Garvins Falls Inflatable Bladder Study

Bow, New Hampshire | Patriot Hydro

Patriot Hydro sought the operational and maintenance benefits of converting water-level controls from timber flashboards to a remotely operated inflatable bladder system at a 12.4-MW hydroelectric project. An unusual amount of woody debris had accumulated in the facility’s intake channel. D&K evaluated the dam and hydrologic and hydraulic conditions to determine the feasibility of installing a bladder system. The team prepared alternatives to minimize the accumulation of woody debris. 

Service Areas:

Project Elements

• Inflatable bladder design across a 550-ft-long spillway
• Woody debris mitigation