Silos storage

Types of Silos Storage

Silos are large, vertical storage structures commonly used in agriculture and certain industries to store bulk materials. There are several types of silos storages.

• Grain bins

  Grain bins are usually round. They have a flat bottom and conical top. When storing grains like corn, wheat, and rice, farmers will often use them. The bin's design makes it easy to go in and clean the area regularly. Furthermore, some grain bins have special technology that lets farmers know if any part of the bin is getting wet or overheated. This helps avoid spoilage

• Utricles

  Utricles are huge storage containers with a rectangular shape. They are closely attached to the manufacturing process. Many industries like cement, plastics, and chemicals use them. The bottom is like a funnel, which makes it easy to take out the material. Utricles can be made from steel, concrete, or special plastics that don't let air through.

• Bunker silos

  A pile method called a 'bunker silo' is often used in large-scale animal farming, like cattle and poultry feed production. Farmers will store crops such as corn and wheat in a big, open cement bunker. While storing material in them is easy, farming operations must cover the bunkers tightly to keep animals out and protect against rain.

• Tower silos

  Like a tall building, a tower silo is vertical. It's often built with concrete or metal. Farmers who raise livestock use it to store fermented feed (silage) from crops like corn or grass. The stored feed is tasty and nutritious. The conical bottom helps take out the fermented feed easily.

• Bag silos

  A bag silo is a large plastic bag used to store crops. At big farm areas, a machine presses the crop into a long bag. Then, the bag is kept in a field. Bag silos are good since they are cheap and flexible. Many farm areas use them instead of bunker silos. One problem is the bags can get holes from sharp stones or changes in weather.

• Modified Bessel silo

  This type of silo has an inverted truncated double cone shape. It's good for storing materials with little moisture, like dry cement, fly ash, sand, and powdered chemicals. The modified Bessel silo has a flat bottom and discharges material through an angled cone at the center. It works well for many different industries.

Specification and Maintenance

The performance and durability of silos storage are closely related to their specifications and maintenance methods. Knowing the various specifications of storage silos and their maintenance requirements can ensure that they have a long service life and good storage performance.

• Material and coating

  The material and coating of the silo can be maintained by regularly inspecting the surface for signs of damage, such as scratches or corrosion. Uneven or deteriorating coatings should be repaired or reapplied to prevent the underlying materials from being exposed to the environment. In addition, cleaning the surface of the silo storage with a neutral detergent and avoiding using abrasive substances can prevent unnecessary wear of the coating.

• Connection and sealing

  Cleaning and maintenance of silo connectors and seals is critical to the longevity of storage. Remove dust and foreign bodies from connectors and seals using a soft brush or cloth, ensuring that they are connected or sealed correctly. Regularly check connectors and seals for signs of wear or damage. Replace or repair them in a timely manner if they are loose, deformed, or leaking, to avoid air impurities entering the storage material or leakage of materials.

• Drainage system

  The drainage system plays an important role in maintaining the stability and quality of stored materials. Therefore, a clean drainage system should be maintained to ensure smooth drainage. Regularly remove debris and deposits from the drainage system, keeping it free of blockages. Moreover, ensuring the normal operation of the drainage system by regularly checking its components can prevent water from accumulating at the bottom of the silo, thereby avoiding the risks of mold and corrosion damage.

• Temperature and humidity control

  Mature silos storage regulating temperature and humidity is crucial to maintaining material quality and equipment longevity. Monitoring temperature and humidity regularly is essential. Use temperature and humidity monitoring equipment for regular checks, ensuring that the interior of the silo is maintained at an appropriate temperature and humidity level. Furthermore, temperature and humidity control equipment, such as dehumidifiers or air conditioners, should be used to adjust and improve the environment inside the silo as needed. In addition, good airflow is fostered by frequently removing materials and participating in silo operations, which helps to avoid the phenomenon of high humidity and stagnant air.

• Inspections and repairs

  Silo inspections and repairs are important for the continued use of the equipment. A regular inspection schedule should be set up, and routine inspections should be carried out according to the predetermined time periods. Comprehensive inspection items include appearance, structure, sealing, drainage, temperature and humidity, etc., to discover problems in time. For the problems found during the inspection, such as the damaged parts, loose or leaking parts, etc., they should be repaired or replaced in time. At the same time, detailed maintenance records should be made, which include the inspection date, contents, problems found, and maintenance measures, etc., to provide a reference for future maintenance.

