STORAGE
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MOISTURE CONTROL IN STORAGE
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entall Rowlands Storage Systems Limited is a leading UK manufacturer in complete storage and processing equipment solutions for the agricultural and industrial markets. We offer a wide range of galvanised steel silos and hoppers, water tanks, catwalks and platforms, material handling equipment, cleaning and grading and weighing and drying systems that are assembled worldwide. With the capabilities to design, manufacture, supply, and install storage systems from an extensive range of products, we provide a comprehensive end-to-end solution, which can be designed to any specific clients’ requirements. We have designed and installed silos worldwide in countries that include the UK, Kenya, Thailand, Holland, France, Germany, Ukraine, Malawi, New Zealand and many more. Kevin Groom, Technical Director says, “Our storage systems are individually designed for all clients. Each project has a bespoke design that is sure to match, if not exceed clients’ expectations. We are extremely proud of the projects that we have undertaken in these geographically challenged areas, proving that whatever the specification, we are sure to provide the most suitable design necessary.”
36 | Milling and Grain
by Louise Smith and Nick Carter, Bentall Rowlands, UK
Moisture levels and consequences
Getting the moisture levels right in a silo can be challenging but it is essential that the target level is reached within the shortest possible time. If this does not occur, the results would be the formation of mycotoxin and quality degradation. The main causes of spoilage in stored grain are fungi, insects and mites.
Fungi is one of the main consequences of a variety of different moisture contents and temperatures stored in grain. In order to control this, a principal method known as drying and cooling needs to be put in place. No storage fungi will grow below a moisture content of 14.5 percent but they do continue to grow