K&B Duct's new AutoAire™ cut-off gate is a double win in energy and equipment-cost savings for any shop with a central collection system for dust, fumes or mists serving intermittently operated machines. The AutoAire gate automatically opens needed duct branches when a machine is turned on, while closing off inactive branches and machines. This fully utilizes the pick-up power of a collection system by applying as much vacuum as possible, only when and where needed, allowing a smaller fan – with smaller energy bill – to handle a system with many branches. AutoAire gates often "conserve" capital equipment costs, too. They allow sizing of the collector system based on the true usage, rather than the total requirement. This can significantly reduce the size and cost of the system. AutoAir gates may also eliminate the need to purchase a larger collection unit as a plant adds branches to a duct system over time. AutoAir gates are easily installed in the air-handling ductwork. Wiring is simple: a single wire connected to a machine, such as a saw, can control one or more gates as it is turned on/off. No special control is needed. In large collection systems using a VFD fan (variable frequency drive), the gates can be used to minimize fan speed – and power requirement – in proportion to the number of open gates in the duct system. Using 75-psi air via 0.25" tubing, the cylinder on each gate fully opens or closes the gate in response to a dust/fume "source" being turned on or off. This eliminates problems that occur with manual gates when employees don't close them or damage them. AutoAire gates come in various sizes. Gates 3” to 9” in diameter use one air cylinder. Gates 10” and above use two. The switching solenoid for the compressed air can be activated by 12V, 24V, or 120V AC/DC.