ADAMS Schweiz AG products

ADAMS shut-off and butterfly valves are suitable for use as safety equipment in emergency shut-off situations and deliver absolute reliability in case of a penstock rupture as well as a turbine guard gainst over-rev. They deliver seal tightness, even in critical situations. The valves are welded constructions using high quality steel, or in some cases made of forged steel. Discs moulded to match flow direction mean there is minimal pressure loss. Both single- and doubledecker (bi-plane) structures are used, depending on nominal diameter and operating pressure.

In hydropower plants, irrigation dams, compensating reservoirs or detention reservoirs, hollow jet valves are used for environment friendly discharge of water downstream or into a tailwater pool while simultaneously enriching the water with oxygen. The hollow jet valves made from high quality steel in combination with a elastic/metal seal and integrated jet deflector facilitate cavitation- and vibration- free energy dissipation. Electric and hydraulic operation allow excellent control performance. Electric heaters for use in cold climates and other specific customer requirements can be implemented. The control system can be designed such that the control room can recognise the cylinder‘s position at all times. This allows a precise control of the discharge volume.

At hydraulic power plants where short closing times are needed on turbine guide vanes and jets due to technical reasons, pressure relief valves are integrated into lines in order to hinder mechanical overrev and excessive pressure increase. When a stop command is sent to the turbines, they open immediately and simultaneously and – as a bypass – re-route the corresponding volume of water directly into the tailwater pool. Then the pressure relief valve is closed for the predefined time frame. Pressure relief valves are built as a poppet seat valves with an opening tendency and hydraulic drive. The optimal form for the water-guidance components is crucial for operation that is as free from cavitation and vibration as possible. Housing and inlet elbow are made from high quality steel, while the gaskets and the pistons are made from stainless material.

Upstream and downstream pipe spools are equipped with manhole entries as well as drainage, ventilation and connection flanges. Depending on the concept, intermediate tubes or dismounting- or adapter flanges may be necessary. They can be equipped with flange adapters and dismounting flanges according to customer requirements.

A bypass takes on an important function as a filling line or for pressure equalisation. Its design and concept represent challenging tasks for which we are very well equipped. We collaborate with customers to produce the right solution for decade-long safe operation. In most cases a bypass is made of stainless steel and other high quality materials and comprises multiple components, which will be described in more detail in the following.

For high flow rates and pressures, needle valves are used for bypass lines. Operation can be performed manually, hydraulically or electrically.

Axial piston valves are the optimal solution for controlled pipe filling, even under extremely high pressure, and can also be used as a control valve for starting up pumps. Made of stainless steel, they are characterised by their longevity and high level of availability. The interrupted water jet and bent position prevent a wash out of the corrosion protection in the area of the water jet inlet. Operation is done either wateror oilhydraulically via an electronic positioner. Additionally, the axial piston‘s position is visually displayed on a scale. Gate valves are ideal as hand-operated shut-off valves under low pressure. Based on the specific requirements, gate valves can be provided in stainless steel.

Adams overspeed detectors stand out due to their compact structure and are made from high quality stainless steel. The proven function principle secures availability at all times as a mechanical trigger in the event of a penstock rupture. The trigger is configured via weights and the size of the impact plate found in the current. The trigger signal can be transmitted via an electric contact as well as via a hydraulic valve. The latter facilitates triggering even in the event of power loss.

Ventilation valves are generally used for ventilating pressure lines and are designed and constructed as ball vales or plate valves.

For valve operation, we design, build and install hydraulics and control systems to operate systems and parts. The control systems are designed to match the plant‘s requirements and can be actuated using feed water, hydraulic oil or weight. Potential combinations include closing via weight / opening via hydraulic oil, closing via water / opening via hydraulic oil or pure water (closing and opening with water). Depending on operating conditions and requirements, there can be additional components such as sand settling tanks, filters, hydraulics systems, bubble storage, indicator boards, control cabinets and terminal boxes as part of the equipment we design and provide.