Bulk Storage & Handling

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Grain & Feed Milling Technology is published six times a year by Perendale Publishers Ltd of the United Kingdom.

All data is published in good faith, based on information received, and while every care is taken to prevent inaccuracies,

the publishers accept no liability for any errors or omissions or for the consequences of action taken on the basis of

information published.

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or by any means without prior permission of the copyright owner. Printed by Perendale Publishers Ltd. ISSN: 1466-3872

Digital Re-print - January | February

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Bulk Storage & Handling

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A

s with most things in life, thes with most things in life, the

basics remain the same

although they may become although they may become more sophisticated, or complicated, more sophisticated, or complicated, dependent on one’s viewpoint. dependent on one’s viewpoint.

And so it is with this overview covering And so it is with this overview covering the bulk storage and handling of the bulk storage and handling of materials inmaterials in the animal feed and human food industries, the animal feed and human food industries, from the intake of raw materials through to from the intake of raw materials through to the discharge of finished products. the discharge of finished products.

It is barely 60 years since a very high It is barely 60 years since a very high proportion of the milling industry was located proportion of the milling industry was located at the major ports with raw materials in sacks at the major ports with raw materials in sacks being transported from the docks by horse being transported from the docks by horse andand cart and then hoisted up to the various floor cart and then hoisted up to the various floor levels for storage there to be cut and tipped levels for storage there to be cut and tipped into process bins as and when required. into process bins as and when required.

Gradually, as more home grown grain Gradually, as more home grown grain became available, together with the advent of became available, together with the advent of purpose-bui

purpose-built bulk lt bulk vehicles and an vehicles and an improvedimproved road network, there was a move to country road network, there was a move to country mills more conveniently located to service mills more conveniently located to service the farming community by buying grain the farming community by buying grain locally, processing it into feed and selling the locally, processing it into feed and selling the resultant product back to the farmer. resultant product back to the farmer.

The use of computers and automation The use of computers and automation throughout the milling process has reduced throughout the milling process has reduced

what was a labour intensive industry to what was a labour intensive industry to oneone controlled by a few technically proficient controlled by a few technically proficient operators, but to whom the basics of operators, but to whom the basics of mate- mate-rial handling must still apply, as do health and rial handling must still apply, as do health and safety requirements, adherence to DSEAR/ safety requirements, adherence to DSEAR/ ATEX Explosion Regulations, plus health and ATEX Explosion Regulations, plus health and hygiene control. Hence this

hygiene control. Hence this résumé.résumé.

Interruptions in production

The interconnection of process plant The interconnection of process plant is designed to be fail-safe and so prevent is designed to be fail-safe and so prevent chokes and interruption to

chokes and interruption to production.production. Intake capacity from bulk tankers has Intake capacity from bulk tankers has greatly increased over the years and is greatly increased over the years and is normally well in excess of 100 tonnes/hour normally well in excess of 100 tonnes/hour via an intake hopper with safety via an intake hopper with safety grid locatedgrid located under cover plus an efficient dust extraction under cover plus an efficient dust extraction

system, and discharging into a screw or chain system, and discharging into a screw or chain type conveyor which may, if wished, be fitted type conveyor which may, if wished, be fitted with a variable speed drive so that the intake with a variable speed drive so that the intake rate may be varied to suit

rate may be varied to suit the characteristicsthe characteristics of the particular material being dealt with in of the particular material being dealt with in order to prevent overloading subsequent order to prevent overloading subsequent equipment.

equipment.

The conveyor should be fitted with The conveyor should be fitted with rota- rota- tion control and overfeed detection. tion control and overfeed detection.

The intake bucket elevator, as with all The intake bucket elevator, as with all similar units in the mill, must incorporate similar units in the mill, must incorporate explosion relief panels at

explosion relief panels at prescribed intervals,prescribed intervals, electrically linked to shut down the plant in electrically linked to shut down the plant in the event of an

the event of an explosion occurring.explosion occurring. Because of their inherent design, bucket Because of their inherent design, bucket elevators have a built-in explosion risk elevators have a built-in explosion risk factor and, if located within a building, factor and, if located within a building, the explosion panels should be ducted to the explosion panels should be ducted to atmosphere. Elevators should also atmosphere. Elevators should also incor-porate tensioning gear at the boot, porate tensioning gear at the boot, anti-runback device to cater for a choke or runback device to cater for a choke or

power failure, rotation sensor to indicate power failure, rotation sensor to indicate if the belt is slipping and side alignment if the belt is slipping and side alignment indication.

indication.

