Given the small powder-like particle size of silica flour, it can be extremely dusty if it enters the atmosphere and could cause health issues if inhaled. The KWS belt feeders are totally enclosed using heavy-duty gauge steel and dust and weather tight. The enclosed design also aids in minimizing housekeeping concerns. The material flow from the storage silo must be contained to provide accurate metering of the silica sand to the finishing mills. The flow is controlled using an adjustable sliding strike-off plate fabricated from abrasion resistant steel. The strike-off plate prevents the material from free-flowing down the belt and controls the material depth on the belt. When combined with the KWS hammer style roller slide gates mounted between the storage tanks and belt feeders’ inlets, high metering accuracy is achieved.