19 May Whipps, Inc. Info: What is a Sluice Gate?
Sluice Gates: Stopping Flow in Large and Small Projects
Many industries such as water treatment and hydroelectric plants rely on precise water control as it flows through their facility. Crucial water control equipment is what makes this possible even under intense pressures or other harsh conditions. Not every problem needs the same water management solution. Whipps, Inc. specializes in manufacturing custom sluice gates to fit the unique requirements of our customers to ensure efficient functionality, reliable flow stoppage, and low leakage rates.
Key Features of a Sluice Gate
Sluice Gate Frame
Made through robust construction at the headquarters of Whipps, Inc., our sluice gates’ largest part is the gate frame. Designed to mount to a wall, pipe, channel, or even embedded, the gate frame features two guides, and invert, and a top guide. The guides on the sides of the gate frame create the path that the slide travels when opening or closing. The invert of the gate frame creates a secure flush bottom for flow and sealing. The top guide stretches over the top of the opening to prevent leakage and provide anchorage against pressure. These gates are custom manufactured to fit any size, head condition, and mounting configuration.
UHMW Seals
Whipps, Inc. takes the standards set in AWWA (American Water Works Association) List seriously. That is why we use UHMW seals in our water control equipment. The sluice gates we make have UHMW seals installed into the guides of the frame, allowing the slide to pass while preventing leakage when closed. Combined with the seals at the invert and top guide, Whipps guarantees leakage rate below the AWWA standard for sluice gates.
Slide & Stem
The part of the gate that interferes with the flow is called the slide. Depending on the series, the slide will consist of a metal plate or welded assembly designed to withstand the pressures it is expected to experience in the worst conditions. The metal slides have stiffeners welded to them to maintain their durability. Also, the mechanism connecting the slide and the threaded stem is attached to the slide. The threaded stem is rolled and cut to provide enough travel distance to open and closed the slide inside the sluice gate.
Manual & Electric Operator
Driving the threaded stem is a operator or actuator. These gearboxes allow the rotation of the stem to be done with no more than 40lbs of effort. This allows easy and reliable operation of the sluice gate, regardless of frequency. Manual operators feature either a handwheel or hand crank attached to the yoke of the gate frame or a separate pedestal. Electric actuators are also attached to the guide frame or a separate pedestal and are great for larger sluice gates due the weight of the slides. We even manufacture our own gearboxes for our products or other projects that require a similar gearbox.
Why Choose Whipps, Inc.?
Durable Materials
Whipps, Inc. sluice gates are fabricated from high-quality stainless steel or aluminum, both materials known for their corrosion resistance, structural strength, and longevity. Unlike cast iron, which can deteriorate under prolonged exposure to harsh environments, our gates maintain performance in corrosive, high-moisture, or high-flow applications. Stainless steel is ideal for wastewater and aggressive environments, while aluminum offers lightweight strength and ease of handling for lower-head applications. Both options ensure low maintenance and high resilience over time.
AWWA Standards
Our sluice gates are manufactured to meet or exceed the latest American Water Works Association (AWWA) standards; specifically C561 for stainless steel and C562 for aluminum. These standards ensure strict compliance in areas such as leakage rate, structural integrity, and long-term operation. With Whipps, you can trust that your gates are engineered for safety, consistency, and regulatory confidence across municipal, industrial, and environmental projects.
Reliable Performance
Engineered for dependable operation in high-demand conditions, Whipps sluice gates provide precise water flow control in a wide variety of applications from stormwater systems and flood control to treatment plants and hydroelectric dams. Our gates undergo rigorous in-house quality control and testing to ensure they deliver consistent, leak-resistant performance over the long term. Whether exposed to high head pressures or frequent cycling, Whipps gates are built to operate smoothly and reliably.
Customizations
No two projects are alike, which is why Whipps offers extensive customization options. From mounting styles and seal configurations to actuation methods and material finishes, every sluice gate is tailored to the needs of your application. We specialize in designing gates that integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure and meet specific hydraulic, structural, and environmental requirements. Our experienced engineering team works closely with you to ensure each component meets your operational goals.