At the recent GEAPS Exchange in St. Louis, Missouri, Kirk Nelson addressed the fundamentals of steel bin installation and maintenance. Safety awareness was also highlighted, a topic that remains of critical importance to those working in the grain, storage and handling industry. In the past 50 years, more than 900 cases of grain engulfment have been reported with a fatality rate of 62 percent, according to researchers at Purdue University in Indiana. Nelson cited the main hazards associated with grain bins commonly include; grain engulfment and burial, falls from heights, dust and mould inhalation, pesticide exposure, electrocution and injuries from augurs.

1. B
efore erecting a steel bin, soil-boring
tests should be performed by a
competent, independent geotechnical
engineering firm. Failing to ensure
this process is carried out can have
disastrous consequences. Damage to
a bin can result from factors including
poor soil, the wrong type of concrete,
and construction method used.
The strength and stability of a footing or foundation depends
on factors such as climate, subsidence, elastic and/or plastic
deformations, shear deformation, and soil consolidation. Any
number of these factors may be present on a given foundation
project, and each is relatively independent of the other; that is to
say, each must be considered and dealt with separately. To be safe
from one standpoint does not necessarily ensure one’s being safe
from any of the others, Nelson said.
Seismic and wind conditions should also be taken into
consideration. Companies should check for any local or regional
building codes and regulations to ensure compliance, including
but not limited to seismic zone conditions and high winds.
STORAGE
Crucial factors in steel
grain bin managementby Kirk Nelson, Director of Marketing and Sales Behlen Mfg. Co.
At the recent GEAPS Exchange in St. Louis, Missouri,
Kirk Nelson addressed the fundamentals of steel bin
installation and maintenance. Safety awareness was also
highlighted, a topic that remains of critical importance
to those working in the grain, storage and handling
industry. In the past 50 years, more than 900 cases of
grain engulfment have been reported with a fatality
rate of 62 percent, according to researchers at Purdue
University in Indiana. Nelson cited the main hazards
associated with grain bins commonly include; grain
engulfment and burial, falls from heights, dust and
mould inhalation, pesticide exposure, electrocution and
injuries from augurs.
In this four-part series, Milling and Grain take a
closer look at the essential elements of bin maintenance,
starting with the crucial considerations relating to bin
construction and bin safety measures. In this talk, Nelson
pointed out that usually steel corrugated grain bins are
designed and manufactured to withstand the constant
forces applied when they are filled with grain and when
properly installed and operated, storage structures
should provide many years of good service.
However, it is vital that those who erect the structure
in the first place follow proper guidelines. It is usually
worth consulting experts to carry out the process of
erection. First, it is critical that erection manuals and
assembly drawings are thoroughly studied prior to
construction of the bin. Acquiring proper knowledge of
individual assembly procedures aids safety and speed of
construction.
56 | Milling and Grain
F

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Quality of Catwalks and Supports
increased with 600 g/m2 galvanization

3. Furthermore, proximity to roads, rail, power, and gas lines cannot
be overlooked.
Depending on the primary function of the facility the bins will
likely be located close to one or more of these utilities. While
close proximity is important to keep construction, and operation
cost to a minimum, it is also important to maintain safe distances.
Careful considerations should be taken to meet local codes and
offer a safe working environment for those in, and around the
facility.
Moreover, it is very important to ensure that loads on bin roofs
do not exceed manufacturer’s ratings. While initial installation
may prove successful, if these loads are not properly designed,
heavy snow loads or high wind conditions can lead to roof
failures. Equally, It is not enough to make sure the roof rating is
adequate, it is also very important to ensure all loads on roof are
uniformly distributed to the peak according to the manufactures
recommendations.
It is critical that bin components are kept dry prior to
installation. White rusting can and will occur should components
become wet during the construction process. This can occur not
only by means of rain but also condensation. Outside storage on
the job site should be for a limited time only and just prior to use
in the erection of the bins, and when site, and weather conditions
are favorable.
Last, miscellaneous components such as, kits, nuts and bolts,
crates, and skids should be stored on blocks to prevent contact
with the ground. One end should be blocked higher than the
other to permit drainage in the case of rainfall. Roof panels
should be individually separated and stored on blocks to prevent
contact with the ground. Spacers should be used between
each roof sheet to aid in air flow/ventilation between sheets.
One end of the panel(s) should be blocked 3” to 6” higher to
permit rainwater to run off the panels. Wall panels should be
individually separated and placed on edge on blocks, with spaces
between each panel. Materials should be temporarily covered
with tarps only during times of rainfall to protect the materials.
Otherwise the materials should be left uncovered to aid in airflow.
Galvanised steel is subject to corrosion and discoloration if
moisture becomes entrapped between panels due to condensation,
which can lead to corrosion and discoloration.
Safety
Safety is paramount when working with grain. All members
of staff should learn how to use controls and operate equipment
correctly. It is critical that no one is allowed to operate
equipment without thorough training of basic operating and
safety procedures, said Nelson. All mechanical and electrical
components should be periodically checked to keep them in
good condition. It goes without saying that no un-authorised
modifications should be made the equipment; doing so may
endanger function and safety of the equipment.
Nelson went on to point out that weather-related safety hazards
should not be overlooked, particularly ice and snow. Icicles
and snow falling from bin eaves are dangerous and can cause
serious injury or even death. Ice or moisture on ladders can
cause slippery conditions that may result in life-threatening falls.
Decals are attached to the equipment at various places to call
attention to messages concerning personal safety. Read and heed
the message and be alert to the possibility of personal injury or
fatality.
It is the responsibility as an owner, operator or supervisor to
know what hazards exist and to make these known to all other
personnel working in the area, so that they too may take any
necessary safety precautions that may be required
Before carrying out any service on the equipment or entering
the bin, those operating should be certain that the main power
disconnect switch is locked in the “off’ position. Guards and
shields should not be overlooked; they are there for protection
and should be kept in place and secured while the machine is
in operation. All safety shields that may have been damaged or
removed for servicing purposes should be replaced and fastened
securely before operating machinery.
Comprehensive points to note are:
• Keep all persons away from any hazard areas
• Keep hands, feet and clothing away from moving parts. Loose
clothing can become entangled in rotating parts and cause
serious injury
• Be aware of the danger that is present when loading or
unloading a grain bin. Grain that has bridged or tunneled may
suddenly break loose and trap a person who may be inside the
bin. Death by suffocation can result. Avoid entering the bin
until the grain is removed
• Ladders and walking and working surfaces should have safety
cages and handrails for safe use. Use a lifeline and harness
when the danger of falling exists
• Avoid entering bin before all grain is removed. Be aware of
engulfment risks and use lifeline and harness when entering a
bin. Do not walk on grain under any circumstances
• Always have other personnel outside of bin before entering
• Be aware of sumps and handling equipment on the floors –
avoid these areas
Behlen Mfg. Co. is a leading international manufacturer of
grain storage systems. These structures are used worldwide in
a multitude of locations storing a wide variety of grain. Behlen
bins range in size from a few thousand bushels to over 1,500,00
bushels. The Behlen grain storage buildings can be custom
designed for many applications.
In next month’s storage section, we look at the factors involved
with bin usage.
STORAGE
58 | Milling and Grain
F

