Research and Development Office

Innovative Solutions to Improve Water Delivery: Demonstration of a Newly Patented Flow-Control Valve

Project ID: 1064
Principal Investigator: Warren Frizell
Research Topic: Repair and Maintenance
Funded Fiscal Years: 2004, 2005 and 2006
Keywords: None

Research Question

* Can the newly patented modified isbester (MI) valve be a cost effective, improved technology for effective water delivery on new and existing water projects?

Need and Benefit

The MI valve is a recently conceived concept for outlet works flow control that is patent pending. The concept is a refinement of the presently available clamshell technology and was identified from the need for improved ease of fabrication and reduced cost while maintaining all of the performance features of the clamshell concept. Reclamation experts believe that the sealing configuration of the MI valve will produce fewer difficulties at reduced cost in comparison with the Clamshell concept.

Recognizing that any concept is a hard sell on paper alone, we are proposing efforts here to demonstrate proof-of-concept for future engagement activities with industry. Such efforts consist of developing a functional prototype (8-inch or 12-inch prototype MI valve) that may be tested at Reclamation's Water Resources Research Laboratory (WRRL) in Denver, Colorado. The objective is to facilitate establishment of a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) for further development and production of large scale prototype as well as solicit interested parties in licensing of this technology.

Contributing Partners

Contact the Principal Investigator for information about partners.

Research Products

Please contact research@usbr.gov about research products related to this project.

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