Manual Gates
- Cost-effective, reliable operation
- Simple mechanics, minimal maintenance
- Handwheel or rack-and-pinion operation
- Ideal for low-frequency applications
- Custom sizing available
Engineered Bulk Material Handling
Gates
Heavy-duty discharge gates designed to regulate flow, enable multi-point discharge, and provide accurate cut-off for scale feeding. Manual, electric, and pneumatic slide gates engineered and built in Cleburne, Texas.
Key Benefits
Application-Engineered Designed around your material, capacity, gate type, and operating duty.
Controlled Material Discharge Control or isolate material discharge, with positioning and actuation options for batching and scale-feeding systems.
Manufactured in Texas Engineered and built in-house at Orthman's Cleburne facility.
Discharge gates start with understanding the application
A discharge gate should not be selected by size and actuation type alone. Material characteristics, capacity, discharge rate, automation requirements, and integration with other system components all influence the final design.
Orthman evaluates those variables to determine gate type, actuation mechanism, construction materials (carbon steel, stainless, abrasion resistant), actuation options (manual, electric, pneumatic), and control integration.
The result is a gate configured for the material and the job it has to do—not a one-size-fits-all catalog selection.
Configure the gate around your automation level and material requirements
Electric Gates
- Repeatable, consistent operation
- Precise cut-off for batching
- Integrated control systems
- Position feedback available
Pneumatic Gates
- Rapid open/close cycles
- High-speed applications
- Easy system integration
- Durable cylinder design
Construction matched to material and service conditions
Orthman discharge gates are engineered around material characteristics, opening size, applied loads, and operating requirements. Materials of construction, actuation methods, sealing, and control options are selected to meet the demands of each application.
| Materials of Construction | Carbon steel (CS), 304SS, or 316SS, with optional AR steel wear protection. |
|---|---|
| Gate Configuration | Flat slide plate, with opening dimensions and construction selected for the application. |
| Actuation | Manual, electric, and pneumatic |
| Material Loading | Gate construction and actuator force sized for material properties, applied head load, and operating conditions. |
| Sealing Options | Dust-containment and material-sealing provisions available as required. |
| Position Feedback | Limit switches, proximity switches, and intermediate positioning options, depending on actuator design. |
| Installation | Custom flanges and mounting arrangements for conveyors, hoppers, bins, and process equipment. |
Built for demanding bulk material handling
Industries
Cement & LimeMining & MineralsChemical ProcessingAgricultureFood ProcessingWater & WastewaterBiomassPower GenerationAggregateGrain & MillingFertilizerHeavy Industrial
Materials Handled
Kiln dustLimestoneFly ashOres & concentratesPowders & granulesGrain & feedSludge & biosolidsWood chips & sawdustScreeningsAbrasive bulk solids
Discharge Gates FAQ
What are conveyor discharge gates used for?
Discharge gates regulate the flow of bulk material on a conveyor, release material at any chosen point along the run, and provide accurate cut-off for scale-feeding operations. By controlling material discharge, gates ensure consistent production, accurate batching, and efficient multi-point routing in complex conveyor systems.
What types of discharge gates does Orthman offer?
Orthman manufactures manual gates (hand-controlled), electric gates (automated operation), and pneumatic gates (fast automation). The right type depends on your conveyor design, the material being handled, and your automation requirements.
How do I choose the right discharge gate for my application?
The choice comes down to a few factors: your conveyor type, the characteristics of your material, operation frequency, opening size, and actuation method. We recommend selecting the gate during initial system design so it integrates seamlessly with your complete conveyor system. Contact Orthman's engineering team for a detailed application review.
Why should gates be specified during initial conveyor design?
A discharge gate is an essential system component, not just an accessory. Designing the right gate in from the start ensures reliable flow regulation, clean material cut-off, seamless system operation, and avoids costly retrofits once the conveyor is already installed and running.
Do you offer custom gate sizing and actuation options?
Yes. Orthman's engineering team designs custom gates for your exact requirements—sizing, material selection, actuation type, control integration, and performance optimization. Whether you need a simple manual gate or an engineered system with feedback control, we work with you from concept through installation.
Ready to size your discharge gate?
Send us your material, capacity, downstream equipment, and any drawings or specifications you already have—or start with an application worksheet. Our team will review the application and recommend a practical gate configuration.