Dennis Blauser, Marietta Silos, USA, outlines how professional silo inspection and maintenance are fundamental for fiscally and socially responsible silo ownership.
I
n the past, silo engineers and construction experts recommended inspections at least every two to five years. Yet, without Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Health and Safety Executive (HSE), or other safety standard requirements, plant and facility managers would often opt for in-house inspections or skip the process altogether. After a rise in silo failures over recent years, many insurance companies now require silo inspections. Regular silo inspections can help reduce the liability issues that arise after a structural failure. All silos, regardless of age, stored material, or construction type, must be inspected by a professional specialising in silo construction annually or semi-annually. Though it is important to keep an eye on silos by inspecting key elements regularly, there are too many limitations to in-house inspections to warrant skipping a professional assessment. A professional inspection by a qualified silo engineer or contractor is the only way to ensure a silo remains operational and safe. A silo inspection includes a thorough examination of the structure to identify current and potential issues. After the inspection is complete, the customer receives a detailed report of findings that outlines all discoveries in order of importance. This allows customers to identify essential repairs easily. Full-service companies provide this findings report, recommended repairs list, and a proposal for the cost of repairs.
Maximising scheduled inspections
While the majority of silos should follow an annual or semiannual inspection programme, there are situations when a more frequent inspection schedule is necessary. Concrete stave silos designed for industrial storage require frequent inspection. Heavier stored materials like aggregates increase the loads placed on internal components, including
SUMMER 2021 . DRY BULK . 23
