Space-Saving Pneumatic Slide Gate Solution
General Description
The Keith Smith Company is a leading US-based agricultural business that focuses on producing and supplying high-quality broiler hatching eggs and day-old chicks around the world. With more than 70 years of experience, the company is known as the largest independent producer of broiler hatching eggs in the US, serving both domestic and international poultry markets.
To address a unique operational challenge, KWS partnered with Applied Industrial Technologies (AIT) to develop a custom slide gate solution for The Keith Smith Company. The project required a design that was both compact and durable, able to fit within tight space constraints while still providing steady and efficient control of feed flow from storage hoppers. KWS successfully met the design requirements while also delivering a more reliable system that supports consistent, trouble-free plant operation.
Slide Gate is Very Compact and Durable
Design Parameters
- Product Type: Animal Feed
- Material Density: 40 Lbs. per Cubic Foot
KWS Advantages
The existing pneumatic slide gates failed on a regular basis due to poor design. KWS designed a more robust slide gate featuring stainless-steel rollers to guide a 3/8-inch thick slide plate for a much more dependable design. The new KWS designed slide gate remained within the 48-inch overall length restriction.
KWS Special Features
KWS integrated the pneumatic cylinder that actuates the slide plate within the gate frame. By relocating the cylinder-to-plate attachment to the front of the slide plate, KWS created a more compact and efficient design. Despite this engineering challenge, KWS maintained all its standard slide gate features, including stainless steel rollers with graphite-impregnated bronze bushings for smooth actuation and UHMW retainers to aide in the material flow.
Customer Testimonial
“The new KWS slide gate works very well. Now, we need to replace at least 20 more at our facility. Thanks to KWS for the excellent engineering work and fabrication.”
Plant Manager – The Keith Smith Company
Pneumatic Cylinder Actuates Slide Plate from Front to Meet Space Restraints
KWS Standard Features Include Stainless Steel Rollers with Bronze Bushings for Ease of Operation