Intake points are frequently out of sight Intake points are frequently out of sight of the control room so, to avoid being of the control room so, to avoid being allowed to run empty for long periods, and a allowed to run empty for long periods, and a

procedure should be in place to shut down procedure should be in place to shut down when not in use.

when not in use.

A rotary drum pre-cleaner located at the A rotary drum pre-cleaner located at the top of the Mill to remove foreign matter top of the Mill to remove foreign matter prior to the material being conveyed to raw prior to the material being conveyed to raw material bins will protect subsequent material bins will protect subsequent equip-ment from being damaged.

ment from being damaged.

The conveyors feeding silos and bins The conveyors feeding silos and bins will have multiple outlets and the will have multiple outlets and the electri-cal control system must be designed so cal control system must be designed so that only one slide is open at a time in that only one slide is open at a time in order to prevent the propagation of an order to prevent the propagation of an explosion from

explosion from one bin to anoone bin to another. ther. AsAs with the intake conveyor, all conveyors with the intake conveyor, all conveyors should incorporate overfeed detection should incorporate overfeed detection and rotation sensing.

and rotation sensing.

To cater for dust laden air displacement To cater for dust laden air displacement at transfer points, small dust units with at transfer points, small dust units with built-in exhaust fans at convenient locations will in exhaust fans at convenient locations will ensure a clean

ensure a clean atmosphere.atmosphere.

Storing different materials

The number, location and holding The number, location and holding capac-ity of new material bins is determined by ity of new material bins is determined by site conditions and the particular site conditions and the particular require-ments of individual clients, bearing in mind ments of individual clients, bearing in mind the large number of different materials to the large number of different materials to

be handled and stored in the be handled and stored in the feed industry.feed industry. Ranging from free flowing grains to a variety Ranging from free flowing grains to a variety of meals and moisture content, the bins and of meals and moisture content, the bins and discharge equipment should be designed to discharge equipment should be designed to cater for those with the worst flow cater for those with the worst flow char-acteristics to ensure maximum flexibility so acteristics to ensure maximum flexibility so that individual bins can be used for the that individual bins can be used for the stor-age of any ingredients should the need arise. age of any ingredients should the need arise. Level probes are required to prevent Level probes are required to prevent overfilling, as are policed explosion panels. overfilling, as are policed explosion panels. Provision will be required for minerals Provision will be required for minerals and other ingredients that are delivered and other ingredients that are delivered by bulk tanker and pneumatically conveyed by bulk tanker and pneumatically conveyed to dedicated bins utilising either a blower to dedicated bins utilising either a blower mounted on the tanker chassis or, in some mounted on the tanker chassis or, in some cases, by coupling up from a land-based cases, by coupling up from a land-based blower. To prevent static electricity causing blower. To prevent static electricity causing a spark, the tanker will be connected to an a spark, the tanker will be connected to an

by Alf Croston, Managing Director

Croston Engineering, UK

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complies or can be economically altered to complies or can be economically altered to comply.

comply.

Good housekeeping, regular inspection Good housekeeping, regular inspection and maintenance, plus an awareness of and maintenance, plus an awareness of potentially hazardous processes or areas, potentially hazardous processes or areas, areare a requisite for trouble free operation. The a requisite for trouble free operation. The Directives comb

Directives combine ine these aspiratiothese aspirations intons into requiremen

requirements and apply not ts and apply not only to the sup-only to the sup-pliers of equipment but, in particular, to the pliers of equipment but, in particular, to the users themselves.

users themselves.

Dust classification

It is the obligation of the user to It is the obligation of the user to sat-isfy himself as to the class or classes of the isfy himself as to the class or classes of the materials to be handled and to provide this materials to be handled and to provide this information to the designer or manufacturer information to the designer or manufacturer of equipment.

of equipment.

These are defined under four Kst These are defined under four Kst classifi-cations (K staube = Class of dust), and relate cations (K staube = Class of dust), and relate to rate of

to rate of pressure rise.pressure rise. Kst. 0 Kst. 0 = Non-explosive= Non-explosive Kst. 1 = Weak to moderate Kst. 1 = Weak to moderate Kst. 2 = Strong Kst. 2 = Strong Kst. 3 = Very strong Kst. 3 = Very strong

Most materials used in feed mills are Most materials used in feed mills are covered under Kst. 1 but there are a f covered under Kst. 1 but there are a f ew toew to which Kst. 2 could apply.

which Kst. 2 could apply.

