The existing draft tube on unit #3 in Abiquiu has been experiencing wear from cavitation created by the dissolved oxygen injection system. The injection system forces air into the discharge water to enhance the oxygen content of the plant discharge to sustain aquatic life. The injection piping obstructs the discharge flow and creates cavitation that has worn through steel draft tube. These funds will be applied to repair the damaged section of the penstock and install a new aeration intake system.
Original budget: $600,000
The old elbow was removed in December 2025 and laser measured for an exact fit.
The new elbow was installed in April 2026.
Abiquiu Dam was generating power by June and the project was finalized by June 2026.
For a sense of scale, the diameter of the flange on the left end in the photo below is 1.6 meters. This is the old elbow section.
Lowering the new section of pipe into the access area at the dam. Andritz led the way on this tight squeeze fit, inch by inch.
Maneuvering the elbow past stairs and the existing piping infrastructure. Not a single bump happened.
New elbow section is nearly in place. The turbine fins are just visible in the lower left of the photo.
4744 State Rd. 96, Abiquiu, NM, 87510 View Map
4744 State Rd. 96, Abiquiu, NM , 87510