Guillotine & Slide Gate Dampers
Guillotine / Slide Gate Dampers
Guillotine or Slide Gate Dampers are most commonly specified when positive isolation for maintenance is the primary function of the damper and for severe service conditions. These dampers provide a high degree of isolation with low pressure drop when fully open and are commonly used in systems requiring routine duct access for inspection, maintenance, or repair.
Fox Equipment guillotine and slide gate dampers are custom-engineered for severe service applications, including high temperature, high pressure, and abrasive environments.
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Applications & Use Cases
Typical applications include:
- Steel mills
- Power plants
- Cement plants
- Reformers
- Petrochemical facilities
- Heavy-duty exhaust systems
Common use cases:
- Positive isolation for maintenance
- Severe service environments
- Systems requiring frequent duct access
- Abrasive or high-particulate service
Low Leak vs Zero Leak Slide Gate Dampers
Low Leak Slide Gates
- Designed for isolation where minimal leakage is acceptable
- Leakage measured by allowable air volume rates at specific pressures
- Tested in accordance with ANSI/AMCA 510-03
Zero Leak Slide Gates
- Designed for absolute isolation
- Zero leakage achieved through seal air pressurization
- Requires less seal air and flange-to-flange space than double louvers
- Ideal for tight duct runs where space is limited
Sizes, Construction & Performance
All Guillotine / Slide Gate Dampers are custom-built to customer specifications to meet the demands of severe service applications.
Sizes & Configuration
Dampers are available from 8” diameter through 20’ square in a single section. Larger dampers can be fabricated in multiple sections to achieve virtually unlimited overall sizes.
Materials of Construction
Frames and blades are constructed from carbon steel, stainless steel, or high-performance nickel alloys, selected based on temperature, pressure, and service conditions.
Seals are constructed from a minimum of 316 stainless steel, with higher-performance nickel alloys available for demanding applications.
Performance Capabilities
- Operating temperature range: -40°F to 2000°F
- Pressure limits: +140” W.G. / -140” W.G.
- Blade thickness and reinforcement vary by application
- Blade deflection limited to L/360
Leakage Control, Actuation & Controls
Leakage Performance
Low Leak slide gate dampers allow minimal leakage and are measured by allowable air volume rates at specific pressures in accordance with ANSI/AMCA 510-03.
Zero Leak dampers are designed for absolute isolation, verified through gap verification checks and seal air pressurization testing.
Seal Air Systems (Zero Leak)
Typical seal air pressure is 3” HG above the highest operating pressure. Seal air is supplied via non-overloading seal air fans, with alternative methods available based on application requirements.
Actuation & Automation
Manual, pneumatic, electric, and hydraulic actuation options are available.
Actuators are sized and selected by Fox Equipment using a 3× safety factor, based on customer-supplied operating conditions.
All dampers can be integrated into automated and interlocked control systems
Installation, Maintenance & Engineering Support
Installation Considerations
All dampers are engineered to account for orientation, access, and space constraints specific to each application.
Maintenance & Serviceability
Maintenance intervals vary by service conditions; however, a minimum six-month inspection schedule is recommended.
The most common serviceable wear components include:
- Drive components
- Seals
All products are designed with replaceable wear items.
Service & Custom Engineering Support
Wear item replacement can be handled through FOX SITE SERVICES, with options for field supervision or parts-only supply for local installation.
All guillotine and slide gate dampers are custom-manufactured, and Fox Equipment’s internal engineering and manufacturing expertise ensures the correct damper style is selected for each application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sizes are available for guillotine and slide gate dampers?
All guillotine and slide gate dampers are custom-built to customer specifications. Sizes range from 8” diameter through 20’ square in a single section, with larger dampers fabricated in multiple sections to achieve virtually unlimited overall dimensions.
What is the difference between Low Leak and Zero Leak slide gate dampers?
Low Leak dampers allow minimal, controlled leakage and are tested in accordance with ANSI/AMCA 510-03.
Zero Leak dampers are designed for absolute isolation and utilize seal air pressurization to prevent any downstream leakage.
What temperature and pressure ranges can these dampers handle?
Both Low Leak and Zero Leak models are designed to operate in temperatures ranging from -40°F to 2000°F, with pressure limits of +140” W.G. and -140” W.G., depending on application requirements.
Are guillotine dampers suitable for abrasive or high-particulate systems?
Yes. Guillotine and slide gate dampers are well suited for abrasive and high-particulate environments. Heavy-duty knife-edge blade and seal designs provide reliable performance, and the blade can be fully removed from the system when in the open position.
What actuation options are available?
Guillotine and slide gate dampers are available with manual, pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic actuation. Actuators are sized and selected by Fox Equipment using a 3× safety factor based on customer-supplied operating conditions.
How often do guillotine dampers require maintenance?
Maintenance requirements vary by application, but a minimum six-month inspection schedule is recommended. The most common serviceable wear components are drive components and seals, all of which are designed to be replaceable.
Are these dampers custom-built or stocked?
All guillotine and slide gate dampers are custom-manufactured. Fox Equipment’s engineering and manufacturing expertise ensures the correct damper style and configuration is selected for each application.
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