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Hydro-Brake-Flood installation
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Hydro-Brake-Flood in situ
Hydro-Brake® Flood
Hydro‑Brake® Flood delivers large‑scale, watercourse‑level flood protection through precisely engineered vortex flow control technology. By effectively managing floodwater, it helps prevent costly damage and disruption to downstream communities, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
With capacity to manage flows of up to 11,500 l/s, the Hydro‑Brake® Flood allows engineers and local authorities to deliver tailored flood‑alleviation solutions that meet current standards while safeguarding against the growing risks of climate change.
Trusted to protect thousands of properties across the UK, Hydro‑Brake® Flood offers proven flood risk mitigation in a passive, no‑power system. With no moving parts and minimal maintenance requirements, it provides long‑term, reliable performance where it matters most.
Hydro-Brake® Flood is a registered trademark of Hydro International.
FULL DESIGN SERVICE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
Hydro‑Brake® Flood applications include:
- River and stream flood alleviation
- Flood storage basin outlets
- Catchment‑scale flood defence schemes
- Protection of communities and infrastructure
- Climate‑resilient flood management projects
- Remote, passive flood control installations
How Hydro‑Brake® Flood Flow Controls Operate
Hydro‑Brake® Flood flow controls activate automatically, using upstream hydraulic head to generate an air‑filled vortex inside the unit’s central chamber. This air core occupies most of the outlet, reducing the effective flow area and controlling discharge rates.Low Flow Phase
Under low‑flow conditions, the unit functions like an oversized orifice. Water movement is gentle, with little turbulence in either the volute or the outlet pipe. As water rises above the soffit of the outlet, air becomes trapped in the volute, creating back pressure and starting to limit the available cross‑section for flow.As water depth increases further, a vortex begins to develop and air is drawn into the centre of the flow. Initially, the energy in the incoming water is insufficient to maintain a stable vortex, causing it to repeatedly form and collapse.
This phase ends when the upstream head becomes high enough to sustain a stable vortex.
High Flow Phase
Once established, the vortex remains stable within the unit. High peripheral water velocities around the aerated core generate back pressure that effectively chokes the flow through the outlet. At this stage, the device behaves similarly to an orifice but offers much larger clear openings - up to six times bigger - dramatically reducing blockage risk.Drain‑Down Phase
As water levels fall, the energy within the flow decreases, causing the vortex to collapse. Air is then drawn back into the volute, and the unit again behaves like an oversized orifice. This enables rapid and efficient drainage so the flood storage system is cleared and ready for the next event.Deliver robust protection for homes, businesses and key infrastructure
The Hydro‑Brake® Flood flow control system enables engineers to implement large‑scale flood defence solutions at the watercourse level. By effectively managing high flows, it helps prevent floodwaters from reaching residential areas, commercial properties and essential downstream infrastructure such as roads and rail networks.Create tailored, site‑specific flood solutions
Every Hydro‑Brake® Flood unit is engineered to the unique requirements of its location, ensuring precise performance and optimal protection. With decades of experience in designing advanced flow control systems, our experts work closely with you to understand your needs and develop a bespoke solution that delivers exactly the right level of defence.Build future-ready flood resilience
Hydro‑Brake® Flood systems can be designed to accommodate projected changes in river flows, helping ensure that flood alleviation schemes remain effective as conditions evolve. During the design process, our engineers can incorporate features that allow future adjustment for climate change - without the need for new construction or major modifications later on.Benefit from low‑maintenance, reliable operation
With no moving parts and no power requirements, the Hydro‑Brake® Flood flow control offers dependable, long‑term performance with minimal upkeep.Although frequently installed in remote areas, we recommend periodic inspections to ensure optimal operation and verify that the system has not been obstructed or compromised.
What maintenance does the unit require?
Maintenance requirements vary depending on the site conditions, the size and design of the flow control, the characteristics of the incoming flow and any physical constraints within the control chamber. Each installation is unique, so maintenance planning should be tailored to the specific environment and operating conditions.How many flow control units will I need?
The number, size and configuration of flow control units required will depend on the site’s existing and future flood protection needs. Because every site presents different hydraulic conditions and design criteria, a bespoke assessment is essential. Our team can support you with technical guidance and expert advice to ensure you specify the right solution.Discover the Hydro-Brake® Flood in action by clicking the links below:
Hydro-Brake Flood protects over 600 properties in Wigan
Hydro-Brake Flood protects Somerset homes and critical infrastructure from flooding
Hydro International are a global company who provide advanced products, services and expertise to help municipal, commercial and industrial customers to improve the way they process, treat and manage water.
