all about silo bag

brief about: Silo Bag Storage System

Contents

1. About Silo Bag

1.1. Introduction1.2 Size & Type of Silo Bags 1.2. General Safety Principles 1.3. Bag Specification 1.4. Bag Warranty

2. Simple rules to get the most from Silo Bag

2.1. Site Selection 2.1.1. Ground Conditions 2.1.2. High & Dry 2.1.3. ideal Slope 2.1.4. Stubble Issue 2.1.5. Tree Issues 2.1.6. Secure the Site

2.2. Bag Placement2.2.1. Separation between bags 2.2.2. North South Bag Orientation2.2.3. Bag Downhill

2.3. Filling of Bags 2.3.1. Keep the Bag Straight 2.3.2. Bag Stretching 2.3.3. Sealing the Bag 2.3.4. Bag Finishing

2.3.5. Protecting the Bag a. Rodent Control

b. Fencingc. Fire Danger/ Brecksd. Fire Extinguishers e. inspect after Stormsf. Regular Inspections

2.4. Emptying the Bag2.4.1. Preparing to open the bag

2.4.2. Safety During Unloading 2.5. India Grain Storage

2.5.1. Introduction 2.5.2. India Production Snapshoot2.5.3. Status of Indian Operations2.5.4. Strength 2.5.5. Compression of Silo Bag2.5.6. Standard Operating Practices2.5.7. Silo Grain Park Foundations 2.5.8. Storage Moisture2.5.9. Regular Sampling

What is a Silo bag ?

A polyethylene bag 60 meters long and 2.75 meters in diameter for storing grain in the open. It is suitable for storing wheat ( up to 200 Mt ) maize, barley, paddy, mustard, soya and other commodities.

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About Silo Bag

What is a Silo bag made of ?

A laminated plastic sheet made of 3 layers of coextruded polyethylene with 220 microns thickness.The first 2 layers make the bag weather proof and act as a UV filter.The third layer is black and protects the grain from sunlight UV STABILIZER Tio2

Participation of LDPE

Thickness of white layer

Thickness of the film

Participation of

antioxidative

compound

Able to stretch over a

extended period of time

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How does a Silo bag protect the grain ?It is sealed and airtight. The bag is designed to stretch by 10% ensuring the grain is packed tightly and most air is expelled at filling. After filling and sealing, the few pockets of air / oxygen are eliminated by the grain breathing thus producing a modified atmosphere, rich in CO2.

MAINTAINAING GRAINS IN A HERMETIC ENVIROMENT

Increase Dioxide Carbon Concentration (CO2)

Decreases Oxygen Concentration (O2)

1%

2.5-3%

Stretching relationship among different places of the bag

0%



BAGGING MACHINE CHARACTERICS

How is a Silo bag filled?With a specially designed bagging machine that can be filled from a harvester, a grain cart or any high volume auger. Bags can be filled at 200 Mt per hour.

Materials to Bag All kinds of dry grain

Transport position Same as work. Does not require additional elements.

Work tongue Foldable for tip or on truck transport

Tractor Minimum power: 33 kW (45 HP)PTO shaft speed: 540 rpmHydraulic group: one double acting cylinder output

Brake system Disk brake on both wheelsBraking power adjustable by hand pumpPressure gauge

Axle Adjustable through hydraulic cylinder

Feeding High capacity auger (more than 250 tons/hour)


The Silo Bag un-Loader features a bag roller shaft and a spring loaded clutch on the bag roller for easy bag removal. The equipment with a large 10”inch cross auger, 17” inch main auger along with the 50 degree angle of the main auger for more reach an height. It is capable of extracting approximately 150-180 MT of grains per hour from the silo Bag

How is a Silo bag emptied ?

By using a specially designed un-loader that opens the bag and lifts the grain to a grain cart or truck at 200 Mt per hour.



Where are Silo bags stored ?

In the open, on any clean, well drained ground that is free from sharp objects and does not have too steep incline. This can be even a harvested field as long as the crop stubble is not too spiky.

Place bags on high and well drained fields, far from trees and any possible source of breakups

Ground must be firm, plain and clean.


What if there are insects in the grain to be stored in a Silo Bag ?

The bag is an airtight environment, anything alive (insects, bacteria, the grain) consumes the limited oxygen in the bag and expels carbon dioxide. Usually within 30 days, the oxygen volume in the bag drops from 20% to 3%; the carbon dioxide volume rises from 0% to 17%. The inside of the bag has become anaerobic.

