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Common Applications of Bulkheads

Staff Writer
1/27/2019 | 5 min read
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Common Applications of Bulkheads

Bulkheads play a major role in virtually every industry involving the flow and isolation of water. Used in a wide array of applications, from pipelines to nuclear reactors, bulkheads help to seal off and protect surrounding areas from high-pressure water. Bulkheads can be used to stop, regulate, divert, and protect various structures from the flow of water. Requiring extensive mechanical design and engineering work — especially for deepwater applications that could put the safety of workers at risk — bulkheads can be deployed for either new construction or repair projects.

All component interactions during the assembly and subassembly of industrial bulkheads must be carefully scrutinized. Pressure decay, stress relaxation, and metallurgical tests are performed in order to fully understand the design’s performance metrics. Prototypes of bulkheads are fabricated to exact specifications, and the machining process requires specialized attention to tolerances and clearances. Computer models help in understanding load requirements via finite element analysis (FEA), and part assemblies are sometimes performed in special, temperature-controlled atmospheres for precise alignment.

Once fabricated, a rigorous inspection and testing process begins, simulating the bulkhead’s operating environment. Even installation techniques are practiced, defined, and documented prior to the actual deployment of the bulkhead. Industrial bulkheads are typically installed by construction teams, some specializing in underwater applications as well as remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) operation.

Types of Industrial Bulkheads

Some of the most common bulkheads include bulkhead gates, which are used to regulate and control water flow in spillways. Other bulkheads, known as stop-log systems, automatically stack individual components, or “logs,” on top of each other until the opening is closed. Floating bulkheads consist of sections that are floated and positioned by a boat. These are filled with water to assist with lowering the gate as needed for water flow control. Bulkheads contain a wide range of highly engineered components that help maintain performance in demanding environments. In some cases, a combination of inflatable seals and actuators may be used to help maintain structural integrity against the tremendous load of high-pressure water.

There are also various permutations of bulkheads available with different isolation equipment and component designs, such as open-channel barriers, rehabilitation barriers, and temporary gates. Each type of barrier can be custom designed and installed to serve the specific needs of various industrial processes. Designing and engineering safe, efficient bulkheads requires a full understanding of the operating environment, from water pressure to surrounding structural conditions.

Industries Making Use of Bulkheads

Bulkheads can be found in a range of different industries, including nuclear power, water treatment, irrigation, wastewater, power generation, and municipal construction. Infrastructures installed in marine environments make use of bulkheads for various operational needs, from sealing below water deck shafts to oil rig containment. Construction companies that specialize in the installation and repair of marine infrastructures utilize bulkheads to help isolate and contain water for worker safety. Other municipal construction companies may install bulkheads to prevent or slow nearby water sources.

Bulkhead Applications

Bulkheads are used to control water flow in various applications, such as hydroelectric dams, aqueducts, nuclear plants, and hydroelectric power generation facilities. Even submerged outfalls and inlets require industrial bulkheads to hold water in place. During construction for municipal water projects, bulkheads are installed to contain water flow in concrete tunnels. Aqueducts, open channels, and pipelines utilize bulkheads to isolate or stem water flow.

The Value of Industrial Bulkheads

Bulkheads are a key component in the success of virtually any large-scale civil, marine, nuclear, or electrical engineering project. High-pressure water applications require precise, extensively tested bulkhead designs customized for the project at hand. Whether dealing with simple irrigation or nuclear reactor cooling rod ponds, water must be successfully leveraged and controlled to allow for the completion of critical industrial processes.

And more importantly, worker safety is on the line, with bulkheads protecting personnel and reducing the risk of equipment damage. Proper bulkhead and water isolation methods help keep construction schedules on track, providing a safe, efficient way to accomplish large-scale, water-related maintenance projects. Bulkheads can also be installed to serve existing projects or infrastructures.

Choosing the Proper Bulkhead Solution

Highly versatile, bulkheads can be constructed in nearly any shape, with various sizes available. Specific options will depend on the capabilities of the fabrication company. Custom-made with lightweight, high-strength metals, bulkheads provide an economical, reliable solution for water flow control and infrastructure safety.

 

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Image Credit: Kollawat Somsri/Shutterstock.com

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