Million tons of grain misfortunes are caused because of inappropriate stockpiling conditions, even now after so many years of technological developments. Factors like hot weather, heat, bugs and air circulation which are viable in storage conditions influence the quality and amount of grain and lessen the storage time frame. In this perspective, correct storage solutions are among the main components in the food supply chain of grain which is a critical nourishing source.
How it was done before –
Earlier, humans required a reasonable method of putting away grain for use over lengthy winters. The absolute earliest types of grain storage used baskets, jars and sacks. A few communities had another storage facility where they kept grain inside in an enormous heap. In certain societies, these storage facilities might have likewise gone about as a kind of party place for hunter-gatherers.
Obviously, these techniques weren’t reasonable — baskets, jars and sacks are just appropriate for short-termed usage and little portions of the grain. Open or uncovered storage facilities left the grain susceptible to rodents, microbes, bugs, dampness and parasites.
Archaeological proof suggests that early types of the silos existed almost quite a while back, years before crop taming became widespread. Early humans probably utilized them to battle against starvation. They mostly stored grain and wheat, and the silos had raised stages and slight slopes for drainage systems and protection against moisture. There have been early storehouses found that were adequately huge to help a whole metropolitan local area — something up till now unbelievable for the time.
Early silos –
A few early silos were flat with squared corners. These were either somewhat or altogether completely dug into the ground and afterward fixed with rocks or straw to retain any ground moisture. However, this square shape began to permit air pockets to form in the corners — conditions that lead to extreme levels of grain decay. This prompted the development of the rounded silos we know today.
Early rounded silos comprised of wood, cement and brick — not exactly as cost-productive or strong as the steel storehouses you see now. They were likewise more dangerous than the typical grain storage silos of the present times. People needed to go inside the silos and perform extreme work
Why silos are so important-
Silos are comprised of sheet metal and have a galvanized covering. Also, the rise in temperature of the sheet metal because of the sun is superficial and doesn’t influence the grains at all. Fermentation processes result in temperature variations when there is a dampness centre that starts to disintegrate the grain, and one of the results is a temperature increase.
Thus the significance of identifying moisture sources by utilizing devices allows one to gauge the temperature inside the silos and set an alert when there is an increase in temperature in any of the places, showing that something significant is occurring inside. When moisture has been identified, it is important to act on it either by ventilating (putting air at medium tension inside the storehouse) or by recycling and moving the grain to somewhere else, which is a lot more secure.
Storing grains safely –
Contrasted with most other staples, for example, meats and vegetables, grains are moderately simple to store. Assuming that the grain is kept bug free and underneath is protected against moisture content, it will be alright for a long time with negligible loss of quality or dietary benefit.
Low temperature is an important consideration in limiting bug activity and in the upkeep of nourishing quality overall. Storing at or underneath the protected moisture content is fundamental for the avoidance of deterioration brought about by microorganisms and bugs.
Where bugs are, temperatures are high, and most particularly where moisture content is above safe levels, then, at that point, storage of grain becomes both dangerous and troublesome, and misfortunes will be challenging to keep away from. It is in these conditions that the sort of storage space and its plan become basic to the security of the stored grain.
While the decision of storage layout is wide, the fundamental prerequisites expected to store grain securely remain the same as before.
They include-
Sealing away – The storage structure should keep the grain free from water, bugs, rodents, and birds.
Cooling – In the event that the grain is to be put away at a moisture content above ‘safe’ levels, an arrangement ought to be made for cooling the grain.
Simple disinfestation – The storage space ought to likewise allow simple and prudent disinfestation of grain in case of bug pervasion.
Grain storage solutions at EIP –
Even though grain storage has changed and grown significantly over the years, there is always room to improve and grow. EIP is always striving to achieve a better and safer solution to grain storage that’s more effective and manageable.
Learn more about our solutions and other products to improve your storage and make your business easier and smoother