Scenarios of silos storage

• Agricultural grain storage: Farmers, cooperatives, and agricultural organizations utilize silos for storing harvested grains, seeds, and crops. Silos provide a solution for managing seasonal production, maintaining grain quality, and protecting the products from pests and contaminants.
• Food processing industry: In the food processing sector, silos are used to store raw materials like flour, sugar, rice, and other food additives. Processing plants can ensure production continuity and control inventory by using silos to store raw materials. Additionally, silos can be integrated into automated production lines to accomplish efficient feeding and material management.
• Construction industry material storage: In the construction industry, cement silos serve as storage containers for cement and other building materials. Cement silos facilitate the handling, storage, and supply of construction materials, ensuring a stable supply for construction projects.
• Chemical industry storage: Chemicals such as powders, particles, and liquids can be stored in storage silos. The chemicals can be stored in specific types of silos with features such as temperature control and anti-static to ensure safe storage and handling.
• Feed production and storage: Livestock farms and feed production plants use feed silos to store feed. Feed silos can help protect the nutrition and quality of feed by storing them separately according to various livestock requirements. They also facilitate automated feeding systems, which enhances feeding efficiency and accuracy.
• Energy industry storage: The energy sector employs storage silos for fuel such as coal, biomass, and cement used for power generation. Silos provide a consistent fuel supply and facilitate the handling and storage of fuel, thereby supporting the operation of power plants.

How to choose silos storage

• Assess materials and build quality:

  It is necessary to select industrial silo storage whose material is corrosion-resistant, such as galvanized steel or stainless steel. Because they will last longer if exposed to the elements or harsh environments. Moreover, a well-constructed silo will maintain its shape, structure, and integrity for years, even with regular use.

• Prioritize safety features:

  It is vital to put safety above all else and select silos that have been equipped with high-quality safety features, such as pressure relief valves, locking mechanisms, and anti-static components. These safety features can help reduce accidents and risks in the workplace.

• Choose the right size:

  The capacity of the storage silo should be large enough to fulfill demands but not overly large that it leads to unnecessary expenses or maintenance costs. Moreover, take into account the available space and configuration of the storage area.

• Consider the types of goods stored:

  Since different types of silos are suitable for other goods, identifying the nature of products or materials will help to find the right silo. For example, grain storage silos usually have aeration systems to regulate moisture content, while cement storage silos might have anti-coagulating features to prevent cement from hardening inside.

• Understand unloading methods:

  Different types of silos have different unloading methods. It is necessary to choose a silo that matches the required unloading method. For example, a silo with a flat bottom and a screw conveyor might be suitable for a small-scale farm, while a cyclone or clinker breaker might be used in large industrial settings.

• Pay attention to compatibility:

  Because many industries use silos as part of larger systems, like supply chains or production lines, it is essential to ensure compatibility between chosen silos and existing equipment. For example, consider the type of conveyor used to move material from the silo to another location or the sorting and processing machinery that will be used in conjunction with the silo.

Silos storage Q&A

Q1: How do silos protect stored materials?

A1: Silos protect materials by providing a barrier against external elements like moisture, pests, and contaminants. Some silos also have aeration systems that keep food materials fresh by allowing breathable gases to pass through the grains.

Q2: How do buyers determine the right silo size?

A2: Consider the present and future storage needs, available space, and materials' flow properties. Calculate the expected daily or monthly storage capacity and convert it into a silo volume. Also, consider the expansion possibility when estimating future storage needs.

Q3: What are the maintenance requirements for silos?

A3: Typical maintenance tasks include regular inspections to identify signs of damage or leaks, cleaning the interior and exterior to prevent material buildup and contamination, lubricating moving parts, and checking temperature and moisture levels, especially for agricultural silos.

Q4: Can silos be relocated once installed?

A4: If properly built, disassembled, and transported, the existing silos can be relocated to a new site. However, the newly purchased silos are likely to be more cost-effective than relocating ones if the distance is long. Relocating is only possible for those with a static base, not for those with a solid foundation.