B efore erecting a steel bin, soil-boring tests should be performed by a competent, independent geotechnical engineering firm. Failing to ensure this process is carried out can have disastrous consequences. Damage to a bin can result from factors including poor soil, the wrong type of concrete, and construction method used. The strength and stability of a footing or foundation depends on factors such as climate, subsidence, elastic and/or plastic deformations, shear deformation, and soil consolidation. Any number of these factors may be present on a given foundation project, and each is relatively independent of the other; that is to say, each must be considered and dealt with separately. To be safe from one standpoint does not necessarily ensure one’s being safe from any of the others, Nelson said. Seismic and wind conditions should also be taken into consideration. Companies should check for any local or regional building codes and regulations to ensure compliance, including but not limited to seismic zone conditions and high winds. STORAGE Crucial factors in steel grain bin management by Kirk Nelson, Director of Marketing and Sales Behlen Mfg. Co. At the recent GEAPS Exchange in St. Louis, Missouri, Kirk Nelson addressed the fundamentals of steel bin installation and maintenance. Safety awareness was also highlighted, a topic that remains of critical importance to those working in the grain, storage and handling industry. In the past 50 years, more than 900 cases of grain engulfment have been reported with a fatality rate of 62 percent, according to researchers at Purdue University in Indiana. Nelson cited the main hazards associated with grain bins commonly include; grain engulfment and burial, falls from heights, dust and mould inhalation, pesticide exposure, electrocution and injuries from augurs. In this four-part series, Milling and Grain take a closer look at the essential elements of bin maintenance, starting with the crucial considerations relating to bin construction and bin safety measures. In this talk, Nelson pointed out that usually steel corrugated grain bins are designed and manufactured to withstand the constant forces applied when they are filled with grain and when properly installed and operated, storage structures should provide many years of good service. However, it is vital that those who erect the structure in the first place follow proper guidelines. It is usually worth consulting experts to carry out the process of erection. First, it is critical that erection manuals and assembly drawings are thoroughly studied prior to construction of the bin. Acquiring proper knowledge of individual assembly procedures aids safety and speed of construction. 56 | Milling and Grain F
Transcript
Before erecting a steel bin, soil-boring tests should be performed by a competent, independent geotechnical engineering firm. Failing to ensure this process is carried out can have disastrous consequences. Damage to a bin can result from factors including poor soil, the wrong type of concrete, and construction method used.
The strength and stability of a footing or foundation depends on factors such as climate, subsidence, elastic and/or plastic deformations, shear deformation, and soil consolidation. Any number of these factors may be present on a given foundation project, and each is relatively independent of the other; that is to say, each must be considered and dealt with separately. To be safe from one standpoint does not necessarily ensure one’s being safe from any of the others, Nelson said.
Seismic and wind conditions should also be taken into consideration. Companies should check for any local or regional building codes and regulations to ensure compliance, including but not limited to seismic zone conditions and high winds.
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Crucial factors in steel grain bin management by Kirk Nelson, Director of Marketing and Sales Behlen Mfg. Co.
At the recent GEAPS Exchange in St. Louis, Missouri, Kirk Nelson addressed the fundamentals of steel bin installation and maintenance. Safety awareness was also highlighted, a topic that remains of critical importance to those working in the grain, storage and handling industry. In the past 50 years, more than 900 cases of grain engulfment have been reported with a fatality rate of 62 percent, according to researchers at Purdue University in Indiana. Nelson cited the main hazards associated with grain bins commonly include; grain engulfment and burial, falls from heights, dust and mould inhalation, pesticide exposure, electrocution and injuries from augurs.
In this four-part series, Milling and Grain take a closer look at the essential elements of bin maintenance, starting with the crucial considerations relating to bin construction and bin safety measures. In this talk, Nelson pointed out that usually steel corrugated grain bins are designed and manufactured to withstand the constant forces applied when they are filled with grain and when properly installed and operated, storage structures should provide many years of good service.
However, it is vital that those who erect the structure in the first place follow proper guidelines. It is usually worth consulting experts to carry out the process of erection. First, it is critical that erection manuals and assembly drawings are thoroughly studied prior to construction of the bin. Acquiring proper knowledge of individual assembly procedures aids safety and speed of construction.
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Furthermore, proximity to roads, rail, power, and gas lines cannot be overlooked.
Depending on the primary function of the facility the bins will likely be located close to one or more of these utilities. While close proximity is important to keep construction, and operation cost to a minimum, it is also important to maintain safe distances. Careful considerations should be taken to meet local codes and offer a safe working environment for those in, and around the facility.
Moreover, it is very important to ensure that loads on bin roofs do not exceed manufacturer’s ratings. While initial installation may prove successful, if these loads are not properly designed, heavy snow loads or high wind conditions can lead to roof failures. Equally, It is not enough to make sure the roof rating is adequate, it is also very important to ensure all loads on roof are uniformly distributed to the peak according to the manufactures recommendations.
It is critical that bin components are kept dry prior to installation. White rusting can and will occur should components become wet during the construction process. This can occur not only by means of rain but also condensation. Outside storage on the job site should be for a limited time only and just prior to use in the erection of the bins, and when site, and weather conditions are favorable.
