Lara, Jayloyd M.

ME517 (Industrial Processes)

Feeders and Storage Silos

Reliability Testing for Feeders and Storage Silos

Common sampling methods include using a bucket brigade, a diverter chute, locomotion, a belt scale,
and a gain-in-weight system, but not all methods provide the repeatable results you need for accurate
testing. The following information about each method covers its equipment, and operation.

Bucket brigade is the most common manual sampling method and is typically used after the feeder is
installed in a process line. Equipment includes several containers (each marked with its net weight), a
timepiece (such as a stopwatch) to measure at least 1 ⁄10-second increments, and a reference scale.

Diverter chute this method can be used in a process line or a laboratory. Equipment includes a
pneumatically or electrically operated diverter chute located in the feeder’s discharge flow, two
containers located below the diverter chute, an actuator with an electronic timer that controls the
diverter chute, and a reference scale.

Locomotion, used in the laboratory, is an alternative to using the diverter chute. The method requires
containers, a belt conveyor, and a reference scale. The containers are placed end-to-end on the belt
conveyor, forming a continuous train that passes through the feeder’s discharge flow at a constant rate.

Belt scale the containers and reference scale used in the locomotion method can be replaced by a belt
conveyor incorporating a scale that’s linked with a data logging system and located under the feeder’s
discharge flow. The belt scale can indicate the instantaneous feedrate at several intervals (such as at 1-
second intervals) the data is recorded for later analysis by the data logging system.

The gain-in-weight system is used in a laboratory. Equipment includes a container placed on a reference
scale and located under the feeder’s discharge flow. As the material continuously discharges, a weight
reading is taken at precise time intervals (usually controlled automatically by an electronic timer). Each
weight reading, minus the previously accumulated weight, represents the sample weight.

While choosing the right kind of Feeder, the following key factors need to be considered

 Stable performance & Reliable operation

 Easy to maintain
 Long span life & Pollution free with closed body
 Good performance-conditioning, so that it can be used in any severe environment.
Storage Silos

Pressure test sealed silos upon erection, annually and before fumigating with a five-minute half-life
pressure test. A pressure test is a measure of how well a silo will seal to contain fumigation gas.
Maintenance is the key to ensuring a silo purchased as sealable can be sealed and gas-tight.

If regular silo maintenance is undertaken to keep seals in working order, pressure testing is easy by
following these seven simple steps.

1. Choose the right time to pressure test

The best time to pressure test silos is in the morning within an hour of sunrise or on a cool, overcast
day when the ambient temperature is stable and the sun is not heating the silo.

2. Check seals
Before performing a pressure test check seals around the lid, access hatch, hopper or boot and
make sure the aeration fan seal is in a sound condition.

3. If there is no aeration fan, install an air valve

If the silo doesn’t have an aeration fan, install a tubeless tyre valve to pressurise the silo using an air
compressor. Unscrew the centre of the valve to get higher air-flow into the silo.

4. Check oil levels

Some sealable silos do not have a gauge on the oil relief valve. If this is the case mark the start and
finish oil levels with a pen.

5. Pressurize the silo

If fitted with an aeration fan, pressurise the silo by turning the fan on for a few seconds, then sealing
the inlet on the fan.

6. Time the half life

The time taken for the oil to drop from 25mm to 12mm apart must be no less than five minutes on
new silos.

7. Looking for leaks

If the the half-life pressure test on a new silo is less than five minutes, there is a leak that needs
fixing. If an existing silo does not meet a three minute half-life pressure test, it as a leak that needs
fixing.
Majority of the manufacturers in automated industries use part feeders to automate the assembly
system and production line.

Silos are commonly used for :

- storing grains in agriculture or fermented feed also known as silage

- bulk storage of grain
- coal
- cement
- carbon black
- woodchips
- food products and sawdust

Feeders can be used to automate actions that would otherwise require an item or product to be hand
loaded or to distributes product or materials during specific points on a production line.