Slide Gates and Guillotine Dampers

A parallel slide gate valve uses two parallel flat discs or plates that slide perpendicularly across the flow path to control or shut off fluid or air flow. Unlike wedge-type gates, the seating faces remain parallel throughout operation, reducing wear and making them well-suited for applications requiring tight shutoff and frequent cycling in industrial duct systems.

A slide gate typically uses a flat plate that slides horizontally across the duct opening for flow control or isolation. A guillotine damper operates on the same principle but is usually larger, heavier-duty, and designed for high-volume industrial applications. Both provide effective shutoff but guillotine dampers are often preferred for bulk material handling and large duct systems.

Slide gates for industrial use are commonly fabricated from carbon steel, galvanized steel, or stainless steel depending on the application environment. Stainless steel is preferred in corrosive or high-moisture environments, while carbon steel suits standard industrial ventilation and dust collection systems. Material selection impacts durability, weight, and compatibility with conveyed media.

Slide gates and guillotine dampers are available in standard sizes to fit common round and rectangular duct diameters used in industrial ventilation and dust collection systems. Custom sizes can often be fabricated to meet specific project requirements. Contact Duct Incorporated's technical team to confirm available standard sizes and discuss custom fabrication options.

Slide gates are typically installed inline within the ductwork at branch points or system entry locations. They connect between duct sections using flanged or slip-fit connections. Proper installation ensures an airtight seal when closed and minimal pressure drop when open. Design assistance is available from Duct Incorporated to support correct placement and integration.

Guillotine dampers are preferred over butterfly dampers when handling dust-laden air, abrasive materials, or bulk solids where a rotating disc would be prone to buildup or wear. The sliding gate action of a guillotine damper provides a clean, full-bore shutoff with minimal obstruction to flow when open, making it ideal for dust collection and material handling applications.