In the second of a four part series, Milling and Grain take a closer look at the essential elements of bin maintenance. The way you carry out the initial filling of a bin can have long-term effects over the rest of its life. And any accidents during the process could severely shorten yours. Preparation and initial execution are thus critical.

1. E
verything must be in place - before
you even think about putting anything
inside the bin, the bin itself must
be completely finished. Absolutely
everything must be securely in place.
First, the bin itself must be properly
anchored to its foundation, with all
bolts where they should be and properly
tightened.
Guards and shields exist for a reason, and it’s not to annoy you.
It’s to save your life. So put them where they should be. Stick
safety decals in the right places too, making sure they’re legible.
If people can’t read them, there’s absolutely no point.
You don’t know when you’re going to need to access any part
of the structure, so all ladders, handrails, platforms, stair and
steps need to be securely in place right from the start. And again:
With all bolts where they should be and properly tightened.
Function and access are vital
It is also vital to be sure everything is working properly and
prepared for any eventuality that might occur when filling the bin
for the first time. The unloading equipment and unload gates must
function correctly and they must be closed.
The working areas surrounding the bin need to be clean and
clear of clutter.
Electrical performance must be checked and lockouts
installed (if needed) on equipment. Any temperature cables
must be fastened to the floor according to the manufacturer’s
recommendations to prevent displacement during filling.
And it may sound obvious, but make certain that everyone is
out of the bin before filling it.
Plan for the worst
Whatever you do, know exactly who or where to call for
immediate help in case of an emergency or injury. And make sure
they’ll be available and able to reach you quickly.
Be patient
On larger bins, filling in several stages may be required by the
manufacturer to prevent uneven settlement. Many manufacturers
require, or at least suggest, stage loading to prevent excessive
uneven differential settlement during the initial fill. Behlen Mfg.
Co. recommends that for the first stage the grain bin be filled
to 1/3 of eave height. It will then take 10 days for the desired
STORAGE
Key factors in bin usage
by Kirk Nelson, Director of Marketing and Sales, Behlen Mfg. Co.
In the second of a four part series, Milling and Grain
take a closer look at the essential elements of bin
maintenance.
The way you carry out the initial filling of a bin can
have long-term effects over the rest of its life. And any
accidents during the process could severely shorten
yours. Preparation and initial execution are thus critical.
54 | Milling and Grain
F

2. consolidation to occur. For the second stage it is recommended
that the grain bin be filled to 2/3 of eave height. It would then
take another 10 days for consolidation. Only then can the final
1/3 be filled. So be patient and take it slowly.
Subsequent filling
When it comes to subsequent filling of the bin (ie, filling after
the first operational use), the checklist is almost as long. The
initial installation preparations have now been replaced by a still
fairly extensive list of tasks required for maintenance.
The bin must be cleaned between fillings. All kinds of problems
can result if it is not. The unloading equipment needs to be
checked to ensure it is functioning correctly, and all intermediate
gates must be closed. If there is a power sweep auger, it should
be placed over the intermediate sumps. And don’t forget those
temperature cables (if you’re using them): It is essential to
attach them to the floor as specified by the manufacturer’s
recommendations.
As before, make certain that everyone is out of the bin before
filling it. Common sense? Sure. But it’s amazing how often
even highly intelligent people will forget to check some of the
most basic things. Which is, of course, precisely why we need
checklists.
Shut the sidewall door(s) properly, making sure the inner
door panels are closed, sealed and latched. Then fill the bin
only through the centre, and don’t allow the grain to be pushed
horizontally to one side of the bin.
Overfilled bins can, and do, fail. So make sure you know the
maximum capacity of yours, and don’t try sneaking in “just a bit
more”. Use spout/chute lengths to prevent overfilling.
Continue to fill the bin to the desired level, and not beyond the
roof eave-level.
Unloading the bin
To maintain uniform loads on the sidewalls, grain must be
unloaded from the centre of the bin. The centre sump must be
opened first. Intermediate sump(s) must not be used until all grain
is completely emptied through the centre sump. Failure to heed
this practice could damage the structure of the bin.
