When designing a silo plant, it is essential to consider the following aspects:
- Ensure the plant is efficient and functional.
- Be flexible to allow for different processes.
- Have ample space and access for future expansions.
- Enable process automation, such as grain drying.
- Maintain low operating costs in terms of personnel, electricity, and fuel.
- Minimize environmental pollution.
Regarding the design and necessary sections, it is crucial to consider the following 4 fundamental stages:
- Reception: Includes sampling, weighing, and unloading.
- Conditioning: Involves pre-cleaning, cleaning, and drying.
- Storage: Refers to silo storage, with control over insects, humidity, and temperature.
- Dispatch: Involves loading trucks or railcars, weighing, sampling, and preparing corresponding documentation.
To illustrate, here is the design of a standard plant:
This silo installation comprises the following elements:
- Reception: Includes a reception pit.
- Conditioning: Areas for pre-cleaning and drying.
- Storage: Storage silos equipped with ventilation and thermometry systems.
- Dispatch: Silos for bulk loading onto trucks.
This standard plant configuration does not include cooling silos, which are installed after drying when harvested grain has high moisture levels. These silos are crucial for aiding the drying process during peak harvest periods.
Nor does it incorporate waiting or buffer silos, which are installed before drying to segregate grain by moisture content and allow the dryer sufficient time to perform drying effectively.