Power saving shutoff gate for a pneumatic scrap conveying system

A power saving gate system, comprising:

• a gate body;
• a gate door coupled to the gate body;
• a controller system configured to open and close the gate door, wherein the controller system includes a time delayed relay configured to open the gate door and close the gate door after a predetermined time, the time delayed relay is configured to close the gate door after scrap reaches a scrap removal area;
• a pneumatic cylinder coupled to the gate body, wherein the controller system is configured to deliver a signal to the pneumatic cylinder to move the gate door from an open position to a closed position;
• and
• a door guard configured to receive the gate door when the gate door is in the open position,
• wherein the gate door is configured to open to allow scrap to flow through the gate body in the open position,
• wherein the gate door is configured to close to reduce a volume of air that passes through the gate body, the volume of air passing through the gate door is reduced to nearly zero when the gate door is closed,
• wherein the gate door is configured to open by linearly translating from the gate body to the door guard, and
• wherein the gate body has a gate outlet and a gate inlet, wherein a diameter of the gate outlet is approximately 1 inch in diameter larger than a diameter of the gate inlet.

A method for operating a scrap conveying system comprising:

• operating a manufacturing line of a scrap conveying system to suction scrap with a vacuum from the manufacturing line and through a duct;
• during operation of the manufacturing line, positioning a power saving gate assembly positioned within the duct in an open position to permit scrap to travel to a scrap removal area, the power saving gate assembly comprising a gate body coupled to a gate door and a controller system connected to a time delayed relay and configured to open and close the gate door;
• and
• closing the gate door when the manufacturing line is stopped to prevent a volume of air from passing through the gate body to the vacuum to reduce an amount of energy consumed by the vacuum.