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Turbine is designed to run at constant rotation speed. During the operation of the turbine when the rotation speed is constant, the wicket gates will not move. The function of the wicket gates is primarily to control the quantity of water entering the turbine runner, thereby controlling power output. If the power demand is reduced, than wicket gates will reduce the amount of water proportionally to keep rotation speed constant. In the same token, when the demand increases, the wicket gates will increase amount of water passing from the turbine to keep rotation speed fixed. Secondary purpose of the wicket gate is to control the angle of the tangential velocity striking the runner bucket surface.

I have to hear a noise to have an idea. However, during closing maybe water hammering could be the reason. During opening gashing, water may create sound.

It must be fun to do something like that. I never see one close up, I envy you.

I was a kid out of high school and learned a lot. One night they taught me how to balance a 50 ton turbine runner. I did a couple alone, balancing them on a 6" ball bearing and adding lead weight to balance it.

On the assembly. the whole wicket gate and upper /lower rings were assembled on the shop floor. Huge stuff...the wicket gates were at least 6-7 feet high with 6" diameter shafts at each end. when it was all together we did the alignment using piano wires and a huge inside micrometer connected to a pair of headphones.

I did a google search on Allis Chalmers and find out that it was a big farming equipment and also produced equipment for mills. I have never heard this company before. What happen to the company, is it become AGRO. I never heard that one too.

Allis Chalmers , was in Lachine, Quebec Canada and built Turbines, Crushers, Vibrating Screens Ball Mills, Pumps and Compressors. I did a Machinist Apprenticeship there from 64 to 69. It has been gone for years now

Thank you for your visit and comment. I appreciate it.