Never, ever simultaneously fill and discharge the bin.
Simultaneous filling and unloading results in grain behaving
more like a fluid than granular material. Increased fluidic
behaviour of grain can cause increased sidewall loads. Service
life of the bin can be drastically reduced and risk of structural
failure, economic loss and personnel injury will increase by
simultaneously loading and unloading.
Do not empty the bin through a sidewall door or cut a hole in
the bin sidewall. This will cause uneven load distribution and
excessive down pressure that may, again, result in bin failure.
It is vital to ensure that there are adequate vents installed on the
bin to prevent a vacuum from forming in the upper portion of the
bin during unloading. The pressures on the roof caused by such a
vacuum could damage or cause structural failure to the grain bin
roof.
Never vacuum out of the sidewall door unless all grain has been
emptied, by gravity, through the centre sump first, followed by
intermediate sump(s).
Sweeping the bin
When inside the grain bin, performing cleaning or maintenance,
June 2015 | 55
F
7-Cs.nlAARSEN5009
Visit our stand C011
9 - 11 June
Kölnmesse
Cologne Exhibition Centre
2015-05-05, Adv Grain&Feed-VICTAM 190x132mm.indd 1 05-05-15 16:12

3. perform lock out and tag out procedures to disengage power to all
unloading equipment power and to prevent reenergising. Never
enter a bin when unloading equipment is operating, as you may
become entangled in the sweep or the unloading auger! Failure to
heed this warning may result in serious personal injury or death!
Checklist for sweeping the bin:
• Be certain that no bridged grain or vertical crusting is evident.
• Start to sweep the bin after all grain has flowed by gravity
through centre and intermediate sumps.
• If you have a multiple-pass sweep auger, lock out the inner
sweep system before adding the outer sweep section.
• Have another person present.
• If the sweep auger fails to operate, call the sweep auger
manufacturer.
• Return the sweep to original position over intermediate sump
gates.
Ventilation
Grain bin roofs are not designed to withstand excessive air
pressure differentials. General ventilation recommendations are
1 ft2 (0.093 m2) of vent area for every 1000 cfm (28.3 m3/min).
Consult the bin manufacturer for the maximum recommended
pressure differential in the roof area. Be alert to the possibility
of frost build-up on air passage screens, to a point of complete
blockage. This may occur when high relative humidity, high grain
temperatures, or high grain moisture levels are combined with
freezing or near-freezing temperatures. Running fan(s) during
these conditions can create frost build-up and airflow blockage
causing the roof to dome. Precautionary measures must be taken
to prevent this condition.
Do not pile grain against the roof. Grain piled too high will
block the roof vents. Blockage of the roof vents will restrict the
effective vent area and can virtually eliminate it. The area above
the surface of the grain must allow for free movement of air to the
vents. Be aware of the possibility that the screens of the roof vent
may collect moisture and freeze shut. This can happen when high
relative humidity, high grain temperatures, or high grain moisture
levels are combined with freezing or near-freezing temperatures.
Do not run the fan(s) during these conditions. It could create frost
build-up and airflow blockage, causing the roof to dome.
If negative air roof fans are used in the roof vents, they must
operate simultaneously with the positive air fans at the base of
the bin. They need to be wired so that negative air fans start a
few seconds after the positive air fan. This is done so the air has
enough time to be pushed through the grain to replace the air that
leaves through the roof. Failure to do this could result in roof
failure.
Bins with side draw systems
Side discharge is only permitted in bins specifically
manufactured for a side-draw flume system. This system must
be installed to the manufacturer’s specifications. No corrugated
steel bin should be unloaded through the sidewall without the
installation of a side-draw system and the permission of the
manufacturer. A side-draw should never be added to existing bins
without first consulting the manufacturer.
Side-draw systems have interior baffles to channel grain from
the top storage to the discharge chute. This is because grain flows
off the top of the grain surface when withdrawn from below.
