GRAIN HANDLING EQUIPMENT: PART 2

Last month we took a deep dive into a few of the key elements of an Optimum-designed grain handling system; in particular, aspects of the system we designed and are currently constructing on a property in Rannock, New South Wales. 

This month we’re following it up by looking at a few more pieces of equipment which make the running of this operation seamless. 

TOWER:

The tower for our Rannock job stands at 36 metres high, and was designed to support the bucket elevator, turn head and the top of the spouts. Made using fully welded and galvanised rectangular hollow steel, this structure was designed and built to stand the test of time.

While it’s no doubt a long way up, growers can access the bucket elevator and turn head safely via a ladder which features six rest platforms; safety being a key consideration in the design process when working at heights such as this.

Stabilised by 150 tonnes of concrete and 32, 32x1600mm hold down bolts, this tower is a seriously strong, stable and safe structure.

SPOUTS:

Thought of as the “slippery-dip” to move stored grain from one location to another, the spouts deliver the grain into the top of one of the six connected silos, or back into a truck for transportation. 

The minimum slope of 38 degrees allows the grain to flow nicely down the spouts to the desired location, without being too abrasive; maintaining the quality of the grain during handling.

CUSTOM-DESIGNED AUGERS:

This grain handling system in Ranock is rated at 250 tonnes per hour, so the unloading gear needed to be able to keep up. The unloading augers are made from 6.4mm thick line pipe, which is 323mm in diameter, with 6mm sectional flighting used.

The sweep augers use Optimum’s large custom walker, which progresses slowly around the silo to empty, and moves into the grain with no pushing or silo entry required.

If 2023 is the year you look at upgrading or adding to your grain handling or storage system, talk to our team about how we can optimise a solution for your needs.