Pin Gate and Manual Slide Gate for Georgia Papermill

General Description

A major papermill in Georgia needed a reliable solution for controlling bulk material flow under multiple storage hoppers. In paper mills, lime is used to recover chemicals in the Kraft pulping process, as a bleaching agent in pulp bleaching, and for pulp and paper additives like precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) to improve paper brightness and opacity.

KWS recommended a pin gate and a manually actuated slide gate assembled together to manage the discharge of bulk materials. The pin gate provides the first line of flow control by driving individual “pins” through the material stream. Without the pin gate, the downstream manual slide gate would have been impossible to close under load, as high material forces typically require hydraulic or electric actuators. KWS designed and supplied several paper mill duty pin gate and slide gate systems that were safe, dependable, and cost-effective.

Pin and Slide Gate Assembly is a Reliable Solution for Bulk Material Flow Control

Design Parameters

Product Type: Lime
Material Density: 40 to 60 Lbs. per Cubic Foot
Capacity: Designed for Continuous Discharge
Duty: 24 Hours per Day, 7 Days per Week

KWS Advantages

KWS provided an innovative dual-gate system tailored for manual operation. The pin gate was engineered to force pins through the bulk material one at a time, reducing head pressure on the slide gate below. By breaking up the load, the manual slide gate could be opened and closed without the need for hydraulic or electric actuation.

KWS engineers delivered 3D models and detailed approval drawings, ensuring seamless installation under the hopper and alignment with surrounding equipment. The heavy-duty stainless-steel construction guaranteed long service life, minimal maintenance, and dependable performance in harsh paper mill conditions.

KWS Special Features

Both the pin gate and slide gate were manufactured from heavy duty 304 stainless steel to resist wear and corrosion. The spacing of the pins was designed based on material size and angle of repose to gradually block material flow. The slide gate was actuated by a handwheel and acme screw assembly. The gate can be operated manually with minimal torque once flow is reduced by the pin gate. The combined assembly weighed over 500-lbs. and was completely shop-assembled and tested before shipment. The pin gate and slide gate assembly eliminated the need for hydraulic or electric power, reducing the need for additional equipment at the paper mill.

Testimonial

“Our operators can now control the hopper discharge safely and efficiently without installing expensive hydraulic systems. The KWS pin gate and manual slide gate combination works exactly as intended and keeps our process running smoothly.”

Maintenance Supervisor, Georgia Papermill

Pins are Manually Driven Through Bulk Material Stream