Zoning

In addition to dust classification, the In addition to dust classification, the user is required to carry out a survey and user is required to carry out a survey and to designate plant and buildings into zones to designate plant and buildings into zones which will be appropriately signed at points which will be appropriately signed at points of entry.

of entry. Zones 20, 21 and 22 are the mostZones 20, 21 and 22 are the most likely to apply to feed

likely to apply to feed milling and associatedmilling and associated industries.

industries. Zone 20

Zone 20covers an area in which an explo-covers an area in which an

explo-sive atmosphere consisting of combustible sive atmosphere consisting of combustible dust in air is present frequently for long dust in air is present frequently for long periods or continuously.

periods or continuously. Zone 21

Zone 21is where an is where an explosive atmosphereexplosive atmosphere

remit covering bulk remit covering bulk handling it is a matter handling it is a matter that requires attention that requires attention whether it is for whether it is for con-ditioning of mashes for ditioning of mashes for direct sales or for direct sales or for pel-leting. The three leting. The three essen- tials being moisture, tials being moisture, temperature and time, temperature and time, whilst bearing in mind whilst bearing in mind the heat sensitivity of the heat sensitivity of some ingredients. For some ingredients. For pelleting, correct conditioning is necessary to pelleting, correct conditioning is necessary to ensure starch gelatinisation and pellet quality. ensure starch gelatinisation and pellet quality. An efficient cooling system is essential An efficient cooling system is essential prior to finished products being conveyed to prior to finished products being conveyed to packing or bulk out loading bins, the latter packing or bulk out loading bins, the latter discharging either directly to bulk vehicle or discharging either directly to bulk vehicle or via a travelling weigher.

via a travelling weigher.

Most of the materials processed in the Most of the materials processed in the animal feed, pet and fish food, animal feed, pet and fish food, grain, flour, bakery, sugar, grain, flour, bakery, sugar, starch and fertiliser industries starch and fertiliser industries are subject to the DSEAR/ are subject to the DSEAR/ ATEX Explosion Regulations ATEX Explosion Regulations that came into operation on that came into operation on July 1, 2003. There are many July 1, 2003. There are many misconceptions and confusion misconceptions and confusion as to the requirements of the as to the requirements of the Directives. It is timely to Directives. It is timely to reiter-ate the

ate the general principles relat-general principles relat-ing to the regulations, ing to the regulations, particu-larly for those who have only larly for those who have only recently become involved in recently become involved in one or other of the industries one or other of the industries in which potentially explosive in which potentially explosive materials are handled.

materials are handled.

The Directives

The Directives apply from July 1, 2003, The Directives apply from July 1, 2003, to all new equipment and any existing that to all new equipment and any existing that

is modified or relocated after this date. is modified or relocated after this date. ThisThis has particular relevance in ensuring that, if has particular relevance in ensuring that, if purchasing any second-hand equipment, it purchasing any second-hand equipment, it earthing point prior to starting

earthing point prior to starting the discharge process. Care is the discharge process. Care is needed to ensure that the needed to ensure that the tank-er only couples up to t er only couples up to t he correcthe correct intake line feeding the intake line feeding the designat-ed bin and that intake lines are ed bin and that intake lines are of correct diameter, earthed and of correct diameter, earthed and routed with minimum horizontal routed with minimum horizontal length and number of bends in length and number of bends in order to reduce the pressure order to reduce the pressure needed to carry out the needed to carry out the convey-ing operation.

ing operation.

As referred to earlier, the configuration As referred to earlier, the configuration of hopper design and type of discharge is of hopper design and type of discharge is all-important in ensuring the free flow of all-important in ensuring the free flow of materials from the bins to the blending materials from the bins to the blending operation. For accuracy this will include one operation. For accuracy this will include one or more main weigh hoppers, a small weigh or more main weigh hoppers, a small weigh hopper for minerals, and a smaller one for hopper for minerals, and a smaller one for micro ingredients.

micro ingredients.

The blended batch is fed to the grinding The blended batch is fed to the grinding plant preceded by a screen to allow meals plant preceded by a screen to allow meals and minerals to bypass the grinder before and minerals to bypass the grinder before re-joining the ground materials and passing re-joining the ground materials and passing to a three tier mixing assembly consisting of to a three tier mixing assembly consisting of pre-mix bin, mixer and dump bin. Molasses pre-mix bin, mixer and dump bin. Molasses and fats are added at

and fats are added at the mixer.the mixer. Although heat treatment is outside this Although heat treatment is outside this

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the following may be found helpful as an “aide the following may be found helpful as an “aide

memoire” towards good housekeeping; memoire” towards good housekeeping;

• Enforce a strict

• Enforce a strict no-smoking rule, on painno-smoking rule, on pain of dismissal.

of dismissal. •

• Ensure that all electrical equipment,Ensure that all electrical equipment, cabling and control panels conform to cabling and control panels conform to relevant standards and regulations, and relevant standards and regulations, and are kept free of dust.

are kept free of dust. • Use only t

• Use only t otally enclosed, fan-cooledotally enclosed, fan-cooled motors, ensuring they are motors, ensuring they are adequately adequately earthed.

earthed.

