Abstract: A gravity flow sludge load-out metering gate comprising a frame having longitudinal and horizontal frame rails and a transverse rail member which defines a gate front portion and a smaller gate rear portion. A sludge inlet funnel is positioned above the front portion for insertion into the interior of a hopper discharge outlet. In the preferred embodiment, the sludge inlet funnel is substantially square and has four triangular, tapering interior sides, which, when viewed from above define an asymmetrical four-pointed star, the interior configuration of which further defines an asymmetrical diamond-shaped sludge discharge orifice. Interior to the metering gate frame is a metering gate blade, slidingly positioned between a plurality of support rollers and a bulb seal, the gate operatively connected to electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic power.