Water gate seals are important components of water gate systems, helping prevent water leakage. Sealing performance depends not only on the material and design of the rubber seal, but also on the installation process. Improper installation can result in insufficient contact pressure, leading to leakage and accelerated rubber seal wear. Therefore, installation procedure should be carried out systematically, starting from preparation, through installation, inspection, and testing
Installation
Before installation, inspect the entire installation area to ensure that it is ready for use. The seal seating surface must be free from mud, sand, dust, oil, rust, and other contaminants. Rough, sharp, or uneven surfaces should also be repaired, as they may damage the rubber seal when the gate moves.
The rubber seal to be installed should also be inspected. Make sure there are no tears, cuts, cracks, or deformation caused by storage or transportation. Verify that the seal dimensions and profile match the gate design.
The installation position and orientation of the rubber seal must follow the water gate design and the seal profile being used. The seal must not be installed in a twisted or folded condition or subjected to excessive stretching.
Installation
Once the installation area is ready, carefully position the rubber seal on its seating surface. Avoid excessive stretching of the seal to achieve the required position.
If the system uses a clamp plate, make sure the seal is correctly positioned before installing the clamp plate. Then, install the clamp plate and bolts according to the design specifications.
The bolts should be tightened gradually and evenly. Do not fully tighten one point while other points remain loose. Tightening the bolts unevenly may cause the clamp plate to apply non-uniform pressure to the seal, affecting sealing performance.
Pay close attention to joints and corner areas, as these can become potential starting points for leakage. Make sure there are no gaps, folds, or twists at the joints or corners.
Inspection and Testing
After the entire seal has been installed, conduct an inspection before the water gate is put into normal operation. The inspection should include:
- Seal position – Make sure the seal is correctly positioned along the installation path and has not shifted.
- Rubber seal condition – Make sure there is no damage caused during the installation process.
- Clamp plate and bolts – Make sure all components are properly installed and tightened according to the specified requirements.
- Sealing contact – Make sure the seal provides sufficient contact with the mating surface when the gate is closed.
- Gate movement – Slowly open and close the gate to ensure that the seal does not become trapped, folded, or displaced.
After completing the mechanical inspection, conduct a water test according to the water gate operating procedure. Testing should be carried out gradually so that any source of leakage can be quickly identified.
For order, consultation, and information please contact PT Samudera Luas Paramacitra (SLP) at Hotline: (+62) 823 2018 9998 or Email: admin@niri-rubber.com
