Fixed cone valves from Glenfield Invicta supplied to hydropower station in Zimbabwe.
The energy dissipating valves at a dam bottom outlet required replacement. Originally installed in the 1950s, these valves were non-standard in size and had been welded directly onto the pipeline rather than connected via, for instance, flanged joints.
Turning natural water flow into reliable energy
This project introduces the addition of a 5MW run-of-the-river hydropower station to an existing dam, previously only serving drinking water and irrigation purposes without any hydropower production. By making use of the river’s natural flow, the new station will help to meet Zimbabwe’s power supply challenges.AVK was asked to develop a solution that would ensure lasting operational efficiency and value. To secure the best outcome, experts from AVK Valves Southern Africa visited the site to assess the existing installation. Based on this assessment, an agreement was made to manufacture and deliver two DN1100 fixed cone sleeve valves to the new hydropower facility.
Fixed cone valves deliver precision in flow control and energy dissipation
Fixed cone valves are designed for energy dissipation and accurate flow control at pipeline outlets, operating effectively even at high flow rates and velocities. They are primarily used at dam outlets where it may be necessary to bypass turbines, maintain compensation flow to rivers, manage rapid drawdowns, regulate reservoir levels and remove fine sediment through desilting.Energy dissipation is achieved by releasing a thin conical sheet of water into the atmosphere, where most of the energy is absorbed as droplets fall into a stilling pond. Inside the valve, the flow is split by internal guide blades before being directed through the fixed conical outlet. Retracting the horizontal stainless steel sleeve enables the discharge of a high-velocity, controlled jet. Because dissipation occurs in open air, the risk of cavitation is eliminated. The cylindrical sleeve maintains hydraulic balance during operation, helping to minimise the operational forces required.
Fixed cone valve solution to improve discharge levels in Zambia
AVK Group has supplied a DN1600 fixed cone valve from Orbinox for installation at Africa's oldest hydropower plant, Mulungushi Power Station in Zambia. This project replaces an outdated needle valve to optimise discharge control, thereby maximising the downstream flow range available as well as supporting future renewable energy integration.
Penstocks and knife gate valves for hydropower plant in Uganda
Valve solutions, including sluice gates and knife gate valves, have been supplied by AVK Group for the Kigwabya hydropower plant that will generate up to 4.6 MW. The plant is situated on the Nkusi River in Uganda, and the installation adds to AVK’s extensive history in African hydropower, supporting sustainable energy across the continent.