A miter gate is commonly used in navigation locks and consists of two leaves that rotate around vertical hinges anchored in the lock chamber walls. When closed, the gate leaves meet at an angle in the center of the lock, supporting each other in a V-formation reminiscent of a bishop’s miter—hence the name. When opened, the gate leaves retract into recesses in the sidewalls of the lock chamber.
Renowned for its straightforward design and quick operation, the miter gate remains a standard solution for many navigation systems.
Simple Design: Fewer moving parts lead to easier fabrication and installation.
Rapid Operation: Opens and closes faster than most other lock gate types.
Efficient for Navigation Locks: Ideal for high-traffic waterways due to operational speed.
Submerged Components: Key parts like the pintle bearing and bottom seal are submerged, complicating maintenance.
Debris Vulnerability: Bottom seals are prone to damage from debris accumulating on the sill.
Space Requirements: Requires extra lock chamber length to accommodate gate swing.
Limited Emergency Use: Cannot fully shut off water flow in emergency situations.