Home >Factory customization > What are the advantages of assembled steel silo >

What are the advantages of assembled steel silo

assembled steel silo is a type of silo that is independently developed and manufactured after the introduction of advanced foreign silo technology, through actual production and actual application, using professional equipment. Concrete silo construction has a long history, with relatively mature technology and experience in design and construction.

Introduction

In the 21st century, Haokebang Machinery Co., Ltd. introduced a complete set of assembled steel silo technology and specialized production lines from the United States. While assimilating advanced foreign technology, software, and manufacturing standards, the company has continuously engaged in technological transformation and development. They began mass production, fabrication, and installation of assembled steel silo, ensuring reliable strength, performance, and safety. The silos are primarily used for storing granular, powdery, and liquid materials in various industries such as agriculture, industry, and environmental protection.

What are the advantages of assembled steel silo

Manufacturing of assembled steel silo

Selection and Preparation of Installation Tools

The main feature of assembled steel silo is the high-strength bolt connections between panels. Therefore, when installing, it is advisable to use a battery-operated wrench. Different sizes of sockets (5/16, 3/8, 7/16) should be chosen based on bolt size. Depending on the size and capacity of the silo, suitable central columns should be selected. Installation of the silo’s side panels requires the use of electric cranes and specialized hanging devices and hooks. In this project, according to on-site conditions, 20 electric cranes of about 10 tons each were used, evenly distributed on dedicated cranes. Electric welding machines and grinding cutting equipment should be configured based on actual site conditions.

Establishing and Re-checking the Foundation Reference Line

Establishing the foundation reference line is a critical step in silo installation. Accurate line setting and re-measurement are required. Before the arrival of materials, the base should be delivered to the installation unit, and the concrete surface elevation should be re-measured to match the design drawings. Reference points and lines should be marked on the base according to the installation drawing coordinates. The reference line work includes drawing the center of the silo and vertical axes according to the dimensions on the drawing. Diameter lines should be drawn according to the center point and diameter size.

Installation of Steel Silo Wall Panels

Installation of Steel Silo Wall Panels

The installation of steel silo wall panels is similar to the first and second ring panels, but controlling the circumference and verticality of the silo becomes more critical as the height increases. The wall circumference error should be ≤±0.001D (D is the diameter of the steel silo). The method for checking the inner circumference of the wall involves using a 2m steel ruler to measure each section of the inner circumference and summing them to get the actual circumference. The verticality error of the wall should be ≤±0.003H (H is the eave height of the steel silo).

Installation of Reinforcement Ribs

Reinforcement ribs resist horizontal loads on the silo and serve as the skeleton of the silo. The vertical deviation of the reinforcement ribs should be considered, with the reinforcement welded using prefabricated construction steel plates, with welds not less than the thickness of the welded parts. During manufacturing, the length of the reinforcement should be increased by about 30mm, and adjustments should be made based on site conditions to ensure vertical alignment with the ground. When wall panels cannot reach the ground, spacers should be used to prevent the wall panels from touching the ground, and these spacers should be welded and reinforced.

What are the advantages of assembled steel silo

Comparison Between assembled steel silo and Concrete Silo

Construction Characteristics

Construction Methods

Steel silos are assembled using high-strength galvanized bolts, with multiple C-shaped or Z-shaped steel reinforcements connected by high-strength bolts forming a rigid frame. This design improves the overall seismic and wind resistance of the silo. The silo walls are reinforced and can be customized with various process openings.

Construction Time

A 1000-ton steel silo can be built in just 5 days, while a 60,000-ton steel silo can be completed in 15 days. The construction period is about 1/4 to 1/3 of that required for a concrete silo of the same volume, and is not affected by seasonal or climatic conditions.

Construction Height and Footprint

Currently, due to technological constraints, steel silos in China are typically under 40 meters in height. Concrete silos can reach heights of up to 40 meters (excluding shallow round silos). For the same capacity, concrete silos (excluding shallow round silos) have a smaller footprint but are difficult to manage and operate due to their height.

Diameter Selection

Steel silos can have diameters ranging from 2 to 40 meters. For large-scale silos, the diameter of steel silos is generally larger than that of concrete silos, which typically have diameters under 25 meters and have limited diameter options.

Material Properties

Steel silos are usually made from high-quality SGHC/SGH400 hot-dip galvanized sheets with a thickness of 0.8-4.2mm, providing high strength and flexibility. The material for the silo body can be selected based on user requirements, material properties, and process needs. The quality of the silo is comparable to that of concrete silos, but steel silos are lighter and require less foundation support. Concrete silos, made from fixed materials like steel reinforcement, cement, sand, and water, have a greater weight, typically four to five times that of steel silos of the same volume, and thus demand more robust foundation support.

Supporting Performance

Steel silo can be produced in groups and large quantities, supported by a well-developed and highly automated system. This makes storage, usage, and management more scientific and cost-effective. Although the longer transportation lines may be required due to height and footprint factors, the manufacturing process is more flexible. Concrete silos cannot be assembled in modular form, resulting in shorter transportation lines but more complex operation and management.

Grain Storage Performance

Sealing, Leak Prevention, and Moisture Protection

Steel silos have excellent sealing properties, preventing leaks and moisture. The walls are joined with high-strength galvanized bolts and sealed with sealing strips, ensuring airtightness. After insulation and heat preservation, they provide effective ventilation and disinfection for safe storage. Concrete silos have poor water resistance, high moisture absorption, and are prone to leaks, leading to grain spoilage, mold, and caking. Cracks and holes caused by materials and construction affect the airtightness and ventilation efficiency. However, with proper design, auxiliary systems, and effective grain storage management, steel silos can ensure grain quality.

Grain Temperature Variation

Both assembled steel silo and concrete silos exhibit characteristics such as “temperature transition zones,” “lag zones,” and “steady transition zones.” Despite the thin walls of steel silos leading to temperature differences, the grain acts as a heat transfer medium. Temperature changes within 300-500mm of the silo wall are noticeable, but heat absorption and dissipation are quick. Temperature changes are slower at a distance of 18cm from the wall. Compared to concrete silos, steel silos have a faster increase in temperature, but also a larger decrease rate and gradient. Experimental results show minimal temperature variation in steel silos 25cm from the wall over 24 hours and no significant change 2.5m from the wall after one month. The vertical temperature variation in steel silos is more influenced by temperature changes compared to horizontal variation. In contrast, concrete silos experience slower temperature changes but are more prone to heat and moisture accumulation.

Conclusion

In summary, assembled steel silo and concrete silos differ significantly in installation and manufacturing processes. Overall, assembled steel silo are easier to construct and less costly. Their simplicity in manufacturing is driving their increasing use in modern construction.

Get In Touch

We receive enquiries in English, Español (Spanish), Русский язык (Russian), Français (French) and العربية (Arabic). Our professional team will reply to you within one business day. Please feel FREE to contact us!