A whitewater conveyor enables users of all types of watercraft to move from the facility's finish pool back to the start pool without having to get out of their craft. Entering and leaving the conveyor is designed in such a way as to facilitate user access as well as to guide watercraft, particularly rafts, correctly.
The whitewater conveyor’s geometry is very important as it has to reconcile the structure’s compactness with its ability to take users back to the start pool safely.
The greater the gradient, the more compact the whitewater conveyor - and the greater the risk of sliding. An optimal solution is therefore sought with carpet suppliers (synthetic materials) to ensure that the conveyor's surface keeps the watercraft in place; in general, a whitewater conveyor with a gradient of 21% is possible.
A whitewater conveyor consists of a U-shaped structure into which a steel frame is inserted. The carpet slides over this frame (usually two metres in width so as to be able to carry rafts that hold 6/8 people). All of the metal parts - and at least those in contact with the carpet - should be made out of stainless steel.
The carpet is drawn by a reducing gear installed in a side box located under the conveyor and at its highest point. Depending on the location of the stadium and the associated flood risk, the motor could be submerged. In this case, an enclosed motor that is cooled by a water system has to be used.
A radar-based detection system, or another solution, is used to turn the whitewater conveyor on; a time delay is used to turn it off. The operator can also have a local manually-operated solution. An emergency stop button is installed close to the whitewater conveyor; there is also a remote-controlled emergency stop function.
