Tagged into the Dinorwig Hydro-Power project by Rhenus Project Logistics, Collett & Sons, delivered two 160-tonne inlet valves. The two units are just parts of an essential upgrade scheme and were also the first two deliveries Collett completed for the project. The project itself aims to extend the power station’s operational lifespan for the decades ahead.

A total of six valves will be delivered to complete the project, with each valve weighing 160 Te and measuring 5.3 metres in length, 4.7 metres in width and 3.7 metres in height.

Preliminary works

Before delivering the valves, Collett’s Project Management and Consulting departments conducted extensive preliminary work. This included Swept Path Analysis (SPA) reports, lashing calculations and plans, stability calculations, and thorough test runs and route studies. To ensure safe transportation, a load that mimicked the exact size and shape of the valves was constructed and tested during the run.

Working under CPA Contract Lift Conditions, Collett discharged the valves using an 800 Te mobile crane at the Port of Penrhyn, east of Bangor, North Wales. To ensure secure transport, each valve was carefully lashed onto two 10-axle modular trailers.

The journey

The journey from the port to Dinorwig Hydro-Electric Power Station encompassed approximately 12 miles, with a travelling time of three hours. Throughout the transport, a comprehensive support system was in place, including full police escorts and Collett’s own escort vehicles.

The loaded trailers were accompanied by three 8×4 ballasted tractor units, two primary and one in support. Special Order BE16 Permits were obtained by Collett’s Permit Team to facilitate the move.

At the site

Upon arrival at the power station, the two main inlet valves were directly transported to a designated storage area and lowered onto stools. After later preparation, the valves were transported into the mountain and offloaded by overhead gantry cranes.

Dinorwig Hydro-Electric power station, located near Llanberis in the Snowdonia National Park, is the largest pumped hydroelectric storage facility in the UK. With a maximum power supply of 1,728 MW and a storage capacity of approximately 10G Wh, the station efficiently manages water between the Marchlyn Mawr reservoir and the Llyn Peris Lake to generate power as needed.