24 Oct Sluice Gate Solutions for Fish Passage and Sorting Systems
Supporting Aquatic Ecosystems with Precision-Engineered Flow Control
At Whipps, Inc., innovation often begins with a challenge. This water management project exemplifies our commitment to designing custom solutions that keep the customer’s needs in mind. Our team was contacted by engineers developing a fish passage and collection system for a dam facility in Maryland. The system included a sorting tank designed to safely sort and release fish downstream, requiring a specialized water control solution that balanced hydraulic performance with aquatic safety.
Water Control Solutions for Fish Passage and Sorting Systems 2
Engineering Custom Equipment for Fish Passage
The sorting tank featured a fish return drain located at the lowest point of the structure. During the sorting process, this drain needed to remain sealed, only opening when sorted fish were ready to be returned to the tailrace. To meet this need, Whipps engineers recommended a Series 923 stainless steel sluice gate: a self-contained design known for reliability and precision flow control in compact installations.
The Customizations of the Sluice Gate
Built from 304 stainless steel, this custom gate was designed for a 24” x 42” opening and operated using a side-mounted crank mechanism. Its design incorporated multiple features to protect aquatic life while ensuring long-term durability:
- Vertical mounting angles were integrated directly into the tank walls, allowing the gate to bolt securely in place with a gasketed seal.
- A flat bottom plate was added to properly align vertical legs and ensure seal integrity.
- Downstream stiffeners were positioned to reduce fish contact, and an optional smooth overlay plate was proposed for additional protection.
- Side-mounted operator provided easy access for manual control without obstructing the tank layout.
These design refinements not only optimized hydraulic performance but also supported the project’s environmental goals — enabling safe, efficient, and repeatable fish passage through a controlled return system.
Custom Sluice Gate Solutions for Fish Passage and Sorting Systems
The Role of Sluice Gates in Fish Passage Systems
Sluice gates play a vital role in aquatic management and fish passage applications. Traditionally used in irrigation canals, reservoirs, and flood control structures, sluice gates regulate the entry and exit of water, maintaining optimal water levels for both environmental and operational needs. In fish passage systems, sluice gates ensure precise control of inflows and outflows, helping to balance water conditions within sorting tanks and bypass channels. Constructed from stainless steel or aluminum, these gates resist corrosion and maintain tight sealing performance, critical in facilities exposed to variable hydraulic conditions and aquatic life. Beyond fish sorting tanks, sluice gates are also integral to fish ladders, vertical slot fishways, and energy dissipation structures, where controlled flow supports safe fish migration and ecosystem balance.
Advancing Custom Water Control Solutions
This Maryland project reflects Whipps, Inc.’s continued dedication to designing custom-engineered water control equipment for complex and environmentally sensitive applications. Whether for environmentally friendly fish passage, irrigation management, or industrial water systems, our sluice gates, stop gates, and specialty structures are built to meet the highest standards of precision, safety, and durability. At Whipps, Inc., every project is an opportunity to demonstrate how American-made craftsmanship and engineering expertise can make water control smarter, safer, and more sustainable.
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