Grain Storage Facility Design and Lay-out

The type of construction and the amount of available land may determine the physical layout of the facility. The relative location of the areas designated for commodity receival and loading and will affect the operational efficiency and costs of running the facility.

Layout and design are key considerations in the operation of a functional grain storage and handling facility.

• Grain characteristics, including type of grain, moisture content, weight, angle of repose, abrasion of the grains against contact surfaces and flowability, should be considered in the design and selection of a storage and distribution system and the individual components.
• All storage systems must be designed to adequately protect and preserve the quality of the grain.
• Good hygiene in grain handling and storage will maintain the quality of the products handled.
• Grain segregation requirements may determine the number of silos and storage capacity. A larger number of smaller silos allow better segregation.
• Access and safety features, including roof rails, ladder lockouts, platforms and ladder cages on silos and elevated handling systems, are mandatory.
• Road loops that minimise the need for reversing can make loading and unloading quicker and safer.
• Sites for pad, bunker or grain bags should be graded and debris, sticks and rocks removed. A floor slope is necessary for drainage. A hard-packed base helps drainage and provides a compact durable base for filling and emptying operations.

Design considerations for each storage and handling facility should include:

• Storage capacity
• Handling rates
• Capital cost
• Short-term (e.g. pad/bunker) versus long-term (e.g. silos) infrastructure
• Allowable level of grain degradation
• Protection of grain from spoiling, insects, pests and vermin
• Maintenance requirements
• Process flow/layout requirements
• Automation
• Lot identity preservation
• Built in flexibility
• Expected life of the system
• Safety (e.g. dust explosions)
• The space requirements for the immediate need as well as for future expansion plans
• Adequate electric power available or is electric service economically feasible
• Adequate drainage? (Flood plains are unacceptable sites.)
• Access roads adequate both in size, number, and condition
• Restrictions on fuel and pesticide storage, and chemical use within state regulation guidelines
• Noise level limitations, neighbours or possible future housing developments
• Fugitive dust and fine material drift concerns beyond legal limits
• Soil structure adequate for the increased weight of equipment and grain storage
• Room for equipment and truck entrance and exit
• Groundwater near the surface