01 Jul Stop Gates VS Stop Logs: 500 Series Breakdown
A Closer Look into Stop Gates and Stop Logs
Whipps, Inc.’s 500 Series offers reliable solutions for temporary water flow isolation in municipal, industrial, and environmental applications. But how do you choose between stop gates and stop logs? Let’s break down the differences, explore real-world applications, and highlight why these lightweight designs are ideal for even the most remote or demanding sites.
What’s the Difference?
Stop Gates are vertical barrier devices that consist of a single rigid slide and a frame. The slide is inserted or removed manually (or with mechanical assistance) to block or allow water flow. These gates are designed to provide a full-face seal, making them ideal for situations requiring a complete shutoff with minimal leakage. They’re often used in narrow channels, tank isolation, or sluiceway applications.
Stop Logs, on the other hand, are stackable beams or blocks (typically made from aluminum or stainless steel) that are manually placed one on top of another within a frame to create a watertight barrier. This modular approach allows for precise adjustment of water levels by adding or removing logs as needed. Stop logs are frequently used in overflow weirs, stormwater detention systems, or during facility maintenance shutdowns.
Real-World Uses for Stop Gates:
- Municipal pump stations requiring infrequent but complete channel shutoff
- Water treatment plants where operators need reliable gate seating for isolation
- Flood control structures in remote areas where lightweight manual insertion is a necessity
Stop Gates: 500 Series Models
The Model 501 and Model 503 Aluminum Stop Gates offer excellent performance in low-pressure conditions. Their lightweight construction allows for easy, manual handling by just one or two operators, ideal for quick installations and removals without heavy equipment.
For higher strength requirements, the Model 521 Embedded Stop Gates and Model 523 Stainless Steel Stop Gates provide increased durability and pressure tolerance while still retaining the manual operability required for remote or emergency installations.
When high head pressure is involved, the Model 519 and Model 529 Bulkhead Gates blend the functionality of stop gates and stop logs to provide extra resilience. These models can be customized to cover large openings and resist high bending stress while maintaining tight seals on all four sides.
Real-World Uses for Stop Logs:
- Irrigation channels where water level needs to be changed regularly
- Fish hatcheries where operators fine-tune depth and flow rates for biological needs
- Maintenance operations in stormwater basins where partial dewatering is required
Stop Logs: 500 Series Models
The Model 509 and Model 510 Aluminum Stop Logs are suited for low-head applications and are light enough to be lifted manually, piece by piece. Their modularity makes them highly versatile for quick deployment and custom flow adjustments.
Need greater durability? The Model 511 Aluminum and Model 529 Stainless Steel Stop Logs are designed to withstand higher pressures. When paired with our optional Stop Log Lifter, even heavier-duty models remain easy to install and remove without the need for power equipment.
For high-pressure and large-opening conditions, the Model 519 and Model 529 Bulkhead Gates offer hybrid functionality. These gates act like oversized stop logs with the ability to seal large areas under substantial hydraulic loads, using either aluminum (Alloy 6061-T6) or stainless steel construction with resilient lip seals.
Stop Log Lifter: Make Installation Even Easier
Whipps offers a Stop Log Lifter made from aluminum or stainless steel to facilitate safe and efficient handling. Featuring UHMW guide bars and stainless fasteners, the lifter includes a simple lanyard-operated latch system to secure logs during lifting. This greatly reduces the time and effort needed for installation or removal in the field.
Lightweight Design for Maximum Flexibility
Whether you choose stop gates or stop logs, all of our 500 Series products are made with operator-friendly functionality in mind. Aluminum options in particular are ideal for remote areas, temporary use, or situations where equipment access is limited. Their compact, modular designs make them easy to transport, set up, and use without relying on heavy machinery or power tools.
Which One Is Right for You?
If you need quick installation with one solid gate to hold back water, go with a Stop Gate. If you’re looking for adjustable flow control with more modularity and flexibility, Stop Logs are the better choice. No matter your application, Whipps, Inc. has the lightweight, reliable solution engineered for your needs.
Reach Out
Contact one of our sales reps to learn more about our custom water control solutions and how we can support your project. Our talented team is always ready to provide outstanding performance and reliability, no matter the scale or complexity of the job. Trust Whipps, Inc. for reliable water control solutions.
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🛠️ 500 Series: Stop Gates
🔧 500 Series: Stop Logs