FUNGI CONTROL

INSECT CONTROL

QUALITY CONTROL


How long can grain be stored in a Silo bag ?If moisture level is within recommended limit grain can be stored in a bag up to 24 months.

What levels of grain moisture can be stored in a Silo bag ?It is recommended that grain be stored at the 'normal' standards of the country. Wheat can be stored for up to 2 years if below 12% moisture but can be stored for shorter periods at levels as high as 14% -16%.

Can Silo bags be reused ?No, the Silo bag has to be cut open along its length while emptied.


Not REUASABLE

What can be done with used Silo bags ?Silo bags can be recycled as each bag is made of 120 kg of high quality polyethylene.

How secure is a Silo bag ?A Silo bag can be opened with a sharp knife but cannot be transported. Pilferage from a Silo Bag needs a recipient to carry the spilled grain.


If a Silo bag is damaged can it be repaired ?Minor damage can be repaired with tape. Major damage requires that section to be unloaded and re-bagged. Undamaged sections can be resealed.

How are samples taken from a Silo bag?By using 6 feet sampling probe grain spear directly through bag and samples can be taken from any level and portion of the bags, small hole is resealed with tape



Are Silo bags affected by temperature?

Grain is stored in Silo bags at temperature extremes with no adverse affect. Bags have been filled in temperatures over 45 deg C in Australia , 50 deg C in sudan and been covered in snow and left at minus 20 deg C in Canada.

The bags are made of polyethylene which can be affected at temperature extremes, more elastic in heat, more brittle in cold. Having a low profile and contact with the ground heat dissipates quickly but doesn't impact on stored grains.

How much ground is needed to store gain in Silo bags ?Depending on the grain, calculate 3 - 5,000 per hectare. if same commodity than upto 5000 mt per hectare

What is the limit of grain that can be stored in Silo bags ?

None! With available land, just fill more bags. There are grain 'parks' in South Africa that hold more than 50,000 mt of grains and sudanhave more than 200000 mt.


Scientific bulk storage & preservation.

Economic solution as compared to conventional warehouses/Silo storage.

It is versatile storage system which can be deployed at farm level, mandi level and any suitable location.

The lead time for the mobilization for storage is just 4-5 weeks.

Silo bag can be kept in open field.

Quality and quantity remains intact same during the storage period.

Long- term storage solution (more than 2 years)

No fumigation required upto 24 months of continuous storage

Silo Bag hermetically sealed storage system which perpetually produce 17% of carbon dio- oxide within 30 days , thus inhibits any kind of incest and micro biological.

The storage capability during the procurement season can be scaled from 200 tons per hour and onwards because it handles the grains mechanically at very fast and efficient way.

Storing near to the farm level enables farmers to bring his produce quickly. The system allows appropriate price at appropriate time to farmers.

Silo Bag has been tried and tested under weather conditions of -40 degree C to +55 degree C in various countries.

The system tangibly saves the recurring cost of wooden crates, tarpaulin, gunny bags and fumigation cost

Manual handling is optimized

It is the most suitable and convenient backward integration for completing cycle of bulk supply chain

Being chemical free storage avoid further loss of nutrition


Each Machine has its own operating Manual.

Please Note

Operator safety is of the utmost concern. A great percentage of accidents occur by the neglect or incorrect operation of the machinery.

A good operator of machinery will use and maintain the machine adequately, taking the maximum precautions to avoid accidents.

The decals referring to safety, precautions and safety defaces as well as other safety protections measures, which has been incorporated into the machines, are there for your safety, as well as all others persons.

Do not paint over them

Maintain them in a clean and legible state

In case of deterioration, please contact authorized dealer for replacement decals

General Safety Principles

Business Consortium of India

The first two layers act as a UV filter. The third layer is black and is designed to keep out the sunlight.

The bags are designed to stretch by a maximum of 10%. This is measured during filling and must be observed to prevent overfilling the bag.

A polyethylene bag 60 meters long and 2.75 meters in diameter for storing grain in the open. It is suitable for storing wheat ( up to 220 tons) wheat, maize, barley, paddy, mustard, soya and other commodities.

The bag is sealed and airtight. It has a life of 12 - 18 months in the open.

