Flat Bottom Silos

Roofs are generally produced with a 30° slope to compliment the angle of the products.  This will optimise the packing density of the silo.  Brice-Baker has self supporting roofs on standard silos up to 9.0m in diameter (category 1). For category 2 silos we offer rafter supported roofs from 6.0m to 28.0m to include explosion relief as standard form ATEX applications.

The roof-to-wall connection on category 2 silos has been designed in accordance to VDI-3673 explosion venting regulations. All electrical equipment used in Brice-Baker silos can be supplied for use in explosive atmosphere according to ATEX directives.

Silo roofs can be fitted with vents, temperature cable brackets, inspection hatches and high-level indicators. The roofs fully protect the stored product from the weather and vermin.

All Brice-Baker silos are designed to bear the full load of the catwalks with even the heaviest handling equipment.  The advantage being is that no ground support is required to be provided by the customer.

Weatherproof access door are supplied with all outdoor silos and can be fitted in practically any silo ring to suit the plant design and are available with access ladders and platforms for safe and easy access. Brice-Baker also offer a scaffold access door as an option to allow a tower scaffold to be taken into the silo for annual cleaning for assured crop applications.

Brice-Baker silos are assembled with sherardized hardware. This type of coating provides high corrosion resistance while preserving the nominal dimensions of the threads, making for easier silo assembly. Neoprene-lined washers protect the zinc coating of the sheets to provide a watertight joint and protect the contents.

Low-volume ventilation system prevents moisture condensation and formation of fungi inside the silo and allows to gradually cool the product down to the optimal temperature to stop any insect and mite activity. Ventilation system design for each silo model is based on the silo diameter, silo height and back pressure for various products due to be stored in the silo.

Ventilation system consists of:

• Centrifugal fans with inlet adaptors
• Roof vents
• Roof fans (optional)
• Aeration channels with perforated covers

• Channel sizes calculated to provide 8.5m³ of air per hour per tonne of grain in any silo model
• Ventilation channel layout adaptable for different discharge systems (screw conveyor / chain conveyor in silo base / chain conveyor in gallery)
• Ventilation covers allow storage and ventilation of rape seed

Optional Ventilation System

All stored crops respire in storage and therefore a rise in temperature within the silo is inevitable. Low volume aeration systems maintain the stored crop at temperatures close to that of the ambient air, so preventing the build up of heat which would allow insect reproduction activity to increase, moulds to grow and so damage the stored crop.

The design of ventilation systems are specific to each silo size and the crop stored in the silo. Brice Baker specify the correct ventilation channels, and fans together with the necessary roof vents to ensure the correct airflow and distribution throughout the stored crop.

Automatic digital temperature monitoring system consists of temperature cables suspended from the silo roof, junction boxes and computer software.

The main features of the temperature monitoring systems supplied by Brice-Baker are:

• Accurate digital sensors that do not require periodic re-calibration
• Polymer cable coating for low friction between the product and the cable reduces the load on the silo roof
• Cable breaking strength up to 10.0t
• Sensor interval 2.0m instead of usual 3.0m, for more accurate measurements.
• Since 2010, Brice-Baker is offering a combined temperature and moisture monitoring system. The equilibrium moisture sensors are fitted into the temperature cables. The dimensions of the cables remain unchanged.
• The information from the temperature cables is sent to the computer in the operator’s room. The system is supplied with user friendly software with extensive statistical functions, which can also be remote controlled via the Internet.
• The information from the temperature cables can also be read on an optional handheld monitor.

Optional Temperature Monitoring

The optional temperature monitoring systems enable the operator to know what is happening to the crop within the silos. Sensors are suspended from the roof of each silo to give an accurate picture of the temperature gradient throughout the silo.

Choose from simple digital hand-held monitors to sophisticated systems to control the aeration fans and keep the crop in a safe condition. Records of storage can be kept automatically for future use if required and the systems can be displayed on the SCADA control system if installed.

Moisture monitoring sensors are also available within the same suspended cables to give even more monitoring power to the system.

Vertical ladders to ground

Bolted construction with safety hoops and intermediate rest platforms according to relevant international standards. Available with non-slip treads as an option where required.

Eaves platform with drop ladder from catwalk, for access to eaves hatch. Available with non-slip ladder treads and mesh as an option where required.

Catwalks

Modular catwalks are available in 3 widths: 1.2m, 1.6m, 2.0m to suit a range of conveyor systems and access to the silo.  The catwalks conform to most international standards.  The mesh has been strategically placed to avoid normal trip hazards and improve personal safety.

Extension platforms

Used to locally widen the catwalk to improve access for maintenance, drive sections and feed conveyors.