The US Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) has awarded a contract worth USD $6.82 million to Andritz Hydro to modernize and overhaul three original pressure relief valves at the 2,078-MW Hoover Dam. The trio of valves are a remnant of the hydropower plant’s original equipment set and are used to divert water around Hoover’s turbines, reducing pressure rises that would otherwise occur in the penstocks.
Andritz will begin the work in October, 2017, which also includes the installation of new valve head covers, hydraulic actuators and related carpentry. The rehab is expected to take three years and will be supervised by Reclamation’s Lower Colorado Region. The overhaul is being funded by Hoover power customers.
“Ensuring the safety and reliability of Reclamation dams to protect the downstream public is a top priority for Reclamation,” USBR Commissioner Estevan Lopez said.