Determination of Fan Type and Size for Silo Aeration by Using Cordier Diagram

Abstract

Silo systems are used to store bulk materials inside. There are different types of silos based on the purpose of usage in industry. Some of them are used to store chemicals and coils whereas agricultural silos are used to store different grain types inside. The silo system can be considered as an ecosystem in which biotic and abiotic factors interact. It includes different subsystems to operate properly. One of the most important subsystems is an aeration system in a silo as stored bulk grains are considered an ecosystem that is vulnerable to biotic components such as microflora, insect infestation, fungi, bacteria, and so on. Humidity can change the fluidity properties of bulk grain at local regions in silo as an abiotic factor. The existence of these biotic and abiotic factors in eco-systems that affect the quality of grain is directly or indirectly related to the aeration system. For this reason, selecting a proper fan size and type to aerate the silo system to prevent losses of grain and odor during storage is important. In this study a silo sample that is coded as FBS-155417 produced by Çukurova Silo company was chosen to be investigated to determine the fan properties to be used. Wheat-stored silo was chosen to be considered in terms of pressure losses by using the diagram found in the study of Friesen and Huminicki (1986). Based on total pressure loss and the specific speed of the fan, appropriate fan size and type are determined by using the Cordier Diagram.

Keywords

• Silo
• Aeration
• Fan Size
• Cordier Diagram
• Pressure Loss for Aeration of Bulk Grain

Supporting Institution

TUBİTAK and Çukurova Silo Company

Project Number

TUBITAK 2244

Thanks

TUBİTAK 2244 and Cukurova Silo Company

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