chutes

A chute is a vertical or inclined channel that relies on gravity to move materials or objects from one location to another. Chutes can be natural geological features or engineered structures, and they are found in mining, construction, manufacturing, and everyday buildings.

Common types include:

- Laundry chutes, installed in multi-story buildings, which carry clothes and linens from upper floors to a central laundry area.

- Mining and mineral processing chutes, which transport ore, rock, or waste from higher to lower levels or into processing equipment.

- Material-handling chutes in factories and warehouses, used to convey bulk solids such as grains, pellets, or powders between levels or into hoppers.

- Waste, ash, or recycling chutes in buildings, which move refuse from living or working spaces to collection and disposal points.

Design and construction characteristics:

Chutes are typically lined to reduce wear and facilitate smooth flow. Cross-sections may be circular or rectangular and materials range from steel and concrete to plastics or wood, depending on the application. Discharge points often include gates, hoppers, or cleanouts to control flow and facilitate maintenance. Some chutes are fire-rated or explosion-protected in hazardous environments.

Operation and safety:

Reliable operation depends on preventing blockages, bridging, and excessive wear. Safety measures include guards or access restrictions, proper lighting and signage, dust control where applicable, and adherence to relevant building, mining, or industrial codes and standards.

See also: laundry chute, mine shaft, material handling, duct, parachute.