Buoyancy-Driven Floating Gate
Automatic Flow Control Without Actuators or Electricity
Overview
The Buoyancy-Driven Floating Gate by Fundametal Technologies is a self-regulating barrier designed to control flow in open channels and drainage systems. Using buoyant force and hydrodynamic lift, this gate remains shut until the water level reaches a predetermined threshold, at which point it floats open—no motors, actuators, or manual intervention required.
Its robust stainless steel body is shaped to optimize lift while minimizing turbulence. The fully sealed, foam-filled chamber ensures performance even in the event of a leak. Built for corrosive and high-chloride effluent environments, this gate provides dependable, low-maintenance operation in municipal and industrial settings.
What Problem Does This Solve?
Urban canals often carry a persistent dry weather flow, which is heavily contaminated with effluents and sewage. Left unchecked, this flow eventually enters rivers, lakes, or oceans—polluting critical water bodies and harming aquatic ecosystems.
Conventional solutions involve building temporary or permanent weirs to intercept this base flow. However, weirs trap silt, debris, and garbage upstream. When it rains or water is released from upstream reservoirs, these materials are flushed downstream in large volumes—overwhelming treatment infrastructure and harming receiving water bodies.
The Buoyancy-Driven Floating Gate avoids these issues entirely. It closes automatically during low-flow conditions, allowing polluted base flows to be intercepted, diverted, or treated. When flow increases and the water is diluted, the gate floats open without obstruction, allowing clean or overflow water to pass freely.
This gate is most effective when paired with bar screens and grit extraction systems, which prevent upstream accumulation and reduce the risk of sudden downstream surges. Together, they form a smart, non-obstructive solution for canal flow management.
Working Principle
Under low-flow conditions, the floating gate rests closed on the channel floor under its own weight. As the water level rises, buoyant forces act on the hollow gate body—filled with closed-cell polyurethane or polystyrene. Once the preset level is reached, the gate lifts automatically. A specially contoured base plate harnesses hydrodynamic lift, minimizing turbulence and allowing smooth discharge.
Design Highlights
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Triangular Float Geometry for predictable floatation behavior.
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Curved Base Plate reduces turbulence and improves flow transition.
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Heavy-Duty Hinge Assembly with polymer bearings for corrosion-free operation.
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Leakproof Sealing System with easily replaceable gaskets on base and sides.
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Stainless Steel Construction (SS304/SS316) for durability in corrosive environments.
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Foam-Filled Core maintains buoyancy even if the shell is compromised.
Applications
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Interception of dry weather flow in urban canals
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Stormwater outfalls and overflow chambers
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Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) regulation
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Flow control in open drainage channels
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Protection of downstream wetlands, lakes, and oceans
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Passive bypass systems in decentralized STPs
Why Choose Fundametal
Unlike generic flap gates or civil weirs, our buoyancy gate offers precision control without obstruction. It’s engineered to handle real-world municipal flows with low maintenance and long life. Designed to work in tandem with screening and grit systems, this gate is a key part of modern decentralized flow management in urban environments.
Installation Support
Every gate is delivered with site-specific installation drawings and sealing guidance. Our support includes:
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Pre-installation technical consultation
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Compatibility reviews for channel geometry
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Buoyancy and structural calculations
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Dedicated WhatsApp coordination group
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Spare parts and field service support
Available Sizes
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Buoyancy-Driven Floating Gates are offered in four standard size configurations, based on two width options and two corresponding height capacities:
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Gate Widths:
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1200 mm
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1500 mm
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Customizable Widths available on Request
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Maximum Flow Water Level (Height):
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1500 mm
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2500 mm
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Each gate is calibrated during manufacturing to float open at a desired dry weather flow level:
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Minimum Liquid Hold-Back Height: Adjustable between 450 mm and 800 mm
(Set during fabrication; not adjustable on-site) -
This range ensures that the gates remain closed during low, polluted dry weather flows and float open only when flows are sufficiently diluted, such as during rain or reservoir release events.