Aeration Systems

Aeration systems preserve stored grain and keep it dry by reducing the temperature of grain and reducing moisture migration. Appropriate aeration can prevent convection currents and condensation from occurring.

Click here to view a video that explains how a grain dryer is constructed.

It is important to consider the physical characteristics of grain when considering aeration and drying. Factors such as grain class and storage configuration impact the static pressure and thus the aeration fan requirements. In general, as static pressure increases (e.g. increased height of the storage or change in the class of commodity in storage), the amount of time required to properly aerate also changes.

Aeration equipment design is rather complex and must be considered as a “system". An aeration system includes the fans, the ductwork or perforated flooring, the passive and/or powered vents, the grain, the air being moved through the grain and the controls (either electronic or manually operated). Careful attention must be paid not only to the design of this system, but also to the proper timing and control of the aeration system.

Types of Aeration Systems

Click here to view a video that demonstrates how a grain dryer works.