A 60 meter bag holds around 220 tones of wheat or around 180 tones of barley. You can store any amount of grain in the bag by simply cutting the bag and resealing it again.

The bag is sealed storing the grain in an airtight environment, preventing the development and reproduction of fungi and insects. This environment can eliminate the need for chemicals.

The Silo Bag is a laminated mix of three layers of PE (polyethylene).

Bag Specification


Site Selection

When Selecting your site, it is important to look to the further and those conditions when extracting the grains.

While it is hot and dry during the bagging season, it maybe wet and cold when extracting. These conditions may be cause access problem for trucks and other machinery that Is being utilized to transport the grains away from the site.

It may be advisable in such conditions to locate beside a formed road/track, allowing the easy movement of loaded trucks/trolleys.

Simple Rules to get the most from Silo Bag


Ground Conditions It is important for good grain storage and conservation that the ground for bag filling is to be prepared in anticipation, with following characteristics

High and Dry The best results are found by having the bags located on a slightly raised, hard base. By forming these beds and stabilizing them in advance of the harvest, the forward thinjing Silo Bagger will be well rewarded.

High ground and an area that does not flood. Select an area away from trees Select hard ground, not soft. Ground that does not mark from the footprints of both the tractor and bagger. Make sure the ground id free from weeds and sharp stubble’s that might pierce the bag. Also make sure that the ground does not contain sharp stones, sticks and/or other objects that pierce the bag. it is best to keep the perimeter of each individual bag free from vegetation.

An application of chemical to control the weeds/grasses around the perimeters of the bag is a advisable This procedure and maintenance helps in the control of rodent attack and damage from animals that

may graze next to the bag

Continue…. Simple Rules to get the most from Silo Bag


Ideal Slope

If possible, it is preferable to bag downhill, as this helps to prevent moisture entry to the bag via the end opening.

An ideal slope would be a slight inclination of 1-3%

It is not recommended to work across slopes. This overload one side of the bag causing it to over stretch the plastic. This may possibly result in the premature failure of the bag.

If livestock are grazing in adjoining paddocks (or in the same paddock but with a fence around the silo bag ) it is advisable to keep the bags away from the fenceline by 2 meters fo 6 fee.



Tree Issues Tree drop limbs

These limbs can strike the bag on the to of it, where the most stretch and strain is found on bag. This sudden impact on the bag at this point cause the bags to split open along its entire length

Please be aware of this potential hazard selecting your site

Secure The Site

Once the bags are made, perimeter wire fence should be constructed to prevent damages from animals.

Prevent attack from rodents as they can damage the bags.

Keep the site clear and use baits when necessary.



Separation Between Bags

When placing bags side, it must be remembered that they have to be emptied one day!

With this in mind, please allow enough room between the bags to allow easy and unrestricted loading the X-tractor and associated grain carts and /or trolleys.

It is suggested that the distance the bags be enough to allow the grains carts or trolleys to pass between the bags while unloading with an x-tractor.

Our recommended is a distance of 5 meters /16.5 feet.

Bag Placement



Bag Placement for Silo Grain Park

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This will allow enough space for the x-tractor to work without rupturing the adjacent bag and enough space to create a pathway where an operator could control the integrity of the bag during storage. It is important to leave a path of at least 5 meters wide on the side that the x-tractor works so there is room for the transport vehicle.

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North - South

North South…. Important

It is recommended to place the bags NORTH/SOUTH because it is desirable for the sun to hit both sides of the bag evenly.

Uneven Exposure to the sun may result in:

Potential damage to the materials of the bags

if the sun is always only on the same side some discoloration of the grain may occur on that side as a result.

more condensation can occur on that side if you have bagged the grain with high moisture content.

Downhill bagging vs. Uphill Bagging

If machine is correctly and adequately barked for the bag stretching desirable (10%) then it is safe to bags downhill.

However it may be more appropriate to bag upslope, because in this way the slope helps the machine brake which assists in a more uniformly filled bags.



Filling the Bag

Keep the Bag Straight

For best result, when bagging, the mainero bagger should be kept working in a straight line.

Handy Hint

It is important to keep the bag straight. However, slight deviations may occur before you notice it.

Therefore to assist you in keeping your bag aligned in a straight line, we strongly suggest that you lay a string line the bagging pad, with the front wheel of the tractor running along the string line.

