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Grain Storage: Considerations to Maintain Quality: Part 1 - Introduction, What Is Aeration?

Introduction

The primary tools used to manage grain in bulk storage are Grain Temperature Detection Systems, and Aeration. A temperature detection system is an electronic reading device that is attached to special cables, suspended from the roof of the grain storage. A storage structure may have one, or many cables, depending on the structure diameter. The cables contain temperature sensors at approximately two-meter vertical intervals. Grain temperatures change relatively slowly, and are normally read and recorded once per week. Variations in grain temperature across the grain mass, or localized rising temperatures, can be indications of grain spoilage and the need for managers to take action. But since grain temperature detection is another complete presentation, we will not focus on it today. More importantly, we will focus on Aeration, the process of making changes within a grain mass.

Tags · Aeration · Grain · Storage · Quality · Feed Ingredients

• Continue reading • Comments (0) 06.02.2009. 19:11

Grain Storage: Considerations to Maintain Quality: Part 2 - Moisture Temperature Storage Capability,

Moisture Temperature Storage Capability

On the left side of this chart (Figure 1) is temperature, and at the bottom is moisture (as a percent of content in whole grain). By reducing the available moisture in grain, the growth opportunity for mold and fungi decreases dramatically. Reducing temperature also contributes to the reduction of mold and fungi growth.

Tags · Aeration · Grain · Storage · Quality · Feed Ingredients

• Continue reading • Comments (0) 05.02.2009. 19:14

Grain Storage: Considerations to Maintain Quality: Part 3 - When To Aerate Grain?, Aeration Rates, H

Aeration Rates

How much air is needed to aerate grain in storage? The most common measurement of air is in cubic-feet-per-minute. Typical ratios of air to grain range between 0.05 to 0.20 cubic-feet-per-minute per bushel of grain. This would be the equivalent of 0.054 to 0.222 cubic meters of air per minute for each metric ton of grain. It is most common to design for 0.10 to 0.14 CFM/Bu (0.114 to 0.162 m3/min/ton). If you receive a proposal for an aeration system designed to Imperial measurements, look for air volumes close to 0.10 (1/10) CFM/BU or higher. Each system manufacturer will try to determine the most efficient system, taking into consideration available equipment, the volume and depth of the grain, and the most cost efficient system to purchase and operate.

Tags · Aeration · Grain · Storage · Quality · Feed Ingredients

• Continue reading • Comments (0) 04.02.2009. 19:17

Grain Storage: Considerations to Maintain Quality: Part 4 - Aeration Problems And Solutions

Aeration Problems And Solutions

1. Aeration Problems - A common problem that can occur during aeration is a front that stops. If someone stops the aeration fan midway through the aeration process, the moisture and heatladen front will stall. When the front stalls, it despots the carried moisture and heat in the grain. When aeration is started the second time, the front will again begin at the bottom of the bin, while the heat and moisture deposited above begin to spoil the grain. If the new front does not reach the old front in time spoilage in the old front will create a crust that prevents the movement of air, preventing any additional aeration. The grain must be removed from the storage structure.

Tags · Aeration · Grain · Storage · Quality · Feed Ingredients

• Continue reading • Comments (0) 02.02.2009. 19:20

Grain Storage: Considerations to Maintain Quality: Part 5 - Conculsion

Aeration Conclusions

a. Grain should be aerated to
i. Maintain uniform temperature in the grain mass.
ii. +/- 2ºC Average Daily Ambient Temperature (day and night).
iii. Regularly – every 30 days recommended.
iv. When the difference between the grain temperature and the outside are do not exceed 9º'bcC.

Tags · Aeration · Grain · Storage · Quality · Feed Ingredients

• Continue reading • Comments (0) 01.02.2009. 19:22