Mass flow gates are used to modulate the flow from mass flow hoppers or bins without disturbing the mass flow characteristics of the bin or hopper. In order to accomplish this it is necessary that throughout the range of motion of the mass flow gate, mass flow conditions are maintained at all times.

Mass flow gates can be single flat blade design, single curved blade design, or double blade, flat or curved design. Since mass flow requires relative steep slopes, mass flow gates are bulky devices requiring considerable headroom for installation.

The adjustability of mass flow gates is generally about 10 to 1. If a gate is designed to pass 6,000 TPH it should be able to regulate flow to 600TPH. Horizontal slide gates usually precede mass flow gates for positive shut off and to allow maintenance to the mass flow gates.

Some typical applications include:

• Mass flow gates are installed on the discharge of mass flow silos, bins and hoppers to regulate the discharge without disturbing the mass flow characteristics.

• Some bulk material storage stockpiles are equipped with mass flow reclaim hoppers to prevent arching and rat holing and to increase the amount of material that can be reclaimed by gravity. These reclaim hoppers can be discharged by mass flow gates.

Seals
Seals are available to prevent or reduce escaping dust.