Custom Slide Gate for Ready Mix Concrete Plant

The concrete industry is necessary for sustainable development and infrastructure growth. Currently, the North American ready mix concrete market is $65 billion per year with an expected growth rate of over 5-percent per year. Concrete is a combination of cement, sand, aggregate and water. Clinker dust, combined with additives, is commonly used to increase strength.

Challenge

Espanola Transit Mix is a leading supplier of quality ready mix concrete serving northern New Mexico residents, businesses, and state projects for three generations. Screw conveyors and slide gates are utilized in the concrete making process. Clinker dust is extremely abrasive and can be difficult to convey. An existing slide gate continued to cause maintenance issues and failed over time. A new slide gate was needed immediately to keep the plant operating.

KWS Advantage

KWS engineered, manufactured, and delivered a new, heavy-duty slide gate within two weeks to meet Espanola’s needs. The new gate had heavier construction and a larger pneumatic actuator to keep the plant operating for many years. UHMW wipers surround the inside perimeter of the gate opening to prevent material build up. KWS matched the existing bolt pattern, so the gate fit up to the existing equipment. Bronze-bushed rollers support the slide plate and allow for easy actuation. The improved slide gate will keep Espanola producing concrete for many years to come.