Abstract: A gating system for controlling the flow of a flowable material through a passageway having an inlet and an outlet, the gating system includes: an inlet blade assembly between the passageway inlet and passageway outlet, the inlet blade assembly including an inlet blade and a drive for moving the inlet blade to open and closed positions with respect to the passageway; an outlet blade assembly between the inlet blade assembly and the passageway outlet, the outlet blade assembly including an outlet blade and a drive for moving the outlet blade to open and closed positions with respect to the passageway; and a control system that drives for moving the inlet blade to its closed position before moving the outlet blade to its closed position with respect to the passageway, and moves the outlet blade to its open position before moving the inlet blade to its open position.