The Replacement of Penstocks at TVA Ocoee II Power Plant

Nash, Lee A.; Jacks, Robert W.; ,

The Replacement of Penstocks at TVA Ocoee II Power Plant

by Lee A. Nash, Tennessee Valley Authority, Chattanooga, United States,
Robert W. Jacks, Tennessee Valley Authority, Chattanooga, United States,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Waterpower '91: A New View of Hydro Resources

Abstract:

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) replaced the steel penstocks at its Ocoee II power plant near Ocoee, Tennessee. A total replacement was necessary because of severe corrosion on the inside and outside of the penstocks, which were originally built in 1913. However, the portion of the penstocks embedded in the powerhouse concrete needed no repairs or replacement. This paper discusses this project during the planning, design, and construction phases. The planning phase includes field surveys of rock conditions, measurements of steel thickness, and layout. A comparison of total replacement using steel, wood, and internal plastic liner in the existing penstocks is also discussed. The design phase discusses some of the vagaries of dealing with a 78-year old project, and engineering differences required because of changing from a riveted steel penstock to an all welded steel penstock. The construction phase discusses preservation of the 4 1/2 -mile long wooden flume, welding, and some unknown saddle supports requiring a recheck of the newly designed penstocks.

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