4. One Source. One Solution.
Let’s talk
SOLUTIONSaboutGRAIN
Talk to the people who listen to your needs for
grain handling, grain storage and grain conditioning
solutions tailored to your operation
• Local system sales & field service representatives worldwide
• Responsive engineering and technical support
• Complete range of bins, conveyors and accessories
• Premium quality Lambton-built components and systems
For more information about Lambton:
sales@lambtonconveyor.com
Tel: +1 519.627.8228
Toll Free: +1 888.239.9713 (North America)
Celebrating 50 Years
www.lambtonconveyor.com

5. Storage News
The project, which began in April last year, is scheduled for completion at the end of May 2015. With its new manufacturing facility, the
company’s goal is to become an European leader, not only in manufacturing turnkey grain storage projects, but also in modernity and
quality of its facilities, innovation and marketing strategies.
The project consists of two buildings. The main building, designed to house the manufacturing plant, has a rectangular floor plan and is
topped with a curved East façade. This area has a capacity of 10,000 square meters.
The other building, the administrative area, represents the corporate image of the company, and is designed by using its flagship
product, a steel silo, as an architectural element.
The new facilities will allow the optimisation of stock needed to manufacture the entire range of products the company has in the
market.
Storage project Silos Cordoba’s new manufacturing plant at
science and technology park is 95% complete
60 | Milling and Grain
N
ext Instruments is pleased to announce that they
were awarded the 2015 AgriBusiness Innovation of
the Year Award at the Wimmera Field Days, held in
Horsham, Victoria, Australia on March 3rd to 5th,
2015. The award was for the CropScan 3000S On Silo Analyser
that was launched at the event.
The CropScan 3000S is an unique system designed for
measuring protein, moisture and oil in grains and oil seeds as
they pass through an auger, along a conveyor belt or through a
pneumatic pipe. The system consists of the CropScan 3000 Near
Infrared Transmission spectrometer, a Remote Sampling Head
and a Touch Screen PC Controller mounted onto a trolley for
transporting the system around the yard or shed.
The CropScan 3000S On Silo Analyser is part of an on-going
product development that started 15 years ago when NIR
Technology Systems developed a portable NIR analyser for
farmers. Since 2000, NIR Technology Systems and now Next
Instruments, have introduced
a complete range of on
farm analyser technology
that includes the CropScan 3000H On Combine Analyser, the
CropScan 1000H On Farm Analyser, the CropScan 1000B Whole
Grain Analyser and CropNet Farm Data Management Software.
The CropScan 3000S allows farmers, grain traders and grain
processors to measure the quality parameters of their grain in real-
time. This enables the user to monitor the protein, moisture and
oil content as the grain is being loaded into a container, a truck or
a ship. It allows farmers to blend grain from two silos to ensure
that they meet contract specifications. It allows grain processors,
eg, flour millers, stockfeed manufacturers, to check incoming
loads of grain to ensure greater uniformity in feedstock.
The CropScan 3000S, like all the CropScan range of NIR
analysers, is linked to the CropNet software which can then post
data in real-time to the web. Farmers, buyers and traders can
access the web using their smart phones, tablets or office PC to
capture grain quality data along with tonnage, storage location,
variety and other information relating to the grain.
Next instruments wins AgriBusiness
Innovation of the Year Award 2015