A Detailed Look Into The Need For Grain Bin Monitoring

By Kenneth Patterson


There has been a growing trend of storing of grains in farms due to the adoption of technologically advanced modes of farming. This phenomenon has led to the increase in production levels over the years. This is usually done in bins which are conveniently located in the farms. This has necessitated the need for grain bin monitoring with the aim of ensuring the quality of material is maintained.

The farmers have found a need to track humidity levels and even the temperatures contained in these bin systems so as to ensure that this valuable produce is stored effectively. The main agenda of doing this is to ensure that the grain is stored in such a way that it does not deteriorate in condition.

The established needs of the end users are considered when arriving at the most suitable levels of moisture levels to be maintained. In the case of corn moisture content should preferably be kept at a range of between 10% and 30%. The most optimum levels of moisture content for human consumption has been determined to be about 15.5%.

These systems are even able to give pretty reliable estimates of the periods that the produce will remain safe for consumption by livestock or even by human. This data is usually presented as the Allowable Storage Time and is derived by carefully analyzing the moisture content and even the temperatures exposed to the produce.

Grain is a very perishable commodity and this is usually determined by the level of temperatures present in storage containers. The higher the temperatures, the greater the risk of perish-ability. This is why aeration is strongly recommended in cases where the temperatures have risen to a pre-determined level. The most optimum temperatures range from -5 degrees Celsius to 0 degrees Celsius. There should be a deliberate effort to ensure that the levels of temperature never go beyond 15 degrees Celsius.

Temperatures should be preferably measured once a week as this helps achieve the most desired levels of temperature. Once the monthly average levels of temperature is determined sufficient effort should be employed in ensuring that these levels are never exceeded. The maximum amount of variance to the monthly average is usually 5 degrees Celsius.

The presence of fine particles in these containers can clog all the holes meant for aeration purpose. This should never be allowed to happen and to prevent this farmers are highly encouraged to make use of a cleaning drum prior to storing the produce. The main agenda in ensuring that grain is well preserved for safe consumption is the provision of adequate aeration as this simple procedure comes in handy in maintaining both the temperature and even humidity levels.

The use of these grain bins has led to several concerns being raised with regards to the safety of workers during times of operation. Safety can be achieved by always switching off the power before entering these facilities. A person should also always enter these facilities in company of another individual. The occurrence of accidents can be tackled by putting proper stairs. Of late there has been the development of self monitoring grain bin systems which have lessened the burden previously experienced,




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