You will quickly notice if the tractor is deviating from the straight line. Please keep a constant eye on this important point, and correct when, and if necessary.



Bag Stretching

The Silo Bag is designed to stretch. This stretching helps expel the oxygen and make a compacted, tight bag.The healthy and dry grains that are placed inside the silo bags tend to behave like a liquid. This liquid nature of the grains has an impact on the interior of the Silo Bag. The Grains do not ‘cling’ together, and as a result, they tend to scatter towards the sides of the Silo Bag.

Different grains types react differently within the silo bag. Some grains becomes more ‘liquid’ and thus the silo bag will be in a more flattened and oval shape, while other grains types will make the silo bag more upright and round.

At a higher hectoliter weight , better grain cleanliness in the sample and lower moisture contact of the sample will mean that the grains in the silo bags will have a higher tendency to flow. This will lead, in in turn, to a higher stretching and deformation of the bag.

IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE BAG NOT BE STRETCHED BY MORE THAN 10%

Note; when adjusting the braking pressure , it should be done in small progressions of a recommended 10-15KG/CM2 {140-210 PSI} Usually as the day hotter, the bag will stretch more, requiring LESS braking pressure, likewise in the cool of the evening, the bag may require more stretching and the bagging machine require MORE braking pressure



Protecting the Silo Bag

Rodent Control

MICE

If you are concerned with mice attacking the bags, then it has been found that a light application Urea on the site where the bags are to laid us a well wroth while task. Others have found that by applying some light soil along the edge of the bags (along its side) and filling in the curve at ground level help prevent mice from burrowing in under the bag.

Another simple idea that had been found effective is the placement of a pipe at the sealed end of the bag. The rodents will travel trough this section and it is found that this pipe makes a great location for a bait station

We keep stressing the importance of good house keeping, most problems can be prevented

with good house keeping and regular checking and maintenance of the bags and sites .

The Steps to take are the followings:

the ground over which the bags are to placed must be free of grass and undergrowth Do not leave loose grains around the nags because they are very appealing to the rodentsIf a mouse got into the bag, the best thing to do is to introduce by the same hole, a foxtoxin pill (aluminum phosphor) and seal the hole with tape that is sent with the bag it is possible, lay the bags parallel to the main winds.



Fire Danger/Fire Breaks

It must be remembered that Silo Bags are made from PVC (plastic material). As such, if exposed to extreme heat from a close fire, it may in fact melt, or catch fire. In position you bags. It is best to be mindful of this fact to allow maximum protection of your assets.

Fire Extinguishers / Sand Bucket

You should always have a fully charged fire extinguisher and fully filled sand buckets close at hand when working around machinery. This is a sensiable precaution, and a legal requirement.

The operator must know how to operate this fire extinguisher before any machinery is started up or worked on.



Please read carefully all decals attached so you fully understand their meanings, and their importance. If you not understand any aspects of the decals, or operations of the machine, please contact authorized dealer for a clear interpretation and understanding.

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT MESSAGE

Before the operation of any of these machines, or any machine for the matters, it is essential that EVERY operator and supervisor read and learn thoroughly the contents of each separate manual applicable to that machine. This way, most hazardous situations will be avoided for the operator, for the parties and for any goods placed near the area.

To achieve this, it is fundamental that all operators and supervisors WITHOUT EXCEPTION read and undersigned clearly the manual relating to each machine individually. The training should include every details of the machines operation, and should also be lacked by written records.

Any guards that are placed on the machine are there for a reason; to protect

if any guard becomes lost or damaged, please have it replaced before continuing to operate the machine.



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Inspect after Storms

A sudden storm could occur at any time. Please seal the bag before leaving unattended over night to prevent rain damage to the bagged grain.

Hail: after a hail storm the bags must be checked immediately to see if any damage has occurred. If the damage is light, it can be repaired with appropriate tape. If it is serious then the only safe solution is to empty and place anew bag. Remember that a higher stretch of the bag, increase the risk to hail damage.

Regular InspectionsThe success of your Silo Bag system will largely depends on your level of house keeping once the bags are filled.

It is important that all possible efforts are taken to maintain the integrity of the plastic membrane, or repair it quickly if found damaged and /or perforated. Remember that holes in the membrane can cause material degradation

Responsibility & Efficiency

Awareness

Consistency


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all about silo bag