• Ensure light fittings are dust-proof. • Ensure light fittings are dust-proof. •

• Test cables and wiring regularly.Test cables and wiring regularly. • Locate switchgear and process control • Locate switchgear and process control

panels in dust-free rooms under panels in dust-free rooms under lightlight negative pressure.

negative pressure. •

• Inspect liquid lines regularly for leaks.Inspect liquid lines regularly for leaks. Ensure that insulation, if used, has Ensure that insulation, if used, has notnot become impregnate

become impregnated, as this d, as this could becould be ignited by electrical trace heating. ignited by electrical trace heating. • Bund walls around main storage tanks • Bund walls around main storage tanks

should be sized to suit. should be sized to suit. • Check that

• Check that bearings, particularbearings, particularly thosely those fitted to elevators and grinders, are not fitted to elevators and grinders, are not over-heating.

over-heating.

• Detect belt slip and misalignment on • Detect belt slip and misalignment on elevators – a major source of fires – by elevators – a major source of fires – by rotation and side alignment sensing, and rotation and side alignment sensing, and anti-run-back protection. anti-run-back protection. •

• Check for possible temperature rise inCheck for possible temperature rise in stored bulk materials, which could result stored bulk materials, which could result in spontaneous combustion. in spontaneous combustion. • Inspect bin interiors using only • Inspect bin interiors using only

battery-operated, non-glass, operated, non-glass, flameproof flameproof inspection lamps, which are suitably inspection lamps, which are suitably secured and never allowed to be in secured and never allowed to be in contact with the product. (In the past contact with the product. (In the past it was not unusual for

it was not unusual for naked electricnaked electric bulbs to be lowered into bins – bulbs to be lowered into bins – at bestat best protected with a wire

protected with a wire guard).guard). •

• Ensure hot work is carried out only onEnsure hot work is carried out only on isolated, cleaned-out plant, against Work isolated, cleaned-out plant, against Work Permit issued by management, and Permit issued by management, and provision of fire blankets, extinguishers, etc. provision of fire blankets, extinguishers, etc. Many fires have occurred during periods Many fires have occurred during periods of repair, renovation or plant modification of repair, renovation or plant modification (as in the case of Windsor Castle a few (as in the case of Windsor Castle a few years ago). During these special periods, in years ago). During these special periods, in addition to taking fire precautions, it is addition to taking fire precautions, it is advis-able to inspect the area closely for at least an able to inspect the area closely for at least an hour at the end of each working day. hour at the end of each working day.

Adherence to these principles will ensure Adherence to these principles will ensure not only a

not only a pleasant environment in which topleasant environment in which to work but also one that is as intrinsically safe work but also one that is as intrinsically safe as possible.

as possible.

About the author:

Mr Alf Croston is

Mr Alf Croston is managing director managing director of Croston Engineering, at Tarvin, near of Croston Engineering, at Tarvin, near Chester, which was founded in 1976. Chester, which was founded in 1976. His company specialises in the design His company specialises in the design and building of bulk storage, handling and building of bulk storage, handling and process plants throughout the UK and process plants throughout the UK and Ireland for many

and Ireland for many household nameshousehold names in industry.

in industry. Very often a primary explosion in itself

Very often a primary explosion in itself is not dangerous but the vibration it sets is not dangerous but the vibration it sets up disturbs any dust lying on floors, beams, up disturbs any dust lying on floors, beams, rafters, into the atmosphere. If a source of rafters, into the atmosphere. If a source of ignition is present it can result in ignition is present it can result in a secondary a secondary and devastating explosion. So, cleanliness and devastating explosion. So, cleanliness throughout the plant is of first priority with throughout the plant is of first priority with particular attention being paid to “out of particular attention being paid to “out of sight” areas and cleaning up spillages sight” areas and cleaning up spillages imme-diately – using one of a variety of vacuum diately – using one of a variety of vacuum cleaning systems available. Brushing up is cleaning systems available. Brushing up is definitely out – it only disperses the dust definitely out – it only disperses the dust elsewhere.

elsewhere.

