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Balanced Head Sheet Metal Sluice Gates

Strong Where It Matters. Light Where It Counts.

Overview

Balanced Head Sheet Metal Sluice Gates are engineered as a reliable and cost-effective solution for isolating flow in open-channel water systems. Designed for municipal, irrigation, and industrial applications, these gates provide robust mechanical shutoff without the complexity of pressure sealing systems.

Constructed from laser-cut and CNC-folded sheet metal, these gates are available in a wide range of materials including stainless steel (304, 316, Duplex), aluminum (5052), copper-nickel (70/30 and 90/10), and titanium (Grade 2 for high-chloride applications). The folded geometry enhances strength while reducing weight, making the gates easy to install, align, and maintain—without compromising on structural performance.

These gates are intended for seated head applications only, where the water level remains below the top of the gate plate. Despite the absence of pressure seals, they achieve leakage control superior to AWWA C561, IS 13349, BS 7775, and DIN 19569-4, making them ideal for bypass isolation, equipment access, or flow

Optimized Structural Design

The gate body is formed with horizontal corrugations and vertical folds that eliminate the need for traditional welded stiffeners. This lightweight yet rigid geometry is validated using Finite Element Analysis (FEA), ensuring minimal deflection and robust performance under flow and debris load conditions. Material thicknesses are rationalized to reduce cost while meeting strength and service life targets.

Design Philosophy & Alignment Control

These gates are cleverly engineered such that in each pair of interfacing components, one element remains flexible while the other stays rigid along a given axis. This differential stiffness design:

  • Prevents jamming or lock-up due to minor misalignments or civil irregularities

  • Allows elimination of sliding bearings or bushings

  • Maintains precise alignment and full structural integrity at all times

This approach results in a self-aligning, robust, and maintenance-friendly gate, ideal for long-term reliability in open-channel applications.

Material Options

We offer these gates in a variety of corrosion-resistant materials tailored to different site conditions:

  • Stainless Steel: SS304 / SS316 / Duplex

  • Aluminum: Grade 5052 and 6061

  • Copper-Nickel: 70/30 and 90/10

  • Titanium: Grade 2 (for high-chloride or seawater environments)

All materials conform to ASTM standards and are selected based on fluid chemistry, structural demands, and lifecycle expectations.

Leakage Control with Long-Life Seals

These gates utilize 100% EPDM rubber seals, selected for their ideal hardness and flexibility. The seals are engineered to maintain resilience and sealing pressure over the gate’s operating life. Combined with precision frame fabrication and a flush bottom interface, this results in tight sealing under seated head conditions—even without side or top seals.

Mounting Configurations

Balanced Head Sheet Metal Sluice Gates are available in the following configurations:

  • Channel Wall Embedded – Integrated into concrete using eyepockets and rebar-friendly brackets

  • Channel Wall Anchored – Fastened directly to side walls of open channels

  • Face Wall Anchored – Grouted or thimble-mounted onto vertical chamber or culvert walls

All variants include a flush bottom seal interface that eliminates invert obstructions and allows uninterrupted flow.

Flexible Operation Modes

The gates can be operated using:

  • Direct Handwheel

  • Manual Gearbox

  • Electromechanical Actuators (SCADA compatible)

This provides full flexibility across manual and automated control systems.

Flexible Operation Modes

Our gates are engineered to meet or exceed the following internationally recognized standards:

  • AWWA C561 – Fabricated Stainless Steel Slide Gates (USA)

  • IS 13349 – Sluice Gates for Waterworks Purposes (India)

  • BS 7775 – Penstocks for Use in Water and Sewage Treatment Works (UK)

  • DIN 19569-4 – Wastewater Treatment Plants – Shutoff Devices Design Principles (Germany)

Key compliance areas include:

  • Spindle Sizing & Load Capacity – Matched to standard torque and axial ratings

  • Face Plate Deflection – FEA-verified to remain below maximum allowable limits

  • Leakage Performance (Seated Head Only) – Superior to standard limits; unseating head is not supported

  • Seal Selection – Long-life EPDM rubber seals, chosen for permanent elasticity and tight sealing contact

  • Material & Hardware – ASTM-compliant raw materials, ISO-standard fasteners and spindles

  • Welding & QC Documentation – Conform to AWS D1.1 and ASME Section XI

Through this rigorous adherence, clients can be assured of a product that not only meets but consistently outperforms industry benchmarks.

Conclusion

Balanced Head Sheet Metal Sluice Gates offer a unique blend of intelligent design, high material efficiency, and rugged field performance for open-channel isolation. With proven sealing performance, global material options, structural durability, and simplified installation, they are built to deliver long-term value with minimum maintenance.

Whether specified for a new installation or as a retrofit solution, these gates provide peace of mind and performance without compromise.

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