The use of a flume system should be reviewed with a
geotechnical or foundation engineer. Geotechnical investigations
or past experience may indicate significant foundation level soil
variations or a site propensity toward differential settlement,
under which conditions side-draw usage may be prohibited
or severely restricted. Installation of a flume system may also
require installation of additional wind rings and larger-diametre
anchor bolts. Installation of multiple systems requires the
approval of the bin manufacturer.
Furthermore, a side-draw system should not be the only
discharge system available. Such systems are not intended to
be used as continuous fill/empty systems. A standard centre
discharge and conveyor must be installed.
Refilling after side-draw system use
Grain cannot be completely emptied using a side-draw. Before
the bin can be refilled after being even partially unloaded with
a side-draw system, the grain needs to be leveled or completely
emptied through the centre sump. It is important that the sidewall
pressure is equal before refilling. Behlen Mfg. Co. recommends
unloading the grain through the centre sump until the grain
reaches equal wall heights so that an inverted cone is formed in
the remaining grain. Formation of such an inverted cone will help
evenly distribute the lateral forces on the bin sidewalls. Once this
inverted cone is achieved and the sidewall pressures are equal, it
is safe to refill the bin through the centre peak ring.
It is important to note that the design of baffles can be used only
with a side-draw system. Intermediate sumps located near the
side-draw flumes cannot be used as the primary outlet. Unloading
must be done correctly through the side-draw, centre sump, and
then the intermediate sumps. Never use the intermediate sumps
until all grain has flowed by gravity through the centre sump.
Unloading through the intermediate sump initially will cause
uneven load distribution that may cause bin failure.
Before a grain bin can be refilled, the bin should be completely
emptied. Total clean-out of the bin prevents the build-up of
compacted grain, which cannot be emptied by gravity flow. Also,
be certain no grain is matted to the sidewall. If matting occurs,
remove the mouldy grain with a wire brush and repaint.
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.
STORAGE
“Everything must be in place -
before you even think about putting
anything inside the bin, the bin itself
must be completely finished”
56 | 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. A
g Growth International Inc. (“AGI”) (TSX: AFN)
is pleased to announce that the previously disclosed
arrangement to acquire the Westeel division of
Vicwest Inc. (TSX: VIC) was completed on May 20, 2015.
Headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Westeel is Canada’s
leading provider of grain storage solutions offering a
wide range of on-farm and commercial products for the
agricultural industry.
“The strategic acquisition of Canada’s leading brand in
grain storage further establishes AGI as a global leader in
grain handling and storage solutions,” said Gary Anderson,
AGI’s Chief Executive Officer.
“AGI and Westeel share a deep commitment to product
quality and customer service and combined we create a
Canadian-based global agricultural leader with a long
history of serving the needs of our customers. Westeel’s
complementary product offering expands our growth
platform within North America and around the world
and we look forward with enthusiasm to bringing this
outstanding company into the AGI family.”
“AGI places the highest value on the contributions of its
employees and we look forward to meeting and welcoming
all of the people at Westeel,” said Tim Close, President
of AGI. “We are very excited to get to work on growing
Westeel along with AGI and realising upon the enormous
potential of the combination of these great companies.”
Financial highlights
The aggregate purchase price for Westeel was
US $221.5 million. The purchase price includes
net cash on closing of approximately US $13
million and a redundant manufacturing plant with
an estimated market value of US $4 million.
The acquisition was financed through the
issuance of 1,112,050 subscription receipts at
US $46.55 per receipt for gross proceeds of
US $51.75 million, the issuance of US $51.75 million of
extendible convertible unsecured subordinated debentures,
and long-term debt. With the completion of the Westeel
acquisition, the subscription receipts have been exchanged
for 1,112,050 common shares and the maturity date of the
debentures has been extended to December 31, 2019.
Pro forma 2014 revenue of the combined companies is
over $600 million. The combination of Westeel with AGI
results in a more geographically balanced revenue profile
with a pro forma 2014 geographic breakdown as follows:
• Canada 44 percent (AGI standalone 26 percent).
• US 39 percent (AGI standalone 55 percent).
• International 17 percent (AGI standalone 19 percent).
