Application
Shut-off at Mixer and Coater Outlets in Pet Food Plants
Answer in brief
The gate under a mixer or coater has to empty the batch completely and then be cleanable.
Fat and fines collect at the seat, and what stays behind is both a hygiene finding and the first ingredient of the next recipe.
- Choose a gate that clears fully on discharge.
- Give the seat real cleaning access.
- Tie the position into the batch record for segregation.
Reviewed October 21, 2026 · Updated October 21, 2026
The problem
Residual product at a mixer outlet carries into the next batch, which matters most where medicated and standard feeds share equipment.
Fat films make the problem worse by holding fines in place.
Desired outcome
A gate that closes against the real column, can be proven closed, and opens again without damage.
Process approach
Full-bore designs that withdraw the blade clear the outlet completely, which is what a batch discharge needs.
Seat and blade surfaces are specified for the cleaning method, and the housing allows the seat to be reached without removing the mixer.
- Full-bore discharge with no retained pocket.
- Seat access for fat cleaning.
- Position feedback in the batch record.
Selection factors
- Batch size and the discharge time required.
- Fat content and the cleaning interval.
- Segregation requirements for medicated feed.
- Abrasiveness of mineral premixes.
- Dust explosion characteristics of the fines.
Common failure modes
- Product retained at the seat after discharge
- Fat film holding fines at the gate
- Medicated batch residue carried into standard feed
- Discharge time longer than the mixing cycle allows
Partner with powderbulkvideos.com
Put a relevant technical solution in this decision path.
Connect your company and video evidence with clearly labelled visibility where engineers evaluate this material, application, industry or product.
Related content
Continue exploring
Move from this page to the companies, videos and technical topics that add useful context.
Companies
Videos
Vortex – Solids & Bulk Handling Components
Vortex®: Clear Action Gate™
Vortex presents a clear opening slide gate arrangement used to start or stop gravity flow. The video is useful for understanding the internal flow path and moving components. Pressure, leakage, wear, material compatibility and cleaning still require verification for the actual duty.
Total reach: 14,255
Vortex – Solids & Bulk Handling Components
Vortex®: Orifice Slide Gate Valve
Vortex's video presents the Orifice Slide Gate Valve: a linear blade carries a machined orifice that moves into or out of alignment with the process connection to isolate or regulate dry-bulk flow.
Total reach: 68,011
Vortex – Solids & Bulk Handling Components
Vortex®: Roller Slide Gate Valve™
Vortex video of the Roller Slide Gate Valve, a roller-supported slide gate for isolating or controlling dry-bulk material flow at gravity-flow points such as hopper and bin outlets.
Total reach: 73,457