Commercial grain handling systems are the solution for farmers looking for a single-source supplier to store and process grain. At a commercial grain handling operation, grain can be effectively stored and dried, as well as moved from storage to processing and transportation when the time comes. As a one-stop shop for grain handling, commercial grain facilities are trusted with conserving, managing and moving large quantities of grain from bins safely and efficiently.
These tasks come with heavy responsibility and call for dependable, proven solutions that will maximize productivity while minimizing the margin of error. Due to a recent rise in technology and new grain handling equipment improvements, there are more options than ever for upgrading a commercial grain handling system.
Below, we’ll cover the basics of commercial grain handling system parts before talking about further equipment enhancements. You’ll also learn how any grain handling system’s efficiency and safety can be increased.
There are three main functions of a commercial grain handling system: housing, drying and handling the grain. The quality of the equipment used throughout these processes makes all the difference for the grain’s condition and the ultimate return on investment (ROI). Because equipment quality defines a commercial grain handling system’s effectiveness, here are some of the best devices for each of the system’s three components:
Grain storage bins are the key to preserving grain well after harvest. A good commercial grain bin will keep the grain dry and ready to be sold, made into animal feed or used as fuel at a moment’s notice. It’s important to consider what material a commercial grain bin consists of because the storage medium will determine how long the grain lasts.
The two best choices of commercial grain bins for protecting your crops are smooth-walled and corrugated bins. Both types are constructed using galvanized steel, which means they are more durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions. A smaller farm can rely on smooth-walled bins for a long-term grain storage system, while larger farms tend to need corrugated bins.
To prevent grain spoilage during storage, a commercial grain handling system needs a dependable drying process. This usually includes using grain dryers and fans to rapidly get grain to reach a safe moisture level. Whether using an in-bin or out-of-bin drying system, every commercial grain handling operation needs to have proper drying procedures that are proportional to its size. For large storage sites, multiple dryers with higher capacities will most likely need to be installed.
While many moving parts comprise a commercial grain handling system, spouting is an especially crucial constituent of the system because it enables the whole operation to function. Without the right type of spouting, grain distribution turns into an inefficient mess. On the other hand, high-quality spouting that perfectly fits a particular flow process allows the system to work as smoothly and quickly as possible.
As another essential component of the grain handling system, flow valves control how much grain pours from the point of discharge and what rate at which it flows. Subpar flow valves will cause problems like loose seals or restricted flow, which can lead to grain leaks or contamination from external factors. A properly fitted flow valve will seal tightly with the spout and protect grain from leakage, restriction or contamination, which could boost ROI.
After mastering the basics of commercial grain handling systems, you might start looking for ways to enhance the system and improve grain quality. Check out these five additional elements to make any commercial grain handling system more efficient and reliable:
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a piece of equipment that could collect and cushion grain even when the spouts aren’t operating at full capacity? That’s exactly what a DBAR unit is designed to do. Thanks to its adjustable baffle, a DBAR can be set to a custom level of cushion to reduce overall handling damages by 50% or more. A DBAR cushion box is durable and long-lasting, and it efficiently provides better grain quality to increase ROI.
Slide gates are crucial to a successful grain handling system as the controlling operative for the flow of materials on conveyors, hoppers and emergency shut-off spots. Customized grain flow rack and pinion slide gates can save product and time by preventing the leaks and unexpected complications that often come with lower-quality slide gates. When using custom steel slide gates, these problems no longer exist because the steel rollers and bushings remain lubricated while the inlet collars maintain a vacuum-tight seal.
Thanks to silo level monitoring sensors, the amount of material within a storage structure can be continuously monitored and controlled. Having real-time, exact and accurate knowledge of inventory levels is revolutionary for commercial-level grain management. Although they may sound highly technical, silo level monitoring sensors are straightforward with a simple mounting system and an easy-to-use app for monitoring.
By holding damaging dust production to a minimum, a dust suppression hopper cuts down on air pollution and decreases the risk of fire while increasing profit. A dust suppression hopper works like a grain loading spout, but it removes air from the product as it fills the hopper to eliminate dust and speed up loading times. Improving air quality in this way can benefit workers’ health and efficiency by reducing the time spent cleaning.
Even the highest quality materials can break down sometimes, especially in a tough and rugged industry like commercial grain handling. Instead of paying for expensive repairs or replacements at the first signs of wear and tear, PatchWorx offers a way to fix a worn-out bin, building or tool instantly. After exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and about five minutes of wait time, PatchWorx begins to harden like steel wherever it’s applied to serve as a durable, waterproof patch.
If you’re looking to upgrade your commercial grain handling system, contact LCDM to find out how your facility can be improved today. At LCDM, we provide products specially constructed to suit your needs through our custom design process. We recognize that every operation is slightly different and will require a unique solution, which is why our engineering experts examine each project’s details before making personalized products.
To discover how you can optimize your operation’s efficiency, call LCDM at 888-963-9145 today.
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