Definition

Noun: A sluice valve is a specific type of gate or valve designed to control the flow rate of water, typically within a sluice or a channel. It functions as a regulator by opening, closing, or partially obstructing the passage to manage water levels and flow.

Usage

A sluice valve is used in water management systems, such as irrigation canals, dams, floodgates, and industrial water channels. It is operated to start, stop, or modulate the flow of water.

Examples

• The engineer opened the sluice valve to release water from the reservoir into the irrigation canal.
• Regular maintenance is required to ensure the sluice valve does not become stuck or corroded.
• During the flood, the sluice valves were fully opened to allow the rapid drainage of excess water.

Advanced Usage

• In historical contexts, sluice valves were crucial components in early water mills and mining operations for controlling water power.
• The term can be used metaphorically in technical writing to describe any control mechanism that regulates flow in a system, though this is less common.

Variants and Related Words

• Sluicegate (noun): Often used interchangeably with sluice valve, though it may refer more specifically to the gate itself within the sluice structure.
• Floodgate (noun): A similar valve or gate for controlling water, often used to prevent flooding.
• Penstock (noun): A sluice or floodgate for controlling water flow, or a pipe leading water to a turbine.

Synonyms

• Water gate
• Head gate
• Control gate

Related Phrases

• To operate a sluice valve: The action of adjusting the valve to control water flow.
  • The lock keeper must operate the sluice valve to allow boats to pass through.
• Sluice valve chamber: The housing or structure that contains the sluice valve.
  • Access to the sluice valve chamber is restricted for safety reasons.

Noun

1. regulator consisting of a valve or gate that controls the rate of water flow through a sluice