Valve jacks – Les Éveillards (17)

Initial Issue: Deterioration and Risks Related to Water Flow Management

Compliance and the reliability of hydraulic control systems are central to the safety of water infrastructure. On Île de Ré (17), the Éveillards Dam required major work on its sectorization equipment at the spillway.

The existing infrastructure consisted of a set of four motorized jacks and racks that had become very dilapidated. Due to their advanced state of disrepair:

• The old systems no longer ensured the necessary responsiveness to changes in flow rates.
• The operational safety of the hydraulic structure was compromised, preventing precise and continuous regulation of the water level.
• Service continuity and operational integrity could no longer be guaranteed in the long term.

Solution provided by ivéa: design and manufacture of custom rack-and-pinion valve jacks

To address this issue of aging infrastructure, the ivéa teams proposed a technical solution tailored to the existing configuration, based on our dedicated line of rack-and-pinion jacks.

Supply of valve jacks with increased lifting capacity

To minimize the duration of the work and avoid major structural modifications, ivéa supplied mechanical equipment adapted to the facility’s existing configuration. The facility is now equipped with four valve-operating jacks, each with a rated lifting capacity of 8 metric tons. This solution allows the existing mechanical configuration to be retained while providing increased lifting capacity and equipment tailored to the facility’s operational requirements.

AUMA Drives and Actuators

To restore and optimize the mechanical drive system, each rack-and-pinion valve jack has been equipped with a state-of-the-art electric motor:

• AUMA Electric Actuators : Selected for their industrial durability and reliability in demanding aquatic environments.
• IP68 Protection: Ensures complete and continuous waterproofing of the actuators, even in the event of temporary submersion under a column of water.

Automation and Centralized Control

Now fully automated, the system enables centralized, precise, and remote control of the dam's gates.

Results and Benefits for the Operator

• Immediate Response: Instant monitoring of water levels in response to tidal range or flood alerts.
• Operational Safety: Drastic reduction in manual tasks that pose a risk to maintenance personnel.

Structure Durability: Use of durable materials and actuators designed to withstand the harsh conditions of marine and brackish environments.