Sunday 8 May 2016

Reasons For The Utilization Of Grain Bin Monitoring In Farming

By Kenneth Patterson


There has been a growing trend of storing of grains in farms due to the adoption of technologically advanced modes of farming. This phenomenon has led to the increase in production levels over the years. This is usually done in bins which are conveniently located in the farms. This has necessitated the need for grain bin monitoring with the aim of ensuring the quality of material is maintained.

The farmers have found a need to track humidity levels and even the temperatures contained in these bin systems so as to ensure that this valuable produce is stored effectively. The main agenda of doing this is to ensure that the grain is stored in such a way that it does not deteriorate in condition.

The established needs of the end users are considered when arriving at the most suitable levels of moisture levels to be maintained. In the case of corn moisture content should preferably be kept at a range of between 10% and 30%. The most optimum levels of moisture content for human consumption has been determined to be about 15.5%.

The monitoring of produce in these storage containers is also enhanced by the fact that the Allowable Storage Time can be also be determined. This very important date is derived by finding a relationship between the recorded levels of moisture content and the temperature data. Through this, it can be ensured that the produce in question is safe for consumption. The consumption of produce, especially cereals, which have not been kept in good storage conditions, often proves to be fatal.

Due to high levels of perish-ability exhibited by grain, it should be carefully monitored to ensure that it is not exposed to very hot conditions for an extended amount of time. Aeration is employed as a way of keeping the temperatures at the desired levels of between zero degrees Celsius and -5 degrees Celsius. The level of temperatures should never reach above 15 degrees Celsius.

Temperature reports for the storage compartments should ideally be generated once a week with an aim of maintaining the desired levels of temperature. The best and most commonly recommended way of doing this is by finding the monthly average temperatures. This will then act as your guideline by ensuring that the previously acquired monthly average is never exceeded by even 5 degrees Celsius.

The presence of fine particles in these containers can clog all the holes meant for aeration purpose. This should never be allowed to happen and to prevent this farmers are highly encouraged to make use of a cleaning drum prior to storing the produce. The main agenda in ensuring that grain is well preserved for safe consumption is the provision of adequate aeration as this simple procedure comes in handy in maintaining both the temperature and even humidity levels.

The use of these grain bins has led to several concerns being raised with regards to the safety of workers during times of operation. Safety can be achieved by always switching off the power before entering these facilities. A person should also always enter these facilities in company of another individual. The occurrence of accidents can be tackled by putting proper stairs. Of late there has been the development of self monitoring grain bin systems which have lessened the burden previously experienced,




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