Despite taking all precautions that one Despite taking all precautions that one can think of, it is sod’s law that incidents still can think of, it is sod’s law that incidents still take place – thankfully not too often in view take place – thankfully not too often in view of increased awareness of the dangers that of increased awareness of the dangers that are always present.

are always present.

Examples

Three examples illustrate the variety of Three examples illustrate the variety of incidents that can happen.

incidents that can happen.

The first resulted from The first resulted from smoulder-ing material entersmoulder-ing a bin, settsmoulder-ing off ing material entering a bin, setting off a primary explosion which ruptured the a primary explosion which ruptured the explosion panel as it was designed to do. explosion panel as it was designed to do. Unfortunately the escaping gases caused a Unfortunately the escaping gases caused a secondary explosion which devastated the secondary explosion which devastated the top floor of the building.

top floor of the building. As it was impracti-As it was impracti-cal to vent every bin to atmosphere it was cal to vent every bin to atmosphere it was subsequently agreed with HSE that the top subsequently agreed with HSE that the top floor over the bins would in future be a “no floor over the bins would in future be a “no go” area whilst the plant was in production go” area whilst the plant was in production and for ten minutes a

and for ten minutes afterwards. fterwards. A lockableA lockable gate was fitted to the access stairs and a gate was fitted to the access stairs and a warning notice affixed.

warning notice affixed.

The second resulted from a hot spot due The second resulted from a hot spot due to a malfunction in the motor of a dust unit to a malfunction in the motor of a dust unit fitted on top of a grinder expansion fitted on top of a grinder expansion hop-per.

per. The explosion paneThe explosion panel ruptured but hadl ruptured but had not been vented to atmosphere through a not been vented to atmosphere through a nearby wall.

nearby wall.

Unfortunately, two employees were Unfortunately, two employees were standing nearby at the time and were badly standing nearby at the time and were badly burned. It was interesting to note that a burned. It was interesting to note that a choke had been fitted to the bin discharger choke had been fitted to the bin discharger beneath the expansion hopper and beneath the expansion hopper and pre-vented the explosive gases passing into vented the explosive gases passing into a subsequent elevator and storage bins, a subsequent elevator and storage bins, otherwise the result would have been otherwise the result would have been eveneven more serious.

more serious.

The third was caused by welding being The third was caused by welding being carried out on the side of a silo, one of carried out on the side of a silo, one of several such accidents over the years, in several such accidents over the years, in which the operator was injured. In this which the operator was injured. In this case it was not the result of negligence. case it was not the result of negligence. The silo had been isolated from its feeding The silo had been isolated from its feeding conveyor, cleaned down internally and the conveyor, cleaned down internally and the subject of a work permit. Unfortunately, subject of a work permit. Unfortunately, a small amount of material had remained a small amount of material had remained in an inaccessible spot and on being in an inaccessible spot and on being disturbed created the conditions for an disturbed created the conditions for an explosion to take place.

explosion to take place.

The foregoing describes in broad outline The foregoing describes in broad outline the rationale behind the ATEX Directives. the rationale behind the ATEX Directives. Many of the requirements are common sense, Many of the requirements are common sense, but common sense has to be backed up with but common sense has to be backed up with documentation in this day and age. However, documentation in this day and age. However, is likely to occur occasionally in normal

is likely to occur occasionally in normal operation.

operation. Zone 22

Zone 22is where an is where an explosive atmosphereexplosive atmosphere

would not normally occur but, if it does, it would not normally occur but, if it does, it would only be for a short

would only be for a short period.period. Obviously it is the duty of Obviously it is the duty of manage-ment to ensure that standards of operation ment to ensure that standards of operation and cleanliness are maintained to meet the and cleanliness are maintained to meet the requireme

requirements of Zone 22 nts of Zone 22 as far as is as far as is practical.practical. In carrying out risk assessments it is In carrying out risk assessments it is natural to concentrate on major processing natural to concentrate on major processing equipment such as silos, grinders, elevators, equipment such as silos, grinders, elevators, dust collectors, etc., and to overlook the dust collectors, etc., and to overlook the myriad range of smaller ancillary items that myriad range of smaller ancillary items that also need to be checked. Typical items also need to be checked. Typical items include lighting, electrical fittings, motors, include lighting, electrical fittings, motors, level indicators, solenoid valves, control level indicators, solenoid valves, control panels. In fact, anything that can generate panels. In fact, anything that can generate a spark.

a spark.

