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CANADA 250710 427 (8) 9/28 KIRKFIELD

 

Kirkfield, Ontario, Canada 2010

 

This page is actually just one of 155 pages. Click the index page of this topic if you haven't done so yet: CANADA 210710 KIRKFIELD-MITCHELL LAKE

 

 

 

 

Anatomy Of A Giant.

 

A hydraulic lift lock can be described as a huge machine powered by the weight and pressure of a large volume of water. Hydraulic lift locks are used in the place of conventional locks where a great difference in water level  occurs within a short distance. Unlike a conventional lock - which moves boats in one chamber from one water level to another - the Kirkfield Lift Lock moves boats in both chambers at the same time.

 

A	Chamber Ram: Each of the Lift Lock's two massive rams supports a chamber. These rams move up and down inside water-filled cylinders which are located underground.
B	Crossover Valve: A 30 cm (12") butterfly valve operated by an oil hydraulic mechanism connects the Lift Lock's two cylinders underground. When the valve is closed the lock chambers remain in position. When the valve is opened the chambers are able to move.
C	Gates: Each chamber has gates used to close off its ends. The gates are made from welded aluminum, hinged along the bottom edges. Once locked the gates separate the canal waters form the chamber, allowing each chamber to move up or down independently of the canal channel.
D	Gate Recess: Both gates pivot in the recess, allowing boats to enter or leave.
E	Water Pumps: Electrical piston pumps maintain water volume in the hydraulic system and can be used to adjust the alignement of the chambers.
F	Gate Opening Cylinder: Operated by oil hydraulics.
G	Boat Chamber: The Lift Lock has two huge chambers. Each chamber is like a large watertight box when the gates at each end are closed.
H	Control Tower: The lock operator oversees the operation of the Lift Lock using the control panels located in the control tower.
I	Guide Rails: Track rollers on the boat chambers travel on the guide rails. These are the main guide points for the chambers.
J	Road Tunnel: Located under the upper reach.
K	Packing Gland: The packing gland serves both as a water seal and structural guide for the ram.
L	Gate Locks: Gates are locked by hydraulically operated latches. As an extra safety measure, each gate is also locked with locking pins inserted manually.
M	Upper Reach: Channel of water next to the upper gates.
N	Lower Reach: Channel of water next to the lower gates.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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