlipGate™
The SlipGate is a new generation of precision sluice/slide gate.
Designed from the ground up with technological innovations, the SlipGate provides precision and reliability even under the high-duty cycles that are a consequence of automation.
Integrated MicronLevel Sensors
MicronLevel water level measurement sensors are housed within the internal frame
CableDrive Actuation
Positive drive in both the raise and lower directions, with positioning to within ±0.5mm (0.02in) for precise control
FormiPanel™ Construction
Strong, yet lightweight and corrosion-resistant laminate gate leaf construction
Solar-Powered
Solar-charged battery system with 80, 120, 160 watt solar panel options
Remote operation
Can be controlled remotely when connected to a SCADA system or over cellular networks using SCADAConnect
Features and Benefits
All-in-one means everything has been designed – drive system, motor control, power supply, local control keypad and telemetry – to function as one single unit. There are no integration problems or incompatibilities, it simply works.
Designed from the ground up with technological innovations, the SlipGate provides precision and reliability even under the high-duty cycles that are a consequence of automation. The patented drive system, laminated panel and unique adjustable seals remove the risk and ongoing maintenance issues associated with trying to automate existing gates.
To enable installation in those remote sites that are most costly to visit, the SlipGate is powered with a high performance solar power system. And that also means you can avoid the electricity costs often associated with automation.
In-built support for the most common SCADA software protocols and a variety of radio or GPRS options provide flexibility without compromising design integrity and reliability.
The SlipGate is ideal for
- Sites with large operational head variations
- Sites where level and flow measurement is not needed or already exists
- Automating farmer turnouts
- Gates used to evacuate canals in stormwater situations
- Remote locations without AC power
Highlights
- Local control pedestal & display in multiple languages
- Sophisticated control software
- Designed to integrate with a level sensor or flow meter
- SCADA ready communication system
- Solar-charged or AC charged battery system
- Not affected by seating or unseating head
- High-duty cycle operation and low maintenance
- High-strength FormiPanel construction
- Robust CableDrive drive mechanism
Automatic control
The SlipGate is designed to easily integrate a third party level sensor or flow meter or Rubicon’s own standalone MicronLevel™ water level sensor mounted nearby. The built-in software provides seamless SCADA management of the integrated meter or sensor and the following control possibilities.
Control objective
Level control
When interfaced with a level sensor, the SlipGate software will collect data from the level sensor and modulate the gate to maintain a desired level in the pool immediately upstream or downstream, depending on the level sensor location.
Flow control
When interfaced with a flow meter, the SlipGate software will collect data from the flow meter and modulate the gate to maintain a desired flow regardless of canal levels.
Low maintenance
The SlipGate’s modular design allows it to be maintained in the field with minimal tools, training, and easily replaceable parts.
- Easily adjustable and replaceable gate seals
- On-site diagnostics built into the control software
- Service can be done by local Rubicon field technicians or authorized/trained independent local integrators
Easy to install
Using a slide-in frame, Rubicon’s SlipGates are designed to retrofit to existing check type regulating structures or mount to existing headwall structures as well as mount to purpose-built emplacements significantly reducing costs associated with civil work.
In most cases it can be installed and operational in two days; during irrigation or the off-season.
Technologies
The SlipGate uses core technologies which are common across TCC™ products:
Local control pedestal
Each SlipGate installation includes a robust pedestal that provides power and control to the gate and is a secure, weather-proof housing for electronic components and batteries.
The pedestal also serves as a local user interface. A keypad and LCD display are located under the pedestal lid, allowing farmers to monitor, or operators to control and troubleshoot on-site.
High-strength FormiPanel™ construction
FormiPanel is Rubicon’s high-strength gate leaf construction that uses techniques adopted from the aerospace and marine industries.
The gate panel assembly is a laminate construction that utilizes high strength industrial adhesives to bond structural grade aluminum extrusions and skin plates to a synthetic core material. The result is strong, lightweight, and corrosion resistant.
CableDrive™ and SolarDrive™ gate control technology
CableDrive™ is Rubicon’s actuation system designed to provide precision gate position accuracy and repeatability in harsh environments. The drive is a cable and drum mechanism that provides positive drive in both the raise and lower directions. It is designed for high duty cycle operation and provides precise gate positioning to within ±0.5mm (0.02in).
The drive is managed by Rubicon’s SolarDrive™ technology – a purpose-built integrated circuit board that manages gate positioning, solar power regulation, battery charge, fusing and the pedestal keypad interface.
Unique seal technology
Gate seals are fitted on three or four sides of the gate leaf depending upon whether the entire leaf is under water. The seals are continuous and fitted to the internal frame of the SlipGate. They extend along the full perimeter of the outer and underside of the gate panel.
Seals on both the upstream and downstream sides of the gate mean it can hold flow in both directions and is not affected by seating or unseating head.
The crush between the seals and the gate leaf wear pads can be easily adjusted to compensate for wear. The pads are constructed with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to reduce the coefficient of friction and increase service life, especially under high-duty cycles.
The unique gate leaf profile crushes the bottom seal when the gate is closed to ensure an excellent seal.
Specifications
General |
|
|---|---|
| User interface | LCD screen |
| Data interface | RS232/485, USB, Ethernet, Protocols – DNP3, MDLC, Modbus, TCP/IP, others |
| Local interface language | English, Spanish, French, Chinese and Italian (metric/imperial units) |
| Data tags | A comprehensive set of tags are available for integration into SCADA systems |
| Control | Local or remote via SCADA |
| Drive mechanism | CableDrive™ stainless steel wire rope and cable drum assembly for precision positioning and long life |
| Electronics | SolarDrive™ power management and control technology housed in the local control pedestal. Each unit passes a 12hr heat soak pre-stress and 100% functional test |
| Typical weight | Refer to SlipGate data sheet |
| Motor | 12V DC; 28AH |
| Seating/unseating head | Not affected by seating or unseating head due to the unique double-sided seal |
| Gate position | 256 count magnetic encoder |
| Seal performance | <0.1 gallons/minute/foot of seal (exceeds AWWA C513) |
| Actuation options | 12V DC powered (solar); 240V AC powered; manual with hand-crank or car battery |
Material |
|
| Frames | Extruded marine grade aluminum |
| Gate panels | Composite laminate construction using marine grade aluminum sheet bonded to RTM Styrofoam on aluminum extrusion |
| Hardware | Stainless steel |
| Shafts | Stainless steel |
| Seals | EDPM rubber |
| Wear strip | PVC |
Power |
|
| Power supply | 12VDC self-contained battery charged from solar panel or AC mains power |
| Batteries | Sealed gel lead acid with temperature sensor (~5yr life, provides ~5 days of operation without solar or mains power input) or optional LiFePO4 |
Specifications subject to change