It is well known that three elements are It is well known that three elements are required to cause an explosion – dust in required to cause an explosion – dust in suspension at a critical level, oxygen, and a suspension at a critical level, oxygen, and a spark or hot surface. The first two are always spark or hot surface. The first two are always there, so it is against the third item that every there, so it is against the third item that every precaution must be taken, including precaution must be taken, including satisfac- tory earthing throughout the plant. tory earthing throughout the plant.

Bear in mind that dust in suspension Bear in mind that dust in suspension appearing as a light fog provides the appearing as a light fog provides the condi- tion in which a spark c

tion in which a spark c an cause an explosion.an cause an explosion. The finer the dust particles the greater the The finer the dust particles the greater the danger because of the increased surface danger because of the increased surface areaarea exposed to atmosphere.

exposed to atmosphere.

The duties of the user having been The duties of the user having been described in general terms, what about the described in general terms, what about the supplier of the equipment? Firstly, he has to supplier of the equipment? Firstly, he has to satisfy himself that the user has provided him satisfy himself that the user has provided him with all the necessary details concerning with all the necessary details concerning clas-sifications of materials to be processed and sifications of materials to be processed and the areas in which equipment is to be located, the areas in which equipment is to be located, together with any other relevant information. together with any other relevant information. The supplier then has to ensure that the The supplier then has to ensure that the equipment he supplies is designed, equipment he supplies is designed, manufactured and installed to satisfy requirements tured and installed to satisfy requirements by taking all precautions to prevent an by taking all precautions to prevent an explosion but also, and most importantly, to explosion but also, and most importantly, to mitigate against an explosion should such an mitigate against an explosion should such an event occur.

event occur.

Equipment can be manufactured in such Equipment can be manufactured in such heavy construction that an explosion would heavy construction that an explosion would be contained but this is so

be contained but this is so expensive as to beexpensive as to be impractical.

impractical. The alternative The alternative is to fit a certi-is to fit a certi-fied explosion panel vented to atmosphere fied explosion panel vented to atmosphere through a nearby wall or roof. through a nearby wall or roof.

Due to the location of plant within a Due to the location of plant within a build-ing ventbuild-ing may not be practical and so the ing venting may not be practical and so the fitting of expensive flame quenching or fitting of expensive flame quenching or explo-sion suppresexplo-sion equipment may be required. sion suppression equipment may be required.

To prevent the propagation of To prevent the propagation of an explo-an explo-sion, items of equipment should be isolated sion, items of equipment should be isolated from each other. An

from each other. An example being to incor-example being to incor-porate valves or slides so that only one bin porate valves or slides so that only one bin can be filled an

can be filled and exhausted at a time. d exhausted at a time. BinBin dischargers and screw conveyors can be dischargers and screw conveyors can be designed with chokes

designed with chokes incorporated.incorporated. The installation of a rubble separator on The installation of a rubble separator on the intake system and magnets at the intake system and magnets at

appropri-ate points throughout the plant ate points throughout the plant are obviousare obvious precautions.

precautions. FEATURE

FEATURE

With our

With our Heat Recovery Dryer

Heat Recovery Dryer you get the

you get the

lowest energy consumption on the

lowest energy consumption on the market.

market.

TORNUM Grain Coolers

TORNUM Grain Coolers – The eco-friendly

– The eco-friendly

way of preserving grain quality.

Up to

30%

Energy Savings

Heat Recovery Dryer

TORNUM AB

TORNUM ABBox 100, SE-535 22 Kväum, SwEdEnBox 100, SE-535 22 Kväum, SwEdEn Phoe +46 (0)512–291 00 E-mail: ifo@torum.com Phoe +46 (0)512–291 00 E-mail: ifo@torum.com

www.tornum.com www.tornum.com

(5)

T

he reclaiming of bulk products fromhe reclaiming of bulk products from silos, bulk carriers, railroad cars, silos, bulk carriers, railroad cars, hoppers, etc … is made easy by hoppers, etc … is made easy by Vibrafloor, says the company. Vibrafloor, says the company. “This proven technology is “This proven technology is ideally suitedideally suited for either new-build or retrofitted storage for either new-build or retrofitted storage structures,” it adds.

structures,” it adds.

Vibrafloor performs the recovery and Vibrafloor performs the recovery and clean-up of residual piles on slightly clean-up of residual piles on slightly inclined floors, typically 8 to 12°. Most inclined floors, typically 8 to 12°. Most commodities can be efficiently handled, commodities can be efficiently handled, such as cereals, meals, sugar, flour, fish such as cereals, meals, sugar, flour, fish feed, cotton seed, sulphur prills, wood feed, cotton seed, sulphur prills, wood chips, wood pellets, saw dust, ores and chips, wood pellets, saw dust, ores and aggregate.

aggregate.

Vibrafloor is made of independent vibrating Vibrafloor is made of independent vibrating modules, customised to suit the shape and modules, customised to suit the shape and dimensions of the storage. Modules are dimensions of the storage. Modules are laid side-by-side and end-to-end to cover laid side-by-side and end-to-end to cover a given area.

a given area.

Modules are typically 2.2m wide, 3m to 4m Modules are typically 2.2m wide, 3m to 4m long and 50mm thick. They can also be of long and 50mm thick. They can also be of trapezoidal shapes into a conical design. A trapezoidal shapes into a conical design. A three-phase electric

three-phase electric vibrator of 700W vibrator of 700W unit power powers unit power powers each module. each module. L o w e r m o d u l e s L o w e r m o d u l e s are triggered first, are triggered first, to destabilize and to destabilize and c a r r y r e s i d u a l c a r r y r e s i d u a l piles into a central piles into a central conveying system conveying system o r a c e n t r a l o r a c e n t r a l h o p p e r . T h e n h o p p e r . T h e n upwards rows or upwards rows or circles of modules circles of modules a r e t r i g g e r e d a r e t r i g g e r e d successively from successively from b o t t o m t o t o p , b o t t o m t o t o p , u n t i l c o m p l e t e u n t i l c o m p l e t e c l e a n u p o f c l e a n u p o f t h e s t o r a g e i s t h e s t o r a g e i s completed. completed. A d v a n t a g e s f o r A d v a n t a g e s f o r operators include: operators include: • Ex

• Ex treme simplicity, no heavy matreme simplicity, no heavy machinerychinery • Total clean-up when required • Total clean-up when required • No perso

• No perso nnel required inside thennel required inside the storage, not even for final clean-up storage, not even for final clean-up • No maintenance

• No maintenance • Very low power intake • Very low power intake •

• No dust generated by No dust generated by the reclaiming processthe reclaiming process • Complete automation

• Complete automation • Very high reclaim rates achievable • Very high reclaim rates achievable • Totally safe for the structure and the • Totally safe for the structure and the

personnel personnel

• No degradation of the product • No degradation of the product • Negligible operating cost • Negligible operating cost

The Vibrafloor Company can mastermind The Vibrafloor Company can mastermind the bulk reclaiming process of any the bulk reclaiming process of any storage structures from beginning to end. storage structures from beginning to end. From the design, plant

From the design, plant manufacturing,manufacturing, site installation and commissioning, its site installation and commissioning, its engineers and technicians will provide engineers and technicians will provide their unique expertise, within schedule their unique expertise, within schedule and budget.

and budget.

VIBRAFLOOR AUTOMA

TIC

RECLAIME

R

Adjustable Adjustable length length 50mm 50mm thickness thickness 2210mm width 2210mm width Vibrator under Vibrator under dustproof cover dustproof cover Steel plate Steel plate Proofing Proofing membrane membrane TYPICAL VIBRATING MODULE

TYPICAL VIBRATING MODULE

Steel Steel frame frame

N

ewsews

January - February 2012

NEWSNEWS

THE UTMOST THE UTMOST BULK RECLAIMER BULK RECLAIMER

simple, maintenance free, automatic, efficient on most bulk products*, unbeatable reclaim rates simple, maintenance free, automatic, efficient on most bulk products*, unbeatable reclaim rates

VIBRAFLOOR F-71680 Givry

VIBRAFLOOR F-71680 Givry +33(0)385 440 +33(0)385 440 678 +33(0)680 964 678 +33(0)680 964 144144

vibrafloor@vibrafloor.com

ssiillo

oss

ssh

hiip

pss

wagons

domes

containers

* cereals, oil seeds, sugar,

* cereals, oil seeds, sugar, flour, soyaflour, soya bean meal, wood pellets, wood chips, fly ash, cement, bean meal, wood pellets, wood chips, fly ash, cement, sulphur, charcsulphur, charcoal, RDF etc…oal, RDF etc…

,, ,, ,, ,, ,, , , ,, ““ ,, ,, ““ ,, ,, ,, y

yMeasure chemical compositionMeasure chemical compositionas soon as youas soon as you

receive your raw materials.

y

yEstimate technical valuesEstimate technical valuesof ours, semolinas, grits, of ours, semolinas, grits, glutens,glutens,

starches (and other powders products).

y

yMoisture, protein, ash content, zeleny, hydration*.Moisture, protein, ash content, zeleny, hydration*.

(* choos from ovr 60 calibrations availabl)

INFRANeO Junior can also analys whol grains.

Look for

the NIR solution

tat bst matcs your nds

INFRANeO

JUNIOR

SIMPLe SIMPLe ACCURATe ACCURATe wITh wITh NO OPeRATOR NO OPeRATOR INFLUeNCe INFLUeNCe COST SAvINg COST SAvINg FAST FAST

20, avenue Marcellin Berthelot • 92396 Villeneuve-la-Garenne • FRANCE 20, avenue Marcellin Berthelot • 92396 Villeneuve-la-Garenne • FRANCE

Tél. : + 33 1 41 47 50 29 • Fax : + 33 1 41 21 07 10 • Mail : info@chopin.fr • www.chopin.fr Tél. : + 33 1 41 47 50 29 • Fax : + 33 1 41 21 07 10 • Mail : info@chopin.fr • www.chopin.fr

--,, ,, ““ ,, ,, ““ ‘‘ ““ ,, ,, “ “ ,, ,, ,, T1 T1 .. 11. . 11 11 :1:1 --•• Straight welded, lipped-Straight welded, lipped-end pipes and components.end pipes and components.

•• øø 60 mm to ø 800 mm in a stand60 mm to ø 800 mm in a standard range.ard range. •• Larger diameters / special requirements upon request.Larger diameters / special requirements upon request. •• Larger than ø 350 mm also available with flange connection.Larger than ø 350 mm also available with flange connection. •• Powder coated steel or hot-dipped galvanised steel as Powder coated steel or hot-dipped galvanised steel as well as stainless steel.well as stainless steel. •• 1 - 3 mm wall thicknesses.1 - 3 mm wall thicknesses.

•• Shock-exploShock-explosion certified pipes and sion certified pipes and components available.components available. •• Up to øUp to ø 400 mm normally dispatche400 mm normally dispatched immediately from stock.d immediately from stock.

... Follow the leader in bulk goods handling, dust-extraction and ventilation plants ... Follow the leader in bulk goods handling, dust-extraction and ventilation plants

EUROPE’S NO. 1 IN MODULAR PIPEWORK SYSTEMS – Used in all industrial sectors EUROPE’S NO. 1 IN MODULAR PIPEWORK SYSTEMS – Used in all industrial sectors

Fr.Jaco Fr.JacobSöhneGmbH&Co.KGbSöhneGmbH&Co.KG Germany Germany Phone +49 (0)571 95580 Phone +49 (0)571 95580 www.jacob-pipesystems.eu www.jacob-pipesystems.eu Original Quality to a Modular Design

Original Quality to a Modular Design

The QUICK CONNECT

The QUICK CONNECT®®_{pull-ring makes the acclaimed}_{pull-ring makes the acclaimed}

Jacob modular pipe system even more economical Jacob modular pipe system even more economical for installation. In new plants for animal feed, for installation. In new plants for animal feed, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food, glass, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food, glass, semi-conductors or environmental technology as conductors or environmental technology as well as for upgrading existing layouts well as for upgrading existing layouts user-friendly system installation becomes precise friendly system installation becomes precise and easy due to the great versatility of and easy due to the great versatility of mass-produced pipe components. mass-produced pipe components.

R R e e q q u u e e s s t t a a c c a a t t a a l l o o g g u u e e ! !

H H o o t t l l i i n n e e + + 4 4 9 9 ( ( 0 0 ) ) 5 5 7 7 1 1 9 9 5 5 5 5 8 8 0 0 o o r r a a t t w w w w w w.. j j a a c c o o b b - - p p i i p p e e s s y y s s t t e e m m s s.. e e u u

T1

(6)

www.gfmt.co.uk

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Asubscriptionmagazine for the

Asubscriptionmagazine for the global flour &feedmillingindustries-firstglobal flour &feedmillingindustries-firstpublishedin1891publishedin1891

In this issue: In this issue: • •IncreasingIncreasing storage storage capacity capacity • •DigitalDigital microwave microwave moisture moisture measurement measurement • •Globalgrain&Globalgrain& feedmarkets feedmarkets January

January -February -February 20122012

•

•Bulk storage &Bulk storage &

handling

•

•PreservativesPreservatives

Preservativesare

Preservativesarea a recurring recurring

topic in public discussions

•

•EfficiencyEfficiency

Energy saving in flourmilling

GGF

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