Maintaining the Falkirk Wheel
The 1,200 tons of steel used to construct the Falkirk Wheel were first assembled in Butterley Engineering’s Steelworks in Derbyshire, Scotland, then dismantled and shipped to Falkirk where the wheel was reassembled. The wheel operates on the system of displacement, and very little energy is needed to turn it -- 1.5 kw. Boats entering the upper opening of the wheel, or gondola, are lowered with the surrounding water. The weight causes the gondola on the lower level, which is of equal weight to the gondola, boat, and water on the upper level, to rise up, essentially trading positions.
When each gondola is filled with water and a boat it weighs 600 tons, which subjects the structure to an immense amount of pressure, especially as it turns. To keep the structure running smoothly, a team of on-site engineers carry out regular maintenance checks in addition to morning and evening checks, according to Falkirk Wheel representative Eleanor Muir. Daily inspection ensures safety for boat passengers, and monthly routine maintenance, such as wheel lubrication, keeps the wheel running smoothly.
“There is a planned preventative maintenance (PPM) program for electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic equipment on the site,” said British Waterways Scotland Manager Phil Martin. “The wheel operating and control equipment incorporates continuous monitoring and self-diagnostic systems that enable operators and maintenance staff to quickly identify changes and faults and take corrective action.”
The wheel is closed down for approximately three weeks each year for essential maintenance routines on major components, such as pumps and valves, according to Martin. During shutdown, engineers are able to thoroughly examine the wheel and inspect the structure and make any necessary improvements.
