Metal Grain Silo Roof
The roof of the metal grain silo is a complex spatial structure consisting of sectors in the form of a trapezoid, bolted through gaskets, as well as stiffeners. The height of the stiffeners is up to 200 mm. The roof sectors are made of galvanized steel.
Depending on the diameter, the agricultural silos can be equipped with a single-level, two-level and three-level roof. This allows the roof to withstand snow loads of up to 320 kg / m2.
On the roof of a silo for storage of grain, a loading device, an inspection hatch, a service ladder and a set of devices for thermal suspensions of the layer-by-layer temperature control system for the grain mass are installed. Air ducts are also provided on the roof, which are sometimes equipped with special fans.
Thanks to the special roof construction, precipitation and birds cannot get into the silo.
Grain Silo Shell
The shell of silo for storage of grains has the shape of a cylinder and is made of galvanized steel panels of a wavy profile. The panels are assembled on bolted joints with sealing polymer gaskets.
Air channels, a level sensor, and a ladder are mounted on the shell. Additional devices, for example, mechanisms for sampling a stored product from various levels, are installed if necessary.
Galvanized steel serves as the main material from which all panels of the agricultural silo shell are made. The thickness of the zinc coating varies from 18 to 40 microns.
The grain bin shell is reinforced with vertical stiffeners, which are installed on the outside. Often, two stiffeners are used on each panel, but in some models of grain bins, to increase the strength on one panel, stiffeners are mounted in three rows.
To form a reliable and durable joint, vertically located stiffeners are fastened with overlays that are identical in shape to the ribs themselves, or using special plates.
Short-Term Grain Storage Silo Cone Bottoms
Metal grain silo conical bottoms are mounted from trapezoidal steel sectors. The angle of the bottom is 45 °, 55 ° or 65 °, thereby creating optimal conditions for the gravity discharge of the stored grain product. Sectors on bolted connections with special sealing latches are fastened.
In the lower part of the conical bottom of the grain storage silo there is an unloading device made in the form of a rack and pinion valve.
In the upper part, the bottom cone is attached to the main support ring. This ring transfers the load from the weight of the metal structures and the weight of the stored grain to the vertical supports of the silo, based on a concrete foundation slab. Due to the appropriate calculation of the height of the supports, the grain is unloaded from the silo by gravity to the conveyors, which are installed under the valve, at the foundation level.
Active Grain Silo Ventilation System
The system of active ventilation of an agricultural silo includes air channels and one or more fans. The long-term grain storage silos are equipped with a bottom-aeration system. It is arranged within the concrete basement and covered with special perforated structures.
Also, to create active ventilation, roof and wall ducts are mounted. If necessary, then a heater or a refrigeration machine is connected to the fan.
Air supply of various temperatures (chilled, warmed up or ambient temperature) is used for ripening, cooling or preservation of grain by cold during storage.
Fasteners
In the assembly of metal grain silos, bolts and nuts with a special zinc protective coating are used. The bolts for connecting the roofing and bottom sectors, as well as the panels of the silo body are equipped with polymer sealing gaskets and special conical washers.
Along the perimeter of the silo in the joints of the vertical and horizontal joints, a special sealant is used made of material approved for use with food products.
The use of bolted joints provides reliable and quick assembly of metal structures at minimal cost and without damage to the corrosion-resistant coating.
