When the time comes to purchase a new silo, it can often be a daunting proposition and a frustrating process. Silos are a long-term investment and can significantly impact the profitability of your business, which is why you must undertake extensive research before buying one. A silo can be used to safely store grain in bulk, food products, renewable energy, pulp, paper, and construction supplies. To ensure you purchase the right silo for your specific requirements, the following information and key features can be used to help you invest in the right silo.
Silo Structure
A standard silo made from concrete or steel has an average lifespan of 15 years. While these silos are frequently used in agriculture, they don’t offer the same level of longevity afforded to superior materials like composite. Our silos at Silostore are manufactured with innovative technology and have a seamless interior made from glass reinforced plastic, to deliver an unparalleled service life, of over 20 years. The structure and design of any silo can determine the level of safety and durability. Deciding to purchase a silo made from glass reinforced plastic, means your product is protected with zero internal catch-points and is durable in any environment.
Size and Shape
It’s important that your new silo is the correct shape and size to meet your requirements. Ensure you completely understand the volume required to successfully store your products and the location you wish to install the silo. By considering these factors, you can determine the size required to store your products and the most effective shape. It can be hard to find the exact size that works for you, which is why at Silostore, we can custom design your silo tank from the smallest size up to 4500m dia x 30,000 mm high.
Internal Silo Access
Your new silo must provide easy internal and external access points to load and unload your product. Having a top hatch and bottom outlet with a sliding gate or valve is imperative. Often a 20 – 30 cm outlet is used to assist with moving the auger system into place or a conveyor under the silo. How do you determine if your new silo has the right loading and unloading hatch and outlet? You can measure the height of the silo to the equipment you use to load and unload your product. You can also determine if you prefer a top fill point (easy for auger access) or if you prefer a ground operated outlet (simple to operate) or simply both.
Aeration
Depending on what you’re storing in your new silo, you should consider the aeration cooling of grain or other products. While low air flows for aeration cooling may not necessarily impact the material moisture. As a result, if you require aeration, you can review the fan size and specifications of the silo that’s required to store your product. You can further analyse roof-vent options that can easily be accessible for silo maintenance and automatic aeration fan controllers that are reliable and built to the highest standards of quality.
Silo Maintenance
Look for a silo that’s easy to clean. It’s recommended that all silos undertake regular maintenance and cleaning, to review the internal design, structure, and ventilation. By considering this before you buy a new silo, you can determine which silos are the most functional and practical to clean and maintain. Undertaking regular silo maintenance is important to reduce risks of contamination and insects living and breeding within the silo, it can also maximise the service-life of the silo.
There are many factors to consider when buying a new silo to guarantee that it is a durable vessel for your product, effective when loading and unloading your product and preventing contamination. The first step when buying a new silo is to invest in one that’s made from high-quality materials such as FRP. When silos are made from high-quality materials, they offer a long-lasting structure to safely store your products. Silos are a long-term business investment and it’s important that you consider all your silo options. By taking your time and using this guide when buying a new silo tank, you can find the best silo solution that meets your specific requirements.
If you require some assistance in buying a new silo or have any questions and concerns, you can contact our Silostore experts today!
