01Below Silos and Bunkers
Opening and shutting off the flow at a silo or bunker outlet. The gate sits between the outlet flange and the downstream equipment.
Bunkers & HoppersSlide Gates – Opening and Shutting Off Bulk Flow Below Silos and Bunkers
PRO MAKINA · Slide Gate
- Duty
- Opening and shutting off flow at one opening
- Mechanism
- Slide plate moving inside the body
- Actuation
- Manual, pneumatic or motorised
- Position
- Open / closed position sensing
Overview
Flow Control at Silo, Bunker and Hopper Outlets
A slide gate is flow equipment used to open and shut off bulk material flow at a silo, bunker or hopper outlet. A slide plate moves inside the body fitted between the outlet flanges; when the plate is withdrawn the opening clears and product flows to the screw, conveyor or elevator below.
The slide plate is moved by a manual lever or rack-and-pinion handwheel, a pneumatic cylinder or a motorised drive. Open and closed position sensors report the gate status to the automation; the gate is not opened unless the downstream equipment is running.
When closing, the plate cuts through the product column at the opening. Body, guides and plate edge are therefore designed for the product's particle size, density and abrasiveness, with clearances and cleaning details that reduce jamming.
01Process Flow
Slide Gate Process Flow
The diagram shows bulk product held in a silo or bunker, the slide gate opening, product transferred to the downstream equipment and the gate closing to shut off the flow when required. Silo, bunker and screw are separate equipment.
Scroll horizontally to view the full diagram.
Product line
- 1
Product held: Bulk product is held in a silo, bunker or hopper; the gate is closed.
- 2
Gate opens: The actuator withdraws the slide plate; the open position sensor signals.
- 3
Flow downstream: Product flows by gravity through the opening to a screw, conveyor or elevator.
- 4
Flow shut off: When required, the plate closes, cuts the product column and the flow stops.
For maintenance or a fault, closing the gate gives access to the downstream equipment without emptying the silo or bunker.
02Applications
Slide Gate Applications
01
02Ahead of Screw Feeding
Controlling the flow from a hopper into a screw. Closing the gate allows screw maintenance without emptying the hopper.
Screw Conveyor
03Discharge Points Along a Conveyor
Selectively opening a row of discharge openings below a conveyor casing. Each gate is monitored by its own position sensor.
Chain Conveyor
03Design & Manufacturing
Custom Slide Gate Design and Manufacturing
PRO MAKINA engineers slide gates around the product, opening size, connection flanges, actuation type and position control requirement. Body, slide plate, guides, sealing and wear surfaces are designed together.
- Compact body between flanges
- Guided slide plate
- Manual, pneumatic or motorised actuation
- Open / closed position sensing
Process Design Data
- 01
Product
Product type, particle size, bulk density, flowability and abrasiveness.
- 02
Opening and Flanges
Outlet opening size, upper and lower connection flanges.
- 03
Plate and Guides
Plate thickness, guide design and details against product jamming.
- 04
Actuation
Manual lever or rack-and-pinion handwheel, pneumatic cylinder or motorised drive.
- 05
Control and Maintenance
Position sensors, automation signals and maintenance access.
Opening size, stroke and actuator size are defined from product and equipment data; no generic values are stated on this page.
04Gallery
Slide Gate Photo Gallery
05FAQ
Slide Gates FAQ
What is a slide gate used for?
It opens or shuts off bulk material flow at a silo, bunker or hopper outlet with a slide plate.
Which actuation options are used?
A manual lever or rack-and-pinion handwheel for infrequent operation; a pneumatic cylinder or motorised drive for automated lines.
Does a slide gate dose product?
No. The gate opens or shuts off the flow; throttling in an intermediate position does not mean the rate is measured. For accurate dosing a screw, weigh belt feeder or dosing equipment is used.
How does it differ from a flap diverter?
A slide gate opens or shuts off the flow at a single opening. A flap diverter directs the flow to one of two outlet lines.
What information is needed for a quotation?
Product type and bulk density, particle size, outlet opening size, connection flanges, actuation type and automation requirements.
06Resources
Related Machines and Plants
Bunkers & HoppersBuffer volume and steady discharge ahead of feeding.Silo SystemsStorage of bulk products for stock and process use.Flap Diverter ValvesDiverting bulk material to one of two lines with a flap.Auxiliary & Flow EquipmentLoading, diverting, flow control and pneumatic air equipment.
Technical Quotation
Request a technical quotation for a slide gate
Share your product, outlet opening size and actuation requirement, and we will define the slide gate together with you.
Information Needed for a Technical Quotation
- Product type and bulk density
- Particle size and flowability
- Outlet opening size
- Upper and lower connection flanges
- Actuation type (manual, pneumatic, motorised)
- Position signal and automation