Last, miscellaneous components such as, kits, nuts and bolts, crates, and skids should be stored on blocks to prevent contact with the ground. One end should be blocked higher than the other to permit drainage in the case of rainfall. Roof panels should be individually separated and stored on blocks to prevent contact with the ground. Spacers should be used between each roof sheet to aid in air flow/ventilation between sheets. One end of the panel(s) should be blocked 3” to 6” higher to permit rainwater to run off the panels. Wall panels should be individually separated and placed on edge on blocks, with spaces between each panel. Materials should be temporarily covered with tarps only during times of rainfall to protect the materials.
Otherwise the materials should be left uncovered to aid in airflow. Galvanised steel is subject to corrosion and discoloration if moisture becomes entrapped between panels due to condensation, which can lead to corrosion and discoloration.
SafetySafety is paramount when working with grain. All members
of staff should learn how to use controls and operate equipment correctly. It is critical that no one is allowed to operate equipment without thorough training of basic operating and safety procedures, said Nelson. All mechanical and electrical components should be periodically checked to keep them in good condition. It goes without saying that no un-authorised modifications should be made the equipment; doing so may endanger function and safety of the equipment.
Nelson went on to point out that weather-related safety hazards should not be overlooked, particularly ice and snow. Icicles and snow falling from bin eaves are dangerous and can cause serious injury or even death. Ice or moisture on ladders can cause slippery conditions that may result in life-threatening falls. Decals are attached to the equipment at various places to call attention to messages concerning personal safety. Read and heed the message and be alert to the possibility of personal injury or fatality.
It is the responsibility as an owner, operator or supervisor to know what hazards exist and to make these known to all other personnel working in the area, so that they too may take any necessary safety precautions that may be required
Before carrying out any service on the equipment or entering the bin, those operating should be certain that the main power disconnect switch is locked in the “off’ position. Guards and shields should not be overlooked; they are there for protection and should be kept in place and secured while the machine is in operation. All safety shields that may have been damaged or removed for servicing purposes should be replaced and fastened securely before operating machinery.
Comprehensive points to note are: • Keep all persons away from any hazard areas • Keep hands, feet and clothing away from moving parts. Loose
clothing can become entangled in rotating parts and cause serious injury
• Be aware of the danger that is present when loading or unloading a grain bin. Grain that has bridged or tunneled may suddenly break loose and trap a person who may be inside the bin. Death by suffocation can result. Avoid entering the bin until the grain is removed
• Ladders and walking and working surfaces should have safety cages and handrails for safe use. Use a lifeline and harness when the danger of falling exists
• Avoid entering bin before all grain is removed. Be aware of engulfment risks and use lifeline and harness when entering a bin. Do not walk on grain under any circumstances
• Always have other personnel outside of bin before entering• Be aware of sumps and handling equipment on the floors –
avoid these areasBehlen Mfg. Co. is a leading international manufacturer of
grain storage systems. These structures are used worldwide in a multitude of locations storing a wide variety of grain. Behlen bins range in size from a few thousand bushels to over 1,500,00 bushels. The Behlen grain storage buildings can be custom designed for many applications.
In next month’s storage section, we look at the factors involved with bin usage.
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The project, which began in April last year, is scheduled for completion at the end of May 2015. With its new manufacturing facility, the company’s goal is to become an European leader, not only in manufacturing turnkey grain storage projects, but also in modernity and quality of its facilities, innovation and marketing strategies.
The project consists of two buildings. The main building, designed to house the manufacturing plant, has a rectangular floor plan and is topped with a curved East façade. This area has a capacity of 10,000 square meters.
The other building, the administrative area, represents the corporate image of the company, and is designed by using its flagship product, a steel silo, as an architectural element.
The new facilities will allow the optimisation of stock needed to manufacture the entire range of products the company has in the market.
Storage project Silos Cordoba’s new manufacturing plant at science and technology park is 95% complete
60 | Milling and Grain
Next Instruments is pleased to announce that they were awarded the 2015 AgriBusiness Innovation of the Year Award at the Wimmera Field Days, held in Horsham, Victoria, Australia on March 3rd to 5th,
2015. The award was for the CropScan 3000S On Silo Analyser that was launched at the event.
The CropScan 3000S is an unique system designed for measuring protein, moisture and oil in grains and oil seeds as they pass through an auger, along a conveyor belt or through a pneumatic pipe. The system consists of the CropScan 3000 Near Infrared Transmission spectrometer, a Remote Sampling Head and a Touch Screen PC Controller mounted onto a trolley for transporting the system around the yard or shed.
The CropScan 3000S On Silo Analyser is part of an on-going product development that started 15 years ago when NIR Technology Systems developed a portable NIR analyser for farmers. Since 2000, NIR Technology Systems and now Next
Instruments, have introduced a complete range of on farm analyser technology
that includes the CropScan 3000H On Combine Analyser, the CropScan 1000H On Farm Analyser, the CropScan 1000B Whole Grain Analyser and CropNet Farm Data Management Software.
The CropScan 3000S allows farmers, grain traders and grain processors to measure the quality parameters of their grain in real-time. This enables the user to monitor the protein, moisture and oil content as the grain is being loaded into a container, a truck or a ship. It allows farmers to blend grain from two silos to ensure that they meet contract specifications. It allows grain processors, eg, flour millers, stockfeed manufacturers, to check incoming loads of grain to ensure greater uniformity in feedstock.
The CropScan 3000S, like all the CropScan range of NIR analysers, is linked to the CropNet software which can then post data in real-time to the web. Farmers, buyers and traders can access the web using their smart phones, tablets or office PC to capture grain quality data along with tonnage, storage location, variety and other information relating to the grain.
Next instruments wins AgriBusiness Innovation of the Year Award 2015