Westeel generated adjusted EBITDA of approximately
US $20 million in 2014. The estimated adjusted EBITDA
reflects earnings of the Westeel business (before any costs
associated with Vicwest’s corporate support functions
that were not transferred to AGI as part of the Westeel
acquisition) less incremental corporate support costs AGI
estimates will be required post-closing. For the year ended
December 31, 2014, AGI generated adjusted EBITDA of
US $78 million, resulting in pro forma adjusted EBITDA
for the period of US $98 million.
Management believes the acquisition of Westeel provides
significant SG&A, sales and manufacturing synergies with
estimated near-term synergies of US $5 million per annum.
AGI announces completion
of Westeel acquisition
58 | Milling and Grain
Storage News

6. June 2015 | 59
F
BUILD YOUR LEGACY.
EMEA/Latin America +34 91 216 14 97
India +91 96 1922 1123
Asia / Oceania +1 204 227-6539
North America 888-WESTEEL (937-8335)
Protecting your hard work and investment is
critical. From initial drawings to delivery and
assembly, you can trust our dedicated team of
engineers, designers and logistics experts to
craft your perfect storage solution. Together
we can build your legacy.
Visit Westeel.com to begin your journey.
SIGNATURES
Proofer Account Executive
Creative Authorization of Process
JOB DETAILS / SPECS
DOCKET # 14WEST5263
JOB NAME Global Ag Campaign
PROOF # 4
PROOF DATE May 5, 2014
TRIM SIZE 190mm x 132mm
BLEED 190mm x 132mm
COLOUR 4 Colour CMYK
PUBLICATION Grain and Feed Milling
ISSUE DATE
May/Jun, Jul/Aug, Sep/Oct,
Nov/Dec 2014
DESIGNER SamG
STOP
info@westeel.com

7. Westeel is pleased to announce its strategic alliance with
the FWS Group of Companies whereby it will provide
Westeel Centurion bins and Westeel Catwalk systems for
four different CWB (formerly the Canadian Wheat Board)
locations. FWS was contracted by CWB to construct four
new grain terminals in the provinces of Manitoba and
Saskatchewan in Canada.
The first of the four projects for CWB completed by FWS is
in Bloom, Manitoba where two Westeel Centurion grain bins
measuring 24 metres (78 feet) in diameter and 28 metres (91
feet) in height have been constructed with a 48-metre long
(157 feet) Westeel Catwalk. The two bins include Westeel’s
patented commercial roof and a total capacity of 609,140
bushels. The Catwalk system boasts a dual walkway, bar
grating floor, and a conveyor path measuring 0.70 metres (27
1⁄2 inches) in width.
“We have a long-standing relationship with Westeel and
appreciate the precise manufacturing and quality engineering
that goes into their products,” said Rori Bouchard, Senior
Project Manager with the FWS Group of Companies.
“FWS and CWB are industry leaders in agriculture and it’s
a great opportunity for Westeel to partner with them and
showcase the high quality manufacturing and construction
capabilities we have here in the Canadian prairies” said
Denis Tétrault, Business Manager, North America with
Westeel.
The other three sites are in Colonsay, Saskatchewan; Pasqua,
Saskatchewan; and St Adolphe, Manitoba.
Westeel Bins completed by FWS in the first of four CWB sites
Storage project
STORAGE
FWS was contracted by CWB to
construct four new grain terminals
in the provinces of Manitoba and
Saskatchewan in Canada.
60 | Milling and Grain
F

8. DanCorn A/S
www.dancorn.com
post@dancorn.com
Hedensted, Denmark
Tel: +45 75 68 53 11
Sukup Manufacturing Co.
www.sukup.com
info@sukup.com
Sheffield, Iowa USA 50475
641-892-4222
Black Sea, Russia
Sukup Manufacturing Co. continues to Engineer Solutions® to meet the challenges of
the grain industry. As the world’s fastest-growing bin company we offer commercial bins
with clear span roofs and holding capacities up to 1.5 million bushels. We also have
a complete line of drying, storage, and material handling products, as well as steel
buildings - all engineered to revolutionize grain processing and storage, making it
easier, more efficient, and more profitable.
OVER 50 YEARS OF ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS™