Soybean silo

Soybean silo Introduction

Soybean silo are a type of industrial silo that are specifically designed to store bulk materials such as soybeans. These silos are usually designed to store large quantities of agricultural products and industrial raw materials, such as soybeans, grain, feed, etc. Their main function is to provide a safe and dry environment to maintain the quality of the materials while ensuring that the quantity of the materials is accurate.

The construction and design of soybean silo take into account the physical properties of soybeans, such as density, moisture content, etc., to ensure that the soybeans will not deteriorate or be lost during storage. In addition, the construction and management of soybean silo also take into account environmental and safety factors to ensure that the storage process has minimal impact on the environment while ensuring the safety of the staff. 

Functional characteristics of soybean silo

Storage Function

Soybean silo are filling-type storage facilities primarily used for storing large quantities of soybeans. They provide ample space to accommodate substantial amounts of soybeans, meeting the production needs of grain and oil processing bases or related enterprises.

Automation Function

Modern soybean silo are typically equipped with highly automated systems. When a transport ship docks at the port, soybeans can be poured into the silo from the top using automatic transport equipment for sealed storage. Throughout the entire process, staff do not need to enter the silo, relying entirely on advanced sensor equipment for real-time monitoring. When materials are needed, staff simply open the valve at the bottom of the silo, and the soybeans are continuously supplied to the production workshop according to a preset path. This fully enclosed operation from storage to transportation significantly improves efficiency and safety.

Pest and Rodent Control

Since soybean are a major food source for pests and rodents, preventing infestations is crucial during storage. The design of soybean silo typically addresses this issue by incorporating devices such as insect lamps and rodent repellent to prevent pest and rodent intrusion.

Ventilation and Drying Function

After entering the silo, soybeans usually require cleaning and drying. Soybean silo are equipped with axial fans and other ventilation devices that generate strong airflow to clean and dry the soybeans, ensuring their storage quality.

Monitoring Function

Soybean silo are equipped with advanced sensor and monitoring devices that can monitor the storage status of soybeans in real-time, including key parameters such as temperature and humidity. Any issues detected can be promptly addressed to ensure the safety of soybean storage.

Longevity and Removability

Steel plate silo have the advantages of being lightweight, high-strength, and long-lasting, with a service life generally not less than 25 years. Additionally, bolt-assembled steel plate silos are easy to disassemble and reassemble, allowing for convenient relocation as needed.

Structural components of soybean silo

Silo Body

The main part of soybean storage, typically made of steel plates or similar materials, provides sufficient strength and sealing capacity to hold large quantities of soybeans.

Support Ring

Installed at the bottom of the silo body, it supports the body to ensure stability and safety.

Legs

Usually installed at the bottom of the support ring, these legs fix the silo to the ground and provide additional support. The number and distribution of the legs are designed according to the size and weight of the silo to ensure its stability.

Electrical Box

Houses control equipment such as switches and controllers for devices like air pumps, hydraulic pumps, and hot air blowers. The electrical box is typically installed on the inside of the legs for easy operation and maintenance.

Air Pump

Generates air and is connected to devices like air hammers via air pipes to assist in soybean discharge and silo cleaning.

Hydraulic Pump

The power source that drives hydraulic rods and other equipment, used to adjust the height and position of devices like the air nozzle.

Hot Air Blower

Produces hot air, which is sprayed into the silo through devices like the air nozzle to dry the soybeans and ensure their dryness.

Discharge Outlet

Located at the bottom of the silo body, it is used for discharging soybeans. Discharge control valves are typically installed to control the speed and amount of discharge.

Air Hammer

Installed at the bottom of the silo body, driven by air from the air pump to vibrate the silo during discharge, increasing the discharge speed and preventing soybeans from sticking to the bottom.

Air Pipes

Connect the air pump to devices like the air hammer, used for transmitting air.

Ladder

Installed on one side of the silo body for personnel to climb up and down for maintenance and inspection.

Hydraulic Rod

Installed at one end of the ladder, driven by the hydraulic pump, used to adjust the height of devices like the air nozzle.

Vent

Located at the top of the silo body for ventilation and exhaust, ensuring air circulation within the silo.

Inlet

Positioned at the top of the silo body, it is the entry point for soybeans into the silo.

Air Nozzle

Installed at one end of the hydraulic rod, it uses hot air from the hot air blower or high-pressure air from the air pump to dry the soybeans or clean the interior walls of the silo.

Key Advantages of Soybean Silo

Small Footprint

Compared to warehouses, silo occupy only about 1/4 of the space, making more efficient use of land resources.

High Storage Efficiency

Equipped with comprehensive and highly mechanized facilities, silo do not require much labor, significantly increasing storage and retrieval efficiency. For long-term storage facilities, improper handling can lead to economic losses, but silos, with their efficient storage systems, can effectively prevent this issue.

High Storage Quality

The quality of the grain stored in silo is better because they use pre-cleaning and drying techniques to ensure soybean remain dry and clean during storage, preventing mold and pest infestations.

Excellent Protection

Silo offer good sealing and moisture-proofing, effectively protecting soybeans from external environmental factors such as rain and pests. Additionally, advanced silos are equipped with temperature measurement systems, ventilation systems, fumigation systems, and cooling systems, further ensuring the quality of soybean storage.

Strong Adaptability

Silo can be manufactured to fit the available land area and come in both vertical and horizontal structures to meet the needs of different farmers and enterprises. With technological advancements, modern silo construction and application have greatly improved, allowing them to adapt to various geographic and climatic conditions and storage needs.

Long Service Life

Steel silo have advantages such as being lightweight, strong, and long-lasting, with a typical service life of at least 25 years. With proper use and maintenance, they can provide reliable storage support for agricultural production over the long term.

Good Economic Benefits

Although the initial investment in silo may be high, considering their long service life, high storage efficiency, quality assurance, and the savings on land and labor costs, the economic benefits are significant. This is especially true for large-scale soybean production and storage, where the advantages of silos are even more pronounced.

Application scope of Soybean silo

Soybean silo technical parameters

Scientifically speaking, the Silo capacity should be measured with volume (m3). Even in the same grain Silo, the storage tons will be different for different grains with different densities. The following table is calculated based on a  Silo density of 0.75kg/m3, and surely HKB customizes  Silo systems unique for you.