The first “spine of the turbine” for Unit 1 is scheduled to be installed this week at the Red Rock Hydroelectric Project (RRHP).

Project Supervisor Vern Cochran with Missouri River Energy Services tells KNIA/KRLS News the piece of equipment called a “stay ring” has a two-fold purpose.

“The first is to help guide the water coming from the spiral case, through wicket gates, and into the turbine. The second is to counteract the tremendous force of the water in order to keep the turbine tightly in place as it spins,” he says.

The stay ring, supplied in two halves, will be assembled and installed in each of the two turbines at the project. Cochran says they are are critical pieces of equipment in the turbine assembly and effectively carry some of the weight of the powerhouse structure and machinery.

“Over the past week, crews have been installing the lower anchors for the stay rings to make sure they don’t move once installed. Each stay ring will have 24 sets of four rods anchored five feet into the concrete. Steel reinforcement and concrete provides the foundation under each stay ring,” he says.

The Hydroelectric Project will generate enough power for the entire county by the time it’s completed late in 2018.