Silos in which to store and dry
Dry and clean grain can be stored for many years. Very often the first choice is to dry the produce in the field because the costs are low or nonexistent. There are many disadvantages to this process, most notably the uncertainty of weather conditions.
The primary objective of grain storage and drying is to control the temperature and moisture content of the grain and to maintain or even improve the quality of the harvested product. There are many ways to store grain and you need to choose the equipment that fits the situation. The condition of the crop should be checked regularly. Grain is a valuable commodity and making the right decision will save money and time. The American MFS grain silos are made of corrugated galvanized sheet metal and their strength and flexibility allow for the largest volumes up to a capacity of 20,000 tons per silo. They have the strongest roof in the industry to hold the snow accumulation, as well as massive traffic routes to fill the silos. Silos may have a full-roof floor or a partial aeration system of concrete aeration channels in the foundation slab. In the upper part, the moist air is removed both passively, by roof vents, and actively, by roof exhaust fans. The unloading of production can be simplified by side dumps located on silos at truck underpass height. The MFS meets all the requirements for modern management and organisation of harvesting. Depending on the size of the silo, up to 600 t of grain can be stored and dried at a time. It is a galvanized silo with a perforated all-mesh floor under which hot or cold air is blown in by fans with an attached propane or natural gas burner. Warm air at lower temperatures (40-75° C) is used for drying, so this solution is very advantageous to use the waste heat from the i-gas plant and achieve maximum economic efficiency without burning fossil fuels. Aeration with appropriate air pressure prolongs shelf life and stops pests and micro-organisms. The mixing internal system with vertical augers contributes to the intensification of the air flow (up to 30%). The saturated air is removed at the top by vents on the roof. Weed admixtures can cause wetting of the grain mass and thus self-heating, which is caused by the organic activity of the grains and their microflora. Closely related to self-heating is the milling of grain. The grain is prone to compaction. The mixing device mixes the grain throughout the area, prevents crusting and hot spots, loosens the grain and reduces static pressure. The result is a more even moisture content throughout the silo. FARMIX a.s. treats each interested party in post-harvest technology individually and thanks to the modular system, the post-harvest line can grow together with the farm. Ing. Miroslav Kastner, FARMIX a.s. Exclusive importer of Global Industries technology