Grain Storage Bins and Silos

The way grain is stored is a crucial part of protecting this investment. Keeping it cool -- or even cold --throughout the summer as the temperatures rise can reduce the likelihood of mold growth and/or insect infestations. It's important to not allow grain to increase in temperature so that it matches the average outdoor air temperature. When grain reaches 70° Fahrenheit or above insect activity and reproduction increase. Keeping the grain's temperature at or below 60° Fahrenheit significantly lowers insect activity. 

Using Fans to Maintain Temperature and Control Humidity

Using fans such as explosion proof high velocity fans or explosion proof air circulators allows air to be forced or circulated through the grain. This reduces the temperature inside the silo or other storage mechanism and protects the quality of the crop after it has been harvested. Because of the possibility that ignitable gases, dust and/or fumes are present in bin or silo grain storage facilities, explosion proof fans, air circulators and blowers must be used. 

It's important to mount the fans in such a way so that the introduction of wind, rain and or excessive dust is minimized. Rain and dust can affect the quality of the grain while wind can aerate the grain. This can cause it to warm up to temperatures that are unacceptable and can encourage moisture. The result could be an increased risk of mold or insect activity. 

Overview of How Fans for Grain Storage Work

Most fans used in grain storage applications can be categorized as one of two types: centrifugal or axial-flow fans.

• Axial-flow fans

This type of fan is designed so the air moves in a straight line that's parallel to the impeller shaft or axis. There are blades attached to the impeller's central hub. A explosion proof tube axial fan is a common type of fan that's often seen in these applications. 

Sometimes axial-flow fans are called propeller fans. Explosion proof wall exhaust fans are a type of propeller fan. They're designed to be mounted on a divider or wall and work by exhausting air and humidity out through louvers. These prevent water, wind and excess dust from entering the grain storage area and compromising the quality of the product. 

• Centrifugal fans

Centrifugal fans are also often called squirrel cage fans or blowers. These fans consist of a wheel which is the impeller. The impeller has two rings that have blades attached to them. Air enters from either one or both ends of the wheel and parallel to the shaft. When the air exits, it does so to one side that's perpendicular to the shaft. 

The blades of a centrifugal fan can be straight, slanted opposite the flow of air or slanted in the same direction as the airflow. Explosion proof pressure blowers can often be found in grain storage applications as a method of maintaining the correct temperature and ensuring that humidity is at acceptable levels. 

Need help deciding which fan or blower is right for your grain storage needs? At Industrial Fans Direct, our knowledgeable staff can help you learn more about the above types of fans as well as explosion proof volume blowers. Just give us a call at 866-727-1060 today!