The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has awarded a contract worth $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.
“Ensuring the safety and reliability of Reclamation dams to protect the downstream public is a top priority for Reclamation,” USBR Commissioner Estevan Lopez said. “The new pressure relief valves will help to protect the life of the dam’s four penstocks.”
Andritz will begin the work in October, which also includes the installation of related carpentry, new valve head covers and hydraulic actuators. 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.
USBR has been been performing upgrades at Hoover over the past several years, with other work including replacements of circuit breakers and switchgear.
Hoover Dam is located on the Colorado River between Arizona and Nevada, about 30 miles southeast of Las vegas